I spent almost 40 years in aviation. USAF for a bit, then A&P licensed aircraft mechanic for Eastern Airlines, and then American Airlines. Retired a couple of years ago.

 

On the ground, everyone safe.

 

That was some amazing flying. The story made it to our local news channels in Los Angeles this morning, probably because Good News stories are in such short supply these days.

 

My young fella had to go over to the airport terminal for civvy business (he's on the RAAF base) and he told me that the viewing area was chockas with spectators and news crews. He had business in an office so watched it on TV, even though he was within earshot of the landing.

 

Very sad news today from the UK. BBMF lost a spitfire and an RAF pilot. I think they would have been taking part at a display for East Kirkby which is only 10 miles away. The aircraft was lost close to its base at Coningsby. Highly unusual and very sad for all concerned.
I suspect it might be one of only 8 RAF aircraft that are left which flew operationally on D-Day. Of course the loss of the pilot is the main concern and condolences to their family and friends. RIP, Ad Astra Per Aspera.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-69056052

 

Very sad news.


This seems appropriate, a poem penned by a Canadian WWII pilot shortly before he was killed in a Spitfire training accident

 

Very poignant. As a slight aside I think the F-104 Starfighter probably inspired too many poems… with. 31% loss rate of the aircraft supplied to Germany. A lot of pilots lost in that aircraft for some reason.

 

@Omegafanman
Very sad to hear. RIP.

 

B737 converted into a cliff top private villa in Indonesia.

https://book.privatejetvilla.com/

 

It can still crash into the beach, being a Boeing and all.

 

Lol

 

Oh shit...

 

I reckon the intercom was:

Copilot: "Bet you can't blow one of those shitters over".

Pilot: "Hold my beer".

 

Helicopter pilots had a bit of reputation in RNoAF for being wild and reckless when I served. Seems they still deserve that reputation in RAF(?).

 

Apparently it was a Royal Navy effort.

Typical squid rotor heads, I bet @Mad Dog would NEVER have pulled a stunt like that, the USN being so discplined an all .

 

The walk of shame...

Courtesy of Avgeekery.com via Facebook

 

This happened to me when I landed at a rural hospital in Texas, a couple of years ago. Never did get a good explanation for why they placed this one as close as they did to the helipad.


Photo credit: me

 

I'm guessing you blew the shitter over on take off?

 

I was definately tempted. I did the right thing and backed away slowly.

 

- said no helicopter pilot ever kidding!