| Fortunately, they did teach spin recovery in USAF pilot training - in a straight-winged T-37. They did not teach it in the T-38, which (like most fighters) was notoriously poor in spin recovery. And most fortunately, I never had to use the techniques after pilot training!
The T-37, which for some reason now seems to be called the "Tweet," we called the "Tweety Bird" or more often the "Squeak" when I flew it. It sat so low to the ground, the joke was, "How do you know you have landed without lowering the landing gear?" - answer: "It requires excess power to taxi."
The T-38 was a dream, a real sports car (appropriate for this forum, no?) - which we referred to as the "White Rocket." Loved that airplane. Maybe that explains some of the affinity for the R107.
But then, I had to grow up and do what I was being paid to do - and flew the B-52 in a variety of models for the bulk of my career. I'll say this for the Buf - it always brought me back alive.
I hope my 450SL will do so too - but 3 days ago I started the engine in the dealer's service driveway, and the car stalled after running for a short time as I fiddled with a new Garmin Nuvi. I was a bit slow to turn off the ignition - but just as I did, a woman rapped on my window, and said "don't step out - there's gasoline all around your car." Indeed, there was, puddled about 3 feet either side, and in front and back. My fuel line (a fairly new one that had been too tightly crimped) had broken, and while the ignition was on, raw gas was being pumped all over the place. I estimate at least 7 to 10 gallons.
At least it happened in the best place it could have, and it didn't blow. Whew!
__________________
2005 S500 4-Matic
with Gateway 500 iPod integration
1978 450SL restoration project
Formerly: 2000 S500
with Ice>Link iPod integration
Moto V710 phone with MikBox
Upgraded Voice Control
Last edited by Skylaw : 07-03-2009 at 07:35 PM.
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