They had enough people so I was able to take a flight in the Nine-O-Nine. We flew near Chicago and then north a bit. There were nine of us who signed up and we were able to walk around the whole plane while they were flying it. By far the best view was from the nose. They also had the blister on the radio operator compartment off so we could stick our heads out. Just had to make sure to hold onto my glasses. I must say it was so much fun too bad it wasn't longer. I will be posting pictures soon. Greg
Congratulations Greg - A few years back, there was an air show locally. One of the groups had flown in a B-17 for show, and was auctioning off a ride on the aircraft for a buck a pop. I must have spent $50 attempting to win that thing, but no such luck. Of course, after having actually taken the tour through the bird, I found myself realizing that at my size, 6'3" 225, they'd have fitted me with a posting more suitable as an infantryman! Cramped quarters for a large man on those babies! Bill
Greg! That's GREAT man! What an experience. I am glad you made it. It is an experience I hope to have one day. Thumps up , can't wait for the pics! Stevin
Bill - I'm about 6 feet 195 pounds (I used to be about 270 a year and a half ago) and it was a little tight for me. I must say though it seemed so much easier to walk around when we were airborne than on the groun even though there was a total of 9 people flying and 3 crewmen. I read a story about a guy who was about 6'5" well over 200lbs who was a waist gunner. He is the only gunner credited with being an ace 7 kills 5 on one mission. He was so big and strong that he could handle the .50 cal like a loaf of bread. Stevin - Hopefully one day you can make it to the states and get a flight or even make an airshow like my dad and I are going to in a couple of weeks. Martin - Maybe I will really make you envious and take a flight in a Lancaster . I can't wait to see that in a few weeks, I'll get some pics of that as well. Dave - I can't wait to see the pics either. It was so cool. And there were a good amount of vets there too one of whom flew 35 missions. I tried to get an email addy for Erich but I think the guy didn't feel comfortable giving it out. Anyway they were all really friendly and really great at telling stories. Greg
Greg, what a treat ! something I have not been able to do except for touching the grand ol plane. Seen her 6 times and it's always a big draw for the US bomber crew vets. Book singing is a natural and getting addys and phone numbers to follow up on. Glad you were able to take the flight and here first hand the roar of those 4 engines in the air. A sound that is unmistakeable ~E
Carl funny you should ask. I was waiting for him up there. I had a treat by the name of Ma Deuce waiting for him. I was ready to turn that fabric plane into shreds faster than Arthur Andersen shredding Enron documents. Don't be too envious TA152. Hopefully one day you will get your chance. The Texas Raider is in Texas although I don't know how far away you are. Erich I just thought about the autographs yesterday. I have a book by John McManus about American combat airmen in WWII which I really liked. I should have just had them autograph it. Kind of like an autograph book of all combat airmen. I may try that when I go to Michigan in three weeks. Greg [ 22. July 2003, 08:08 AM: Message edited by: Greg A ]
Heh heh heh--thats a good one and lucky for the computer--I didn't have any ROOTBEER around to drink or--it'd be interningling with the keyboard buttons.
