Flying with the Wing King

[streakeagle]

Puma, your stories are always entertaining and educational. Keep up the good work doing both. I love it when people bring history to life this way, especially military aviation.

[Puma44]

I made the mistake of calling it a glorified P80...... And was promptly down dressed by the director and told of all the difference,etc. It was a few years ago and my memory is fuzzy.

   

Not to worry.  Many of us who flew the T Bird frequently referred to it as the “Stretch F-80” because of how it originated.  The T-33 pictured below in the park still has gun ports in the nose.  There was a time the AT-33 existed as ground attack trainer.  So, in a way it was kind of a Frankenstein.  Regardless, a fun jet to fly all over the US and Canada.  It taught this young Lieutenant volumes about how to fly in the clearest of blue skies and the worst imaginable weather in the dark of night.

[Puma44]

I agree with Arlo as well Puma, and as I also have repeatedly said in your "story" threads, you should definitely write a book.  It's not just the subject matter - subject matter which all aviation and history buffs love to devour - it's mostly the way you tell your stories.  You have an incredible ability to put the reader "right there".

My best friend wrote a popular book about his experience in the recent mid-east wars, "The Taliban Don't Wave", by Capt. Rob Semrau.  When I began writing, he helped me a great deal, and also offered the services of his agent and publisher, both from HarperCollins.

If you ever do seriously decide to write a book(s) - and I hope you someday do - feel free to PM me for my contact #s, as I'd love to help put you in contact with one of the world's largest publishers, as I know they would gobble up what you've written on this forum alone.   

Over the years I've had a file created of interesting posts from people with creds on this forum, in particular you Puma, Eagl, and Mace, so I already have a very thorough collection of your writing and stories here.

Puma, your stories are always entertaining and educational. Keep up the good work doing both. I love it when people bring history to life this way, especially military aviation.

Thanks Gents!  I appreciate the complements and encouragement.  Putting a book together has the potential for being a good retirement project.

[Puma44]

Did someone say tip tanks?  That reminds me of another interesting T-33 FCF story.   

...and then another with a headquarters guy on a practice instrument check.