MDFrench
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- 420
Hey all,
Well, my Aero A-2 wasn't ready for this excursion, so I opted to take the trusty "bomber jacket" I've worn since I lived in England with all the 8th Air Force patches on it. If you can't go accurate, go sentimental. A crush cap and some khakis and I was on the tarmac with a beautiful B-25J. Everyone thought I was the pilot! People kept wanting to get pictures of me with the plane. I complied of course, but wasn't expecting that kind of attention. My "close enough" look was more than enough for these folks it seems.
Anyway, the ride was as thrilling as riding in B-17 Fuddy Duddy. I will say the B-25 is more immediate and claustrophobic and LOUD. I was able to get a front seat for the ride in the forward compartment. Unlike my companions, I kept the safety headphones off to "hear what they heard" back in the day. The engines were so loud, I started singing "She'll Be Comin' Round the Mountain" at the top of my lungs and I couldn't hear MYSELF! No one else even knew I was singing.
The pilot went low over Lake Allatoona and that was quite the thrill. After that, I got some time in the nose. In some ways cooler than the B-17, in other ways not as cool. They're different animals these two planes and I am glad to say I have flown in them both. Warbird rides for the appreciative are moving experiences.
After the flight, I was the only passenger they let sit in the pilot's seat for a while. I guess they could tell I was a true enthusiast.
Anyway, I have posted some pics below. You can see the rest of them at www.frenchbrosreviews.com/b25
Oh, there will be more pictures soon, including some of me! This is just the first go. And if anyone wants higher resolution copies, I'll send them along - Just PM me. This B-25 will be at the Angels Over Atlanta air show this weekend.
Well, my Aero A-2 wasn't ready for this excursion, so I opted to take the trusty "bomber jacket" I've worn since I lived in England with all the 8th Air Force patches on it. If you can't go accurate, go sentimental. A crush cap and some khakis and I was on the tarmac with a beautiful B-25J. Everyone thought I was the pilot! People kept wanting to get pictures of me with the plane. I complied of course, but wasn't expecting that kind of attention. My "close enough" look was more than enough for these folks it seems.
Anyway, the ride was as thrilling as riding in B-17 Fuddy Duddy. I will say the B-25 is more immediate and claustrophobic and LOUD. I was able to get a front seat for the ride in the forward compartment. Unlike my companions, I kept the safety headphones off to "hear what they heard" back in the day. The engines were so loud, I started singing "She'll Be Comin' Round the Mountain" at the top of my lungs and I couldn't hear MYSELF! No one else even knew I was singing.
The pilot went low over Lake Allatoona and that was quite the thrill. After that, I got some time in the nose. In some ways cooler than the B-17, in other ways not as cool. They're different animals these two planes and I am glad to say I have flown in them both. Warbird rides for the appreciative are moving experiences.
After the flight, I was the only passenger they let sit in the pilot's seat for a while. I guess they could tell I was a true enthusiast.
Anyway, I have posted some pics below. You can see the rest of them at www.frenchbrosreviews.com/b25
Oh, there will be more pictures soon, including some of me! This is just the first go. And if anyone wants higher resolution copies, I'll send them along - Just PM me. This B-25 will be at the Angels Over Atlanta air show this weekend.
