The Aviators Thread

JimInOz

Don't remember that, don't remember the no smoking either.
But I was only a hangar pilot on Huey's, so maybe that's why I didn't graduate.
😁

SpeedyPhill

When an OmegaForums.net topic makes one go through old military stuff... #Weems
(Photo: Moonwatchuniverse)
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SpeedyPhill

When an OmegaForums.net topic makes one go through old military stuff... #Weems
(Photo: Moonwatchuniverse)
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Dash1

I was in Iceland last week so couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit this remote DC3 wreck.
Operated by the US Navy it made a forced landing in 1973, although its not clear why. In any case all seven crew walked away so I’d call it a landing, not a crash.

SpeedyPhill

Remembering Pearl Harbor ...
On Sunday morning December 7, 1941 at 06:00 a first wave of 183 aircraft took off from six Japanese aircraft carriers 350 kilometers north of the island of Oahu, starting the surprise attack on the American Naval Air Station of Pearl Harbor. A second wave of 168 aircraft followed about one hour later...
On Oahu, Pearl harbor and five other air fields became the targets of the Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft in which the US lost 5 battle ships, 188 aircraft and 2403 persons. The Japanese lost 29 aircraft (55 airmen) and 129 submarine personnel.
In summary although the attack was a full surprise, the Japanese overlooked the fuel storage & logistics facilities and couldn't attack the US aircraft carriers Enterprise, Lexington and Saratoga as these were out at sea.
Within 24 hours the Japanese Army & Navy attacked the Philippines to conquer the resource-rich islands in the South China Sea between Indian & Pacific Oceans. By April 1942, similar surprise attacks had taken place at Port Darwin, Port Trincomalee and HMS Hermes was the first aircraft carrier to be sunk by Air Power attack.
The "Rising Sun" had been victorious but had awakened a sleeping giant. Six month after Pearl Harbor, during the naval battle of Midway the Japanese lost aircraft carriers, making Midway one of the most consequential naval engagements in world history!
☕
Suggested reading: "Beyond Pearl Harbor" (2008) , Pearl Harbor: The Essential Reference Guide (2015)
Suggested movies: "Tora Tora Tora" (1970) , "The Storm of the Pacific" (1960)
(Photos: MWU)
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SpeedyPhill

Another amazing " aeronautical " story ... and a TIMEX add !
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawnchair_Larry_flight
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SpeedyPhill

With all the discussions about " pilot " watches:
Those mentioning legibility and luminosity, here's how modern day fighter pilots carry an extra watch...
Simple black plastic Ironman type quartz watch strapped to the lower leg anti-G-suit (prevents blackout / unconsciousness during high G turns).
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