(NGC) - B-29 "DOC" flyover

[Gliderjohn]

Part of the salute flights, were staging not far from my house. Didn't expect it this early so I was on a walk but at least had my pocket camera with me. The sound of the B-29 is like no other, just beautiful! Was being escorted by three tankers from McConnell AFB.
GliderJohn

[kingoffleece]

Just how freaking cool is THAT!?

I've never heard the 29-had a ride in a 17-and toured the 24 on the ground.  Those were some tough guys............... ..

[fotoguzzi]

Mn guard is doing that all over the state, F16's &C130's
“These flyovers are our way of showing solidarity for those who have stepped forward to serve during this pandemic.  This is a small way that we can salute those at the forefront of the --19 response for their service and sacrifice."

All I can think of is how many millions does that cost? Tax payer money? What a total waste. Why not fly somewhere and pick up and deliver some PPE at least so there's a reason to do all that flying.
Or spend the money on food/rent for all the people who are out of work.

[Gliderjohn]

fotoguzzi,
Understand what you are saying but I am posting this purely from the aviation point of view for us flying nuts. If a B-29 or other old warbird is going to fly by me am going to enjoy it.
GliderJohn

[nc43bsa]

Last I heard, these birds were kept flying solely by contributions and sales of memorabilia.

[Lannis]

All I can think of is how many millions does that cost?

Everything on earth isn't about money.

Lannis

[Two Checks]

These military pilots need to remain proficient and planes actually need to fly. As we know with our motorcycles they deteriorate by sitting. Planes are the same.
They either do this and let the taxpayers get some enjoyment from it or they do it another way.


As for "Doc" and other retired warbirds that's all private money.

[fotoguzzi]

I'm all for private funds and flying. Just saying with all the need out there I think the public money that the Minnesota National Guard spends to fly around the state to wave at hospitals could be spent in a more useful way.
I love flying in private planes, this one was really fast.

[Two Checks]

To repeat, its do these flights or do it another way. Either way these planes and pilots will be flying. They don't stay on the ground.
This way the taxpayers can see and enjoy them.
Normal training flights are done in MOAs, Military Operation Areas.
Look at aviation charts and They are away from people and cities.
Plus, the Navy and Air Force have the opportunity to work together.
Its a win situation for everyone.

[ozarquebus]

Cost of fuel is down. They have to fly so much anyway, might as well build some morale for gen pop.
"Keep 'em Flyin' " as far as I am concerned.
 When the gov spends that money, it doesn't just evaporate. It pays salaries and buys airplane parts when they fly around 'wasting' money. Unfortunately, that money they spend goes to skilled workers instead of the unemployed, but then it gets taxed and it "trickles down". That term got a bad rap with Reagan, but our whole economy is based on trickle down.

Nice shots for a pocket camera, GliderJohn; they must have been pretty low.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I was picking up an order at Home Depot today, and saw a Bearcat (!!) in the pattern at Indy metro.

[Tom]

Flying with Air National Guard units would be under training plus PR & Morale.

[kirby1923]

I was picking up an order at Home Depot today, and saw a Bearcat (!!) in the pattern at Indy metro.

Wow.
F8F
Like Shelton's "rare bear" that is a rare one indeed, only a handful still airworthy. Gruman really pulled out all the stops on that one and even had explosive wingtip panel  ejectors to prevent over G.

There was an almost new one at the Santa Monica air museum at the Mojave A/P and I always wanted to fly it.
Held the brakes off to 10,000 feet record until it was broken by the F100!

Sweet.

:-)

[Chuck in Indiana]

Oh, yeah.. Bears are bad.  I did a double take, but no doubt.. it was a Bearcat.

[Ncdan]

I had the privilege to tour inside a B17 a couple years ago and what an opportunity it was. I just sat in that marvelous old bird and just imagined those young men serving their country and fellow Americans. God bless them all!!
 

[Tom]

My Dad worked the ground crew loading those things.  He wouldn't say/talk about it but his Group number matches the one that loaded the A-bomb.  I guess he got pay back for his car getting shot up Dec 7th.

[Gliderjohn]

From Ncdan:

I had the privilege to tour inside a B17 a couple years ago and what an opportunity it was.

Yes it was a great opportunity and worth every penny. About fours years ago on the "Texas Raider" above Wichita.



GliderJohn

[kingoffleece]

Yep.  I had a ride in a 17 also.  Best way to describe the noise and vibration is to throw yourself into a clothes dryer and turn it on!
I can away from that ride thinking how in God's name did those guys ride 8 hours in those things?  They ALL had to be tough as nails.

[Gliderjohn]

From kingoffleece:

I can away from that ride thinking how in God's name did those guys ride 8 hours in those things?  They ALL had to be tough as nails.

Totally agree. My ride was at low altitude on a nice warm spring day. Standing as a door gunner next to the opening it was breezy enough at 130 mph, I can't even imagine that position on a winter mission with a 160-180mph at altitude with the temps at -30 or more. And if you have the opportunity and need to jump from a stricken plane you can look forward to a German greeting committee or a dunk in the English Channel, neither good for one. The B-29 crews shot down and captured were almost always executed, usually by beheading with a sword and often tortured first.
GliderJohn