Rest in peace. A completely avoidable tragedy. I was drug through the mud after the 9 O' 9 crash for suggesting warbirds be grounded. "They are meant to fly" they said. No, they WERE meant to fly during war time. It is time to preserve the historical artifacts and innocent lives put at risk. Very sad about that incident.
What an absolutely beautiful airplane. I saw where there are only 8 left. My dad flew in B-29 and a close buddy's dad in B-24. My buddy published his journal of 30 missions ETO. Great planes but the B-17 is a looker. It really might be time to ground them from all these random airshows.
Airshows are one of the ways the Commemorative Air Force generates funding. They have a large headquarters hanger/ building and air museum in Midland, TX which receives donations too. All of their pilots are volunteers/mechanics/others. I have been to that air museum on two occasions ... it is beyond words ... it is fabulous! They have a large array of WWII aircraft on display inside the hangar, including German fighters, a B-29, as well as other vintage aircraft. And, they are all airworthy and fly. If one ever gets a chance to visit this museum, they will never forget it. Grounding all these vintage warbirds and fighters is like saying all airliners should be grounded ... WTF Over! Air accidents happen just like all accidents. And, yes I am a pilot and love airshows.
My wife posed in front of her around 25-30 years ago. Back then the girl had her pert-n-perkies exposed. My wife looked like her sister (blonde and blue eyes and what a figure!) and insisted on a photo. My wife stayed covered up. Dammit.
I got the experience of flying in that very airplane , with my mother. She got one of her life's wishes , at 94. Wanna fly in the B17 Mom? Hell yes! Especially since she helped build the B17's in Calif. Left an Iowa farm , took a train to Ca, to help the war effort. Basically a kid ! That Generation! Guts. Climbing into the left cowling - she was elected because of shortness. But big in my eyes... Neither of us would trade that experience. The crew was awesome the flight was a total hoot Both are missed... Brian
There's a still photo out there of the split second after impact where you can clearly see the pilot of the little friend, mid-cartwheel, still strapped into his seat and the right seater in the bomber, sitting in his seat, arm out the window, clutching the upper sill. The reality of that photo is almost too much to grasp and I sincerely hope it was quick and painless. Those guys are bringing living history to Americans all over the country RIP gentlemen
Rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteA completely avoidable tragedy.
I was drug through the mud after the 9 O' 9 crash for suggesting warbirds be grounded.
"They are meant to fly" they said.
No, they WERE meant to fly during war time. It is time to preserve the historical artifacts and innocent lives put at risk.
Very sad about that incident.
What an absolutely beautiful airplane. I saw where there are only 8 left. My dad flew in B-29 and a close buddy's dad in B-24. My buddy published his journal of 30 missions ETO. Great planes but the B-17 is a looker. It really might be time to ground them from all these random airshows.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great picture. On my screen saver now. My condolence to the crew and family.
ReplyDeleteAirshows are one of the ways the Commemorative Air Force generates funding. They have a large headquarters hanger/ building and air museum in Midland, TX which receives donations too. All of their pilots are volunteers/mechanics/others. I have been to that air museum on two occasions ... it is beyond words ... it is fabulous! They have a large array of WWII aircraft on display inside the hangar, including German fighters, a B-29, as well as other vintage aircraft. And, they are all airworthy and fly. If one ever gets a chance to visit this museum, they will never forget it. Grounding all these vintage warbirds and fighters is like saying all airliners should be grounded ... WTF Over! Air accidents happen just like all accidents. And, yes I am a pilot and love airshows.
ReplyDeleteMy wife posed in front of her around 25-30 years ago. Back then the girl had her pert-n-perkies exposed. My wife looked like her sister (blonde and blue eyes and what a figure!) and insisted on a photo. My wife stayed covered up. Dammit.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sceufd1Xutc
ReplyDeleteCars are meant to be driven, planes are meant to be flown and women are meant to be pleasured.
ReplyDeleteI got the experience of flying in that very airplane , with my mother. She got one of her life's wishes , at 94. Wanna fly in the B17 Mom? Hell yes! Especially since she helped build the B17's in Calif. Left an Iowa farm , took a train to Ca, to help the war effort. Basically a kid ! That Generation! Guts. Climbing into the left cowling - she was elected because of shortness. But big in my eyes... Neither of us would trade that experience. The crew was awesome the flight was a total hoot
ReplyDeleteBoth are missed...
Brian
She was a lucky woman and you are a fortunate son.
DeleteThere's a still photo out there of the split second after impact where you can clearly see the pilot of the little friend, mid-cartwheel, still strapped into his seat and the right seater in the bomber, sitting in his seat, arm out the window, clutching the upper sill. The reality of that photo is almost too much to grasp and I sincerely hope it was quick and painless. Those guys are bringing living history to Americans all over the country RIP gentlemen
ReplyDelete