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6/8/2013 4:20:53 PM
 
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Section 25: The Lounge Subject: Training Flight Msg# 859457
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Dale:
Our group (MAG-14) transitioned from AD-4 Skyraiders to A-4D Skyhawks in 1957-58, and many of our pilots were in the 6 foot tall range. They used to joke about the crew chiefs having to fold them into the cockpits. Prior to the transition, a few of our more adventurous pilots said they would tool around NAS Oceana in their Able Dogs looking for a mock dog fight with some of the local Navy jet fighter jockeys. It was hilarious at the time, but once they transitioned to the "Scooters" and were flying real fire-cans they all wanted to go up there and do mock battle. I don't think any of those supposed dog fights ever took place, but you being a pilot know how "exaggerations" take place over drinks at the O Club. Especially by Marine pilots. Harvey |
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For reference, the above message is a reply to a message where: At the time that I entered the service the Navy did have height restrictions, but I don't recall them being any different for fighter pilots than they were for any pilot. I do recall sitting in the seat of an A-4 Skyhawk when I was in Aviation Officer Candidate school. Someone looked in and told me that I'd lose both knees if I ever had to eject from one of those. If I'd ever had a desire to fly A-4s I'd pretty much lost it at that point. ;-) Image below from Dale Mullin - Image Title: photos Image Info: Dale Mullin climbing into a trusty "Tango Two Eight, Fighter/Interceptor" for a training flight. Timeframe is late 1970 or early 1971.  |
