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Thread: Hey Sapphire....got something for you. (Flying related)

  1. #1
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    Default Hey Sapphire....got something for you. (Flying related)

    I don't know how many of you remember the 'invasion' of the online flight sim guys, but I was the product of that action. My coming over here was mainly do to how cool Sapphire was, in talking with us about flying, etc. So I thought that I would post something here that I thought was pretty cool, having to do with flying.

    This past weekend I had the opprotunity to ride in a WWII bomber, a B-24 Liberator. It has always been a dream of mine to fly in one, being my grandfather was a bombardier during WWII. With the aircraft being in town, I just couldn't pass up the chance to fly in it.

    Got up early Sunday morning and went to the airfield and waited for my turn.

    About 1 hour later, it was my groups turn to ride.



    We stood around waiting for the passengers from the early flight to get off so I started to snap pictures left and right. About then my buddy pushed me on the shoulder and told me "Get going!". I looked up and the crew chief was waving someone up. So I ran up fast as I could. He leaned over and told me.....go to the seat behind the pilot. So I made my way up by the body of the aircraft (by the bombbay) and proceeded to get up in the cockpit area. I got strapped in and started to move over to get a picture of the Co-Pilot. This is what I saw.



    I was impressed. Not that she was a woman. But that she was a younger woman, that was flying a WWII era aircraft, that flew by pulleys. (You have to have some strength to fly aircraft of this nature. Remember, these bombers a BIG, and don't exactly turn on a dime!)

    Needless to say the flight was smooth as silk. So after we landed I went up to talk to her a bit and asked how she started flying for the Foundation. She told me she started up one summer and has been doing it for 6 years now. She has a total of 600 hours in the B-24J. Something that not many people can say they have (short of veterans and WASP's )

    I was also lucky enough to get a picture with her also.



    (From Left to Right. My buddy from work, the Co-pilot, and myself)

    So my ramblings out to those ladies who want to fly. Go for it! Who knows where it might take you.

    Craig
    I've heard that a good signiture sets you apart from everyone.
    Well......is this good enough???

  2. #2
    Senior Member mixedmex2001's Avatar
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    Default Re:Hey Sapphire....got something for you. (Flying related)

    Nice pics. I work out here at the Palo Alto Airport in Palo Alto California and at the time, the Liberator was in the area touring and giving flights, of course for a fee. but I was on the side of the runway doing some work, and I heard the Liberator talking to our ATC (air traffic control tower) and requesting permission for a low pass, and in about 2 minutes, the Liberator did a low pass next to me while I was on the side of the runway, what a thrill that was! I can only imagine what the flight was like inside.

    And about female pilots, I see alot out here, so its not like you never see them, it can be done! cool pics though, I have a few pics of different airplanes that have came through that were different than your every day Cessna, Piper, or Mooney.
    I may look intimidating, but those that really know me, know me and can count on me as a friend.

    And for those that are ever in the San Jose area and need somebody to go shoe shopping with you, I am your man for the day!

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    Default Re:Hey Sapphire....got something for you. (Flying related)

    And that's what I wasn't implying. I know a lot of female pilots. However........in WWII bombers...there is a very small family!

    Yes.....the ride was AMAZING. It happened 3 days ago, and I still am smiling from it. What really shocked me of the whole trip......was how much power those engines had. When they went to full throttle....lets just say, it was a good thing I was belted in.
    I've heard that a good signiture sets you apart from everyone.
    Well......is this good enough???

  4. #4
    Sitri
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    Default Re:Hey Sapphire....got something for you. (Flying related)

    Now THAT is something worth posting. Living life large.

    Good Job.

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    Default Re:Hey Sapphire....got something for you. (Flying related)

    I just noticed this how cool! I didn't think those planes still worked anymore

    my grandfather was a tailgunner in WWII. He loooooooooves those old airplanes.


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    Default Re:Hey Sapphire....got something for you. (Flying related)

    Most aren't around anymore Sapph. I think we figured there was 13 'flyable' B-17's in the world and only 1 B-24J (The one I went on.)

    That is why it is so important to get out and see these while you can. Talk with some veterans, get some of their stories, and thank them for what they did.

    Check out www.collingsfoundation.org for the B-24/B-17 schedule around your area.
    I've heard that a good signiture sets you apart from everyone.
    Well......is this good enough???

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    Default Re:Hey Sapphire....got something for you. (Flying related)

    Very cool pics! And gratz on getting the ride - I am envious.

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