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Random Shot Of The The Day
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Re: Random Shot Of The The Day
We all know that even today's top unlimited planes are a handful to fly. It takes above & beyond pilots to fly them as the planes all have there little secrets to overcome. As one of the sayings go "Fly the Plane Don't Let It Fly You".
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Re: Random Shot Of The The Day
I think most accidents are, even now. A lot of it depends on ability, training, etc. Any aircraft will kill you if not flown correctly, and the higher the performance the more likely that a minor mistake (or series of them) will cause something bad to happen. Just look at the B-26 and many of the fighters of that time. They didn't fail, the pilots did.
I just always felt that the GeeBee series were heading into unknown territory at that time. Like many racers at that time they had "habits" that were a bit beyond the common skill set available to all but the best pilots.
Just my .02 and probably not worth even that.
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Re: Random Shot Of The The Day
Weren't most of the Gee Bee's accidents contributed to pilot errors?
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Re: Random Shot Of The The Day
Was Delmar's built as per the original? I thought he had made some minor tweaks to the airfoil section, incidence, or some such. I'm not sure and could just be brain farting.
I know that Doolittle in his autobio said he didn't enjoy it much but if you kept the speeds correct and flew it within it's abilities it was fine.
A different time with different skill sets and experience.
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Re: Random Shot Of The The Day
Originally posted by Leo View PostI don't think any of the racing GB's had a happy life. A lot of crashes and pilots lost over the various models histories.
The original QED seemed fine in handling. Sadly, it's pilot met his fate from a misplaced rag near the engine intake. The airframe was minimally damaged and currently on display in Mexico.
Originally posted by Leo View PostEven the much more docile sport planes were reported to be a handful.
Delmar told me the Z was a "pussycat" to fly, one of his favorites.
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Re: Random Shot Of The The Day
Originally posted by gp70442 View PostJim Moss did. Interesting story with a sad ending though.
I wonder where the aircraft ended up. I believe his widow sold it. A beast of an airplane with the R-1820 up front.
GP
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Re: Random Shot Of The The Day
I don't think any of the racing GB's had a happy life. A lot of crashes and pilots lost over the various models histories. Even the much more docile sport planes were reported to be a handful.
"Mr. Awesome" always reminded me of one, a huge engine attached to a cockpit with just enough structure to keep them pointed in more or less the right direction.
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Re: Random Shot Of The The Day
Originally posted by Air Judge View PostAwesome aircraft. But you have to ask...who the hell thought THAT was a good idea!
I wonder where the aircraft ended up. I believe his widow sold it. A beast of an airplane with the R-1820 up front.
GP
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