Aircraft

[xoxoxoBruce]

You buying that story?

[Diaphone Jim]

Good story!

[Carruthers]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

You buying that story?

This sheds a bit more light on events...

The co-pilot, an engineer who works on the upkeep of the grounded bomber, was drafted in to control the throttle for the air show.

The CAA - which launched an investigation because neither Mr Prothero or the co-pilot are officially licensed to fly - confirmed that it will not take legal action.

Ian Weston, head of enforcement, said: ''The aircraft took off because the engineer did not shut down the engines when told to do so by the pilot.

The pilot attempted to shut the engines down but the aircraft lifted off.

''The problem arose as a result of the engineer 'freezing' at a time of high stress.

This is a recognised state of mind which can affect certain individuals.''

Nobody was hurt and no damage was done so the Air Accidents Investigation Branch was not interested and, as above, the CAA decided not to pursue the matter.

However, I'd bet a fiver on neither individual being asked to conduct subsequent displays.

Link

www.victorxm715.co.uk/

[Gravdigr]

Originally Posted by Carruthers

Now, THAT is an aircraft.

I find it sinister-looking.

[Diaphone Jim]

At least the CAA finished their investigation.
The FAA boys, ten years in, would still be drawing per diem at the best local hotel.

Mr. Prothero does have a bit of a smile, doesn't he?

[xoxoxoBruce]

Supermarine Spitfire...

[xoxoxoBruce]

Iran.

[Gravdigr]

On this day in 1994 FedEx employee Auburn Calloway attempts suicide by trying to destroy Federal Express Flight 705 so his family could benefit from a FedEx life insurance policy.

He attacked the flight crew in the cockpit with claw hammers and a knife.

The DC-10 pilot attempted to help the crew fighting Calloway by throwing the aircraft around violently, at one point almost rolling the plane upside down. He pitched the plane into a 15 degree climb then nose-dived trying to put the attacker off his feet. The pilot bounced everyone around the cockpit pretty badly.

During the nose-dive the plane passed 530mph when the elevators became unusable, fluttering in the wild air-flow.

They eventually landed back in Memphis, at 35,000lbs over the maximum designed landing weight, after pushing the airplane well past its safety limits multiple times, and after requesting 'armed intervention' (meaning SWAT).

It must have a helluva scene. The cockpit and galley were covered in blood, a skull was fractured resulting in motor control difficulties for that crew member, a jaw was dislocated, one crew member stabbed in the arm, the pilot had several deep gashes in his head and had to have his ear sewn back in place.

Auburn Calloway was armed with 2 claw hammers, 2 sledge hammers, a knife and a spear gun.

Ten years after the attack none of the flight crew could be medically cleared to fly commercially due to their injuries.

The DC-10 suffered $800,000 in damage.

The Wikipedia article is a really good read.

[Gravdigr]

Mr. Calloway is currently enjoying a federally-funded vacation in an extended-stay facility in beautiful Lompoc, CA.

[Griff]

Nice country, I hear.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Those daring young men in their flying machines.

[fargon]

[xoxoxoBruce]

Doug Doug...

[Carruthers]

Pausing only to consult my copy of Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage (it never leaves my side) I find the following:

Douglas Douglas-Hamilton, 14th Duke of Hamilton

Air Commodore Douglas Douglas-Hamilton, 14th Duke of Hamilton and 11th Duke of Brandon, KT, GCVO, AFC, PC, DL, FRCSE, FRGS (3 February 1903 – 30 March 1973) was a Scottish nobleman and aviator who, together with D.F. McIntyre, was one of the first men to fly over Mount Everest.

Styled Marquess of Douglas and Clydesdale before he succeeded his father as the Duke of Hamilton and Keeper of Holyroodhouse in 1940, he had been a prominent Unionist Member of Parliament (MP) for East Renfrewshire from 1930 until he succeeded to his titles.

Styled Marquess of Douglas and Clydesdale before he succeeded his father as the Duke of Hamilton and Keeper of Holyroodhouse in 1940, he had been a prominent Unionist Member of Parliament (MP) for East Renfrewshire from 1930 until he succeeded to his titles.
He was appointed the honorary colonel of the 7th (Blythswood) Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry in July 1931.
In 1935 in order to experience the life of the employees in his family's mines, he joined a Trades Union and worked for a time at the coal face, as plain 'Mr. Hamilton'.

I thought that the name rang a bell. When Rudolf Hess parachuted into Scotland he, and his crashed aircraft, landed on the Duke of Hamilton's estate.
Hess gave his name as Alfred Horn, a friend of the Duke of Hamilton, and was taken to hospital.
When the Duke was informed of the prisoner he visited him in hospital and Hess identified himself.
Hamilton immediately informed Churchill and Hess was imprisoned until the Nuremburg Trials.
The fact that he had asked for the Duke by name, and suggested a prior friendship, raised suspicions of where Hamilton's loyalties lay.

Link

[xoxoxoBruce]

I see...




How about a flying rifle...