NAS-Kingsville Hosts Pilot for a Day Program

Naval Air Station Kingsville

KINGSVILLE (News Release) - As his family watched, Christopher Ruiz Rodriguez, age 9, was Pilot for a Day with VT-21 on Wednesday, Sept. 27. The Pilot-for-a-Day (PFAD) is a program that, in conjunction with Driscoll Children’s hospital, gives children who are dealing with significant medical issues the opportunity to experience some of what it is like to be a Navy and Marine Corps aviator.

Christopher was fitted with his personal flight suit and survival gear, then given the ‘experience’ of hanging under a parachute.

The NASK Fire Department showed Christopher and his family the fire equipment, including giving Christopher the chance to shoot water from the airfield fire truck.

Christopher Ruiz Rodriguez and siblings briefed on the T-45C Goshawk, then Christopher ‘signed for his aircraft’ the way a pilot does before flying. - Photo Courtesy of NAS-Kingsville.

Photo Courtesy of NAS-Kingsville

Photo Courtesy of NAS-Kingsville