Darryl Greenamyer

[Blue]

Was reading the bios of some famous test-pilots, but couldn't find one for the legendary Darrly Greenamyer. Anyone know of any more info on this guy besides what's currently on the net? Was he ever military?

 

[mzaharis]

Removed - everything I know is also available on the net.

 

[Snakum]

I read the book about the KeeBird (B29 recovery) and found the man to be a first class ass-hat. It's pretty easy to read between the lines a bit and discern the everyday nature and disposition of famous people. Well that ... and I'm SOOOO perceptive.

Bet you didn't find that one the net.


Minh
(PS ... I now know someone who worked with him personally and my fears were confirmed, BTW.)

 

[Spooky 1]

Was reading the bios of some famous test-pilots, but couldn't find one for the legendary Darrly Greenamyer. Anyone know of any more info on this guy besides what's currently on the net? Was he ever military?

I have known Greenamyer for a number of years Having said that I have not seen or talked to him for a number of years as well.

Yes, he was an ex Tuscon ANG pilot (F86) and went to work for Lockheed flying an F86 chase plane during one of their flight test programs back in the F104 days. Tranistioned to the F104 program and then the YF12/SR71 programs later. I think he did some fairly "black project" flying in the SR71. At least he made enough money to build the Holiday Inn hotel out in Palmdale when the Holiday Inn was the nicest thing in town at that time. Later did a year contract flying the YF12 on a NASA contract. It was during this time period he was racing the Bearcat and having so much success. Later built the F104 up out of scrap parts and after finally getting a J79 powerplant for the thing did the world record speed runs up at Mud Lake up near TNP, NV. I think he rubbed some folks the wrong way during this period. He had a falling out at Lockheed and pretty much removed himself from any further activities over there. There was always a debate about the loss of the F104. I'll leave that one for another day, but I did have friends with him that day and they believe it was completely legit.

A very funny Greenamyer story! He is flying a round robin out of Palmdale in an SR71. During this period he is actually living at the Holiday Inn at Palmdale and so when he suits up in the Moon suit that the guys where while flying the Sled, he basically leaves all the his civies there at the Lockheed facility. On the return leg to Palmdale there is a mechanical that requires a diversion into Nellis AFB in Las Vegas. Of course the only clothes he has are the Moon suit that he has on and everthing else is back in Palmdale. He calls is then girl friend, to pick up some jeans and a T shirt and drive on over the Vegas so they can spend the night on the town. Now if you have known Greenamyer, first of all the guy looks like a biker and sort of a greaser at that. Gettting dressed up is strictly not his style. At any rate they do there thing that night in Vegas and the next day the airplane is ready to ferry back to Palmdale. So, he goes out to Nellis AFB and shows up at the duty desk in his Jeans and T shirt to pick up the SR71 so he can fly it back to Pamdale. About 120 miles. The Officer in charger takes one look at him and asks what he wants? Greenamyer says, "I am here to pick up my aircraft". The Officers asks just which airplane do you think you might be looking to take? Greenamyer says " the black one out in back". The guy almost fell out of his chair in disbelief. A quick series of calls ensued before he was given permission to even appraoch the airplane. Fortunetly there were a group of Lockheed/Air Force types that were able to vouch for his mission.

I am sure that this story has been embelished with time, but none the less I believe the basis for it is true knowing his sense of humor.