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Illustration by Ted Wilbur from the January-February 2003 issue of Naval Aviation News. Edward “Ted” Wilbur was known to Naval Aviation News readers as the longtime Illustrator of Grampaw Pettibone. Wilbur died Nov.14, 2918.
Suddenly!
By Grampaw Pettibone | March 23, 2023
During rollout following an arrested landing, the pilot of an F-14B Tomcat experienced an uncommanded ejection through the canopy. The radar intercept officer’s (RIO) seat did not fire. The pilot was rescued from the water by a search and rescue helo. Both aviators sustained first aid injuries.

Illustration by Ted Wilbur from the May-June 2002 issue of Naval Aviation News. Edward “Ted” Wilbur was known to Naval Aviation News readers as the longtime Illustrator of Grampaw Pettibone. Wilbur died Nov.14, 2018.
Hit by a Hornet
By Grampaw Pettibone | Dec. 21, 2022
During night operations, in an effort to take a break and rest while waiting for the arrival of an F/A- 18C to land and proceed to his “hot brake” check area prior to the refueling pits, a plane captain/hot brake checker laid down on the centerline of the taxiway and fell asleep. As the Hornet taxied to the hot brake check area the pilot’s attention was diverted from the taxiway because he was unable to see the illuminated taxi wands where the hot brake checker usually stands. His attention was on the hangar, the refueling pits and the sides of the taxiway looking for the hot brake checker.

Illustration by Ted Wilbur from the May-June 2002 issue of Naval Aviation News. Edward “Ted” Wilbur was known to Naval Aviation News readers as the longtime Illustrator of Grampaw Pettibone. Wilbur died Nov.14, 2918.
Breakdown in the Break
By Grampaw Pettibone | Oct. 3, 2022
A student Naval Aviator launched in a T-45 Goshawk for his initial carrier qualification flight. He was number two in a flight of three. The weather at the carrier required a Case II recovery, so when the flight was cleared into the pattern the leader detached number three and descended with the student in number two on his wing.

Illustration by Ted Wilbur from the March-April 2002 issue of Naval Aviation News. Edward “Ted” Wilbur was known to Naval Aviation News readers as the longtime Illustrator of Grampaw Pettibone. Wilbur died Nov.14, 2918.
Hot Rod Was Here, Too
By Grampaw Pettibone | April 1, 2002
Gramps from Yesteryear: March-April 2002