The fateful moment for every naval aviation cadet comes when the Flying Instructor, smiling faintly, turns in the front cockpit and lifts his thumb in the traditional gesture of success. Tensely the cadet waits for the grim moment, which spells success or failure after months of study, dual instruction in the air, and physical conditioning. The "up-check" marks another milepost on the road to the coveted goal--Navy Wings of Gold.