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.