scissors

[Motion Camaro]

<font color="blue">OH BOY!!! I can bring knives, screwdrivers &amp; scissors on the plane again!!!
I have been jonesin' for this;
I haven't flown since they started checking bags.

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/177917-knives.jpg
I swear these are just for my hobby ...

http://cyberkook.com/911/deadladen.jpgOh Yes ... it's a hobby.... really. </font>

[mssl72]

I heard that the other day. It ticks me off that they're letting them back on. Nothing like making it easier for the wack-o's to try something. I just flew yesterday to the East coast and everything was fine. I wonder what their reason is for letting us bring them back on board? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif

[ANDY M]

Bullit-proof and break-in proof cockpit doors. Hard to hijack a plane when you can't get into the cockpit.
Explosives, on the other hand, are a whole other issue.

[indyjps]

knives i dont agree with, but having to throw out moustache scissors, 1 inch blade pocket knives, finger nail clippers etc was a little ridiculous.

[CamarosRus]

While on this general airline/security subject, please allow my comments. With all the technology this country has available.....why do YOU have to be screened at the airport each and every time. Why cant you be in a data base and your name and or S.S. number be allowed more lee way each time you access secure areas. I personally HATE the removing of my shoes each and almost every time.
I hope they get the eye/iris I.D. technology OR your hand/ finger print technology in place soon, so some of this other nonsense can stop.
Do you have any idea the staggering $$$ payroll the TSA
people at airports around the country are bringing down..

[MosportGreen66]

Even with these locking cockpit doors it is easy to break into the pilot area. The terrorists that broke into the cockpit of the plane that crashed in PA busted the door open with an industrial size fire extinguisher. To me, that is no different than a police officer, breaking open a door with the cylinder type entry tool used to catch criminals. If there is a will, there is a way. We live a sick world. This is something we should become accustomed to. I have ALWAYS said, better safe, than sorry. While inconvenient, I will always remove my shoes, open my bags numerous times (if need be) and participate in any action the security officer needs. The extra waiting is just to ensure our safety. Nothing we can do.

[Dusk Blue Z]

Check out how old the TSA employees are the next time you fly.

They relaxed the rules because all terrorists know you “don’t run with scissors”.

Happy Holidays,
Mike

[mssl72]

NO blade should be let on a plane...period. We've done without them now for a few years and I for one can live with it for the rest of my life. I don't mind taking my shoes off or being selected for a further "security check". We need to do it and not complain. Think about it, a terrorist gets one of those small Swiss Army knives on board, grabs a hostage and theatens to kill this person by slitting their throat. The skin isn't very thick on your neck. It doesn't take a long blade to do the damage. Sure the pilots aren't supposed to open the door for any reason, but how many people will die before they do. All of them??There were multiple terrorists onboard the 9/11 planes. Passengers can try to stop them, but how many will it take? Can they actually stop them? Nobody can answer those questions because every situation is different. Not everybody is combat ready. These guys train to kill us. I heard that they're (TSA,etc.) more worried about explosives getting on-board. How long will it be before they implant explosives in their own bodies to get through? Can that be sniffed out? I hate to state the obvious, but they want to kill us and they will keep on trying anything to do just that. We don't need to make it easier for them.

[427TJ]

As an airline pilot let me say that the cockpit doors, at least on my airplanes, are much stronger than they were before 9-11. Now that we know that hijackers want to take over the controls of the airplane the procedures for opening the door in fight have been enhanced and it is extemely unlikely that anyone will get into a cockpit in the future. If anyone got close to the door with the intent of getting into my cockpit then everyone's going to be on the ceiling. Again, now that I know the score, I will immediately zero-G the airplane and let the wacko(s) float around for a while. Believe me, there isn't a single pilot in the U.S. airline industry who doubts what they'd do if anyone tried to breach the cockpit door.

As for TSA, there have been times when they search airline crews with such vigor that you'd think they'd been instructed to treat us especially poorly. Flight attendants getting groped regularly, pilots having to stand with their arms outstreched while passengers walk past wondering if they're going to be safe because the crew is under such scrutiny. If you complain it's likely that your employer airline will not support you and side with TSA.

RAMP WORKERS, MANY OF THEM FOREIGN NATIONALS IN THE U.S. ON WORK VISAS DO NOT, REPEAT, DO NOT PASS THROUGH ANY SECURITY SCREENING WHATSOEVER BEFORE THEY ARE ALLOWED TO BOARD AIRPLANES TO CLEAN, CATER AND LOAD BAGGAGE.

How's that? They jack-up the crew but foreginers who work on the ramp go through doors down in Baggage Claim and walk right onto the ramp with backpacks, etc., and NO ONE searches them.

That's because all the TSA show-boating is for public consumption, not really to actually catch anyone. The traveling public sees all the wanding and bossing-around and thinks that the "War on Terror" is being successfully waged. Uhh, not so fast. In the wake of 9-11 and the subsequent economic downturn airlines have been firing their salaried and benefitted workers and hiring out-sourced foreign workers, many of whom have had scant background checking done on them. Why?, because they're CHEAP. And, because they're in the U.S. on work visas, they are afriad to lose their new jobs and thus don't complain about lousy pay and work conditions. Yes, they're good for business ($$$) but they are not screened nor searched at any time while they are at the airport. The typical airport ramp worker population has gone from being staffed by American citizens to being staffed by foreign nationals, many of whom can barely speak english and they ARE NOT SCREENED. Meanwhile, the flight crew is up in security being stripped and humiliated in front of the traveling public by people who were rejected for employment by Wal-Mart.

In defense of TSA, they make low wages and often work double shifts due to (typical) under-staffing. Again, great for business but bad for true security. I've seen them asleep at the X-ray screen when they're supposed to be looking at the video of your bag and looking for those nail clippers. What are supposed to be standardized nationwide screening procedures often differ from airport to airport and I always ask what the local procedures are before I 'beep' and get shaken-down. Local TSA guys develop their own power structure and harass anyone they wish. Ask too many questions and they call out the "supervisor" to get in your face. So, in lieu of good salaries and benefits, the government has given airport security employees POWER. Power is much more satisfying than better wages and benefits and now even the airport employee parking lot bus driver can shake you down if he doesn't like you.

Bin Laden must be laughing out-loud at how he's turned us against each other.

Rest assured that as far as I and my fellow airline crews are concerned, your safety is ALWAYS JOB ONE. If you're not safe then I'm not safe and that's unacceptable.

Oh, and those rare a$$holes who show up to fly their jet drunk and then hassle TSA deserve to be fired. Good riddance.

Lastly, flight attendants are often crabby because people buy internet tickets on the cheap and then expect, no, DEMAND first-class service. Do the F/A's a favor: next time you want to take a airline trip, PLEASE do not board the airplane drunk. PLEASE do not demand more service than your ticket price deserves. PLEASE do not blame the crew for things that are COMPLETELY OUT OF OUR CONTROL, like fog or a broken airplane. We're working harder than ever these days and we know most of you are too.

[PeteLeathersac]

Great comments Bill and nice to understand things from your side of the cockpit door....hope you feel better after letting that all out too? . Last night I sent my kids for Christmas break to the ex in California from Toronto International airport. . I'm far from prejudice but I couldn't help but notice every airport worker I saw looked like Bin Laden's brother?? . It was very apparent and had me thinking about it all....then came your post of today! . If these characters aren't screened, shouldn't your pilot's union threaten to strike unless something changes? . And working anywhere, you'd think those loose robes and headgear would be a hazard for sure? . On a better thought, how's it feel tooling around w/ 10,000 HP on tap? ~ Pete

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
hope you feel better after letting that all out too?

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey, it needed to be said! (Yes, I feel better now, thanks Pete.)

[ QUOTE ]
If these characters aren't screened, shouldn't your pilot's union threaten to strike unless something changes?

[/ QUOTE ]

If the union mounted a serious protest perhaps something might be done but it is a highly charged political issue. Make too much noise about foreign ramp workers and you can be labled "intolerant." Make too much noise about TSA/airport security procedures and you can be labeled as "aiding the terrorists." Airlines were dead-set against their pilots carrying guns (air marshall program) but the public was on our side. The word among us is that if a pilot shoots someone trying to take-over the airplane then you'd better kill them. Otherwise the lawsuits against the airline could be crippling.

With anti-union sentiment running high these days our union has to be very careful about which fights it chooses to engage in. There are powerful anti-union interests that would be happy as hell to watch us twist in the wind over an issue that gets spun out of our control. Sounds good to screen these foreign ramp workers, right? Well, the opposition to tighter screening and background checks (that cost money--get it?) would spin it as though we were being "intolerant" or "anti-business" or whatever. The union can't afford a massive media campaign required to fight-off such unwarranted charges so we have to pick our fights carefully. It will probably take another horrific event such as 9-11 to get anything done. It's called "tombstone regulation." Someone has to die before anything gets done.

[ QUOTE ]
On a better thought, how's it feel tooling around w/10,000 HP on tap?

[/ QUOTE ]

Nothing like it. We usually use reduced power (not maximum thrust) on takeoff to save engine wear but occasionally we use the full rated thrust. On a cold day and a light load the jet will climb like a homesick angel. Remember, there is always a terrified passenger on every flight so max-power takeoffs must be performed smoothly. No yank-and-bank stuff! A max-power takeoff, properly and smoothly done, usually elicits positive comments from the passengers upon arrival.

I did a ferry flight from Oakland to Phoenix one night, just us two pilots in a new 737-700 (kinda' like the "427 Cobra" of 737s). We did a max-power takeoff with a very light airplane and the tower controller basically shouted "WOW" into our headsets as we lifted off and climbed out. Got the nose up to about 30 degrees of pitch and let'er eat for about 5,000 feet. Then lower the nose and accelerate to climb speed and we were up to 41,000 in no time flat, basically circling Oakland as we climbed. What a rush.

[Chevy454]

[ QUOTE ]
Airlines were dead-set against their pilots carrying guns (air marshall program) but the public was on our side.

[/ QUOTE ]
I say lock and load, Captain! If it's beyond their means to figure out that screwing with the pilot/flight crew means a lead sandwich, with no questions asked, then good riddance to 'em...

[71-LS6]

I used to fly commercial airlines 4-5 times a year for business and for vacations, I no longer do that. In addition to being subjected to the federal govt's surreal version of security, which is most certainly PC theater, I can't stand being locked up like a prisoner for who knows how long. Couple the preceeding situations, with a growing number of passengers who have no idea of how to behave in public, and I just drive to my destination. This is a shame too, because I really did enjoy hopping a plane whenever I wanted. Maybe I'm just showing my age.

[Mr. T]

[ QUOTE ]

I say lock and load, Captain!

[/ QUOTE ]

I totally agree. Heck, I will even loan out my Ruger 9mm to the pilots. (Hollowtips included) http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[JLerum]

As posted above, the doors are much stronger than ever before. They should at $10,000.00+ a pop. The kevlar material is about as good as it's going to get.

The bottom line is, the airline employees and general public need to continue their vigilance for those that want to do harm. 99% would be taken care of if the word profiling wasn't such a dirty word.

It is interesting how as a crew we are frisked and subjected to these searches. Do you really think that a pilot needs a bomb to take out an aircraft. I guess they figure I need to be saved from myself. LOL http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif It's a lack of common sense and a show for the public. Enough said about the money being spent on the most expensive song and dance the airline industry has ever participated in.

Jim

PS...............My Lear 60 vs your 737 anyday. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif LOL....................

[BUIZILLA]

427TJ, I haven't been on a commercial flight since 911. I used to work A&amp;P for a living too.. I'd damm sure fly with you, anytime.

Jim

[Motion Camaro]

[ QUOTE ]
PS...............My Lear 60 vs your 737 anyday. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif LOL....................

[/ QUOTE ]

<font color="blue"> That Lear 60 is a bad mofo ...

http://www.flyubj.com/Images/jets/lear60.jpgSeats - 6 / Speed - 483 mph

But I don't know if you can mess with this.

http://aviation-safety.net/database/type/photos/103-7.jpgSeats - 124 / Cruise Speed: 530 mph

in a drag race - YES
from 300 up - http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif</font>

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
My Lear 60 vs your 737 anyday.

[/ QUOTE ]

Oooh, the Lear is my "lottery" airplane. That is, just as soon as I win the lottery I'm buying a Lear 60. What a sexy machine.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
427TJ, I haven't been on a commercial flight since 911.

[/ QUOTE ]

You shouldn't hesitate to fly commercial airliners. Yes, the airport security thing can be a hassle but once you're in things get better. If anyone gets out of control on an airplane these days they're just begging for a world of trouble. Look at the guy who ran off of the 757 in Florida a few weeks ago yelling that he had a bomb. The undercover air marshalls shot and killed him. Hey, the air marshalls don't know who hasn't taken their medication and there's no more pussy-footing around after 9-11. If the air marshalls don't subdue a disruptive passenger then the average male passenger would be more than happy to do it these days. Flying's never been safer, even if airport security screening and airline service levels have suffered. Come on back Jim!

[JLerum]

Came out of Salina, KS and had to do a quick level off for ATC. Glad to say that I still made 40,000 in 12 minutes on the way to California. We try not to make the passengers uncomfortable with the deck angle but it was too tempting as they cleared us to 23,000 right off the bat. I'm sure the 737's does real good also. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Cheers,

Jim http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[BUIZILLA]

JLerum, what chassis do you fly?

Jim

[PeteLeathersac]

For a few years now I've been following the restoration progress these lads in the States have been doing on a few Messerschmitt ME-262 jets! . They've recently got the second one up....check it out on the link below. . Lots of great warbird restoration going on in recent years w/ guys dragging stuff out of jungles and lake bottoms all over the world. . I'm hooked and can't fathom how anything like this is ever gonna' fit into the retirement budget? ~ Pete

http://www.stormbirds.com/project/general/updates.htm

[JLerum]

I fly s# 071 and 142 Learjet 60's Jim. Good airplanes for the most part. They really do like to perform. The LR-60 is the onlyaircraft I've flow that comes close to the 20 series Lears. That is not to say their isn't anything out their to do it but it goes a lot better than the MD-80's even when they're empty.

Jim

[Chevy454]

Pete: if I'm not mistaken, that is the ME-262 that our buddy Mark Timken owned, or at least was DEEPLY involved in...Mark, coincidently, had his 1970 Baldwin-Motion Camaro at SCR2...I'm kind of a warbird nut as well!

[427TJ]

I was up at the Boeing plant at Everett (WA) several months ago and while we were waiting to get on the Boeing factory tour bus one of the new Me-262s (the two-seater) came blazing down the runway at about 100 feet and 200-250 knots and pulled up into a graceful left-hand traffic pattern and landed. What a sight! My buddy and I just stood there in disbelief at seeing a WWII German jet in flight. It would have been perfect if a P-51 had dove on the 262 and made a firing pass the way they did in WWII! (Allied fighters would orbit near the German jet airfields and then pick them off when they tried to take off or land. The jets were at their most vulnerable at slow speeds and most of them were shot down that way.)

[PeteLeathersac]

Rob, I'm a warbird nut too....at least nuts for even thinking I could ever end up w/ one? . It's all grown from about 20 years ago when I had the luck and good fortune to meet and spend a bit of time with Bill Austin, one of the best Canadian Spitfire pilots. . He's gone now but met w/ me on a few occasions and shared the greatest stories also helped me understand how it sure wasn't all fun and pleasure flying.

Bill, cool encounter w/ the 262!!! . And we think these cars take a lot of time and money???

~ Pete

[427TJ]

Okay Pete, here's a photo I took from the back seat of a buddy's T-6 Texan back in 2002. We were over the Bay Area in California (SF in the distance) when Art Vance jumped us in his P-51 Mustang. We had gone up to his hangar at Santa Rosa for a visit and he bounced us as we flew home. He tucked it in tight and I shot this photo. Art was killed in early October ferrying a Grumman F6F Hellcat in poor weather. Hell of a nice guy.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/ArtVance2-23-02C.jpg

[Xplantdad]

Hey Bill, Hell of a cool shot...sorry to hear about Mr. Vance.

Are you coming out to AZ any time soon? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[Chevy454]

Pete: my interest came from my late grandfather, who armed B-25s in the south Pacific for the 345th "Air Apaches". I read everything B-25 my grandfather had, and it kinda filtered over to B-17s, B-24s, and then on and on and on...no telling how many models of those old warbirds I built back in the day...but my kids love to play with 'em and ultimately demolish them, so I guess the work was worth it!

One heck of a picture, Bill... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[PeteLeathersac]

Great picture and stories!

Bill, thanks for sharing the picture and so sorry about your friend Art. . I had read about the accident also more recently how the warbirds are now averaging 10 fatals per year. . It's serious business but unbelievable machines and commitments to restore and fly them!

Rob, a salute to your grandfather and his bomber squadron! . Do you have any pics or anything you can share from his bomber command days? . Both my grandfathers were WW1 Canadian soldiers. . I'm fortunate to have saved one of their kit-bags from being tossed by my grandmother in the early 70's. . No firearms but his helmet and all are in it incl. diary and letters from Mother.

[mockingbird812]

Boy, this thread took a neat turn. Just happened to look in again. CE "Bud" Anderson is the father of a friend of mine whom I have had the fortune, on more than one occasion, to hear recount his tales of glory from WWII. Bud Anderson piloted "Old Crow" and is a triple ace (16 and 1/4 kills) and Chuck Yeager was his wingman in Europe. Bud is truly a great American. He has a terrific web site:

Col. C.E."Bud" Anderson (http://www.cebudanderson.com/)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/youngbudncro.jpg

To hear him relive his engagements is truly a thrill. He says he can close his eyes and still see each and every detail of each of his kills.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/scanoc.jpg

Also, if you are into this sort of thing, pick up his book. A great read:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/bookcover.jpg

[mockingbird812]

This is one of my favorite stories of his:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/canttalk.jpg

"Can't Talk, Gotta Shoot" by Dan Zoernig

July 7, 1944. Capt. Clarence E. "Bud" Anderson slides in behind a trio of ME 109s flying in perfect formation, seemingly oblivious to the huge armada of bombers and fighters in the vicinity. 357TH Fighter Group leader Tommy Hayes, spoiling for action, calls out on the radio, "Andy! Where are you?" Focused on the business at hand, Anderson replies, "Can't talk now...Gotta shoot." As he triggers his guns, the mike is still keyed, and everyone hears the rattle of his quad .50s. Above, Old Crow gets good strikes all over the target, bringing Anderson's total claims to 12 1/4 in the air.


Talk about cool professionalism!

[SS427]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/scanoc.jpg

I was sitting at the dinner table one day when I heard a roar outside. Upon looking out my patio door, this was the image I saw coming at me (before the land was developed). It was owned by a Dentist out of Wisconsin and was buzzing the house. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif
Rick

[mockingbird812]

A thunderous cacophony of sweet music!

[PeteLeathersac]

Wow....all of it! . Great stories also love those D-day paint stripes! . One of the stories I always liked best is of the boys coming up beside the German flying bombs and getting a wing under them to knock the gyro off and crash them....pretty delicate work!
Where's some Bomber pics....I'm not computer savy enough to drag any here?
Salute to all the Vets! ~ Pete

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/scanoc.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

Note the whitewall tires! Anderson's WWII airplane had them too. Talk about attention to detail. Those Warbird restorers are as bad as some of the musclecar restorers here!

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[427TJ]

Sam, I got to see Bud and Chuck Yeager fly at the Nellis AFB 50th anniversary of the US Air Force airshow in 1997. I was still in the Air Force and flew a Beechjet T-1A trainer in for the show. Bud Anderson and Chuck Yeager flew borrowed P-51D Mustangs painted in their own WWII markings and it was really something to see and even more to comprehend.

I've also seen a recent photo of Bud Anderson flying a P-51 over his old base in England. I'll have to try and find that and post it. Think of it: flying your old fighter over your old base 60 years later. It boggles the mind.

Here's a couple photos of my buddy flying an F8F Bearcat near Chino, CA a couple of years ago. My buddy flies the Bearcat, that Mustang and a P-40 Warhawk for the owner, who is seen here flying the '51. The owner has a Spitfire XVI (high back) being restored in New Zealand and last I'd heard the Spit is still about a year away from its first flight. I've sat in the Bearcat, '51 and P-40 and it sends chills through you. One of these days I'll go for a ride but my kids are still under 10 and I don't want to risk my life just yet. The airplanes are very well-maintained but they're still 60 years old. I'll go up one of these days.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/PaulandTonyatChino04.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/PaulF8FChino04.jpg

[427TJ]

Speaking of Chuck Yeager, here he is getting out of his A-bone coupe at Edwards AFB back in the sound-barrier heyday. Looks like a Deuce roadster or cabriolet in the background.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/YeagerandhisModelA.jpg

[PeteLeathersac]

Bill, awesome pics and stories! . That pic of Yeager is priceless....just arriving for another boring day at the office, not! . Looks like someone's just told him his mission for the day and he's thinking of getting back into the car....you're gonna' drop me in the X1 from another bird and whaaat?? . As a single parent w/ youngsters I understand your concerns w/ the kids....but I'd sure love to get up in a few of these if I get the chance and while it's all still possible to do so? . Been thinking maybe I can break the lads away from the hockey/lacrosse action some weekend and take them on a sortie in that Lancaster bomber that's still flying up here in Canada....gotta' plant a few seeds while the ground is fertile? ~ Pete

[hvychev]

Hey great thread guys! Every time I see pics like this it reminds me of my grand father Emil Strnad from Cicero, IL. He was a Beach Head on D-Day and I am sure that he saw these babies fly over his head that day!

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/179398-Scan10018.JPG

[hvychev]

Here are him and his boys after the battle. (he is second from right)

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/179399-Scan10019.JPG

[hvychev]

Celebrating when he got home. He is in the middle with his Irish War Bride (grandma) in the center.

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/179400-Scan10020.JPG

[nuch_ss396]

Hey guys,

Got the thrill of my life this past summer here in Western
NC. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif The Commerative Air Force ( formerly the Confederate
Air Force ) flew in a B-29 ( yes, a B-29 ) and a P-51.
For $750.00 ( tax deductible ), you got a 30 minute flight
in the P-51 Mustang. Now, I'm not a real Mustang fan ( the
car anyway ), but who could resist a 12 cylinder powered
Mustang. The take off was awesome and the in-flight
maneuvers almost made me loose my cookies. The pilot did a
high speed fly-by the crowd as the flight ended. What a
rush... I'd strongly suggest any of you take this
opportunity as the pilot told me that they are facing more
and more regulation due to insurance issues. I was so glad
I did it and I got the T-shirt too.

Lastly, and this is cool, the B-29 had suffered an engine
loss in flight to the air show, so many of us got a chance
to see the crew replace the engine right in front of us as
they tried to fire it up. It was very interesting to say
the least. I have mpeg's of it, but I don't know how to
post them here. Someone clue me in and I'll post them.

Steve http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[PeteLeathersac]

Frank, great pics of your Gramps! . Helps make a fella understand the old saying "they were the worst of times, the best of times"?

Steve, awesome story....you're a lucky dog and a smart one to spend the dough and do it! . And you're so right, the insurance etc. will soon make this kind of thing impossible! . The B-29....wow, up close to these must be something!

Keep it coming fellas....I know it's a car site but these stories and planes are just too cool also we're all here today enjoying what we do thanks to the sacrifices made by our own Grandfathers etc! . If you have the opportunity, thank a Vet and listen to what they have to say while you still can....they're going faster than ever! ~ Pete

[budnate]

second that!!!...wish they would re-run Wings..that was a good show!!!, always was glued to the tube when it was on..and the vintage action films were very cool!!!

[1970Ls6]

My Grandfather was a mechanic in the pacific during world war two. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif I am also a warbird nut and i have 10 books on warbirds from world war two to present and a lot of models of warplanes also from WWII to 2006. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[nuch_ss396]

Addendum:

I was just thinking about my post regarding the B-29 engine
swap-out I saw while waiting for my P-51 flight. What
amazed me was the engine burn-in process. They ran that
engine at damn near full throttle for about 20 minutes and
a bunch of us relocated ourselves about 500 feet directly
behind the engine being tested. With just this one engine
running at full throttle, you could lean all the way forward
on the tips of your toes and not fall. The force of the
wind kept you up. Now, that's lift !!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[ANDY M]

Here is the official photo of "Fifi", the last of the B-29s.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a146/ameyers215/p30d.jpg

The link to the CAF home page is:
http://www.cafb29b24.org/

I have been through the inside tour of both planes, and until you have seen first hand how easy it was for these planes to get shot down, you can't really appreciate how brave the crew was to fly these birds into harms way. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[nuch_ss396]

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a146/ameyers215/p30d.jpg

That's the plane alright. Left outboard engine was the
one replaced.

[nuch_ss396]

Here are some pics of the engine swap-out on FIFI !

Enjoy!

Engine installation:
http://www.freewebs.com/nuch_ss396/DSC00118a.JPG

Initial start-up:
http://www.freewebs.com/nuch_ss396/DSC00153.JPG

[nuch_ss396]

This is one of me being the back seat driver - literally.
Probably the only Mustang you'll ever catch me in.......

http://www.freewebs.com/nuch_ss396/DSC00131.JPG