U-2 Pilot Reaches 2000 Hours

[EdAtTheAirport]

DON'T FORGET THOSE OF US IN MAINTENANCE.

I worked autopilot/instruments in "The Deuce" for three years. It was a particularly difficult airplane to crawl through, especially compared to the Tankers on the next ramp. That was 17 years ago.

I congratulate you for your accomplishment, Huggy. I only ask that the next time you face a crew chief, or one of the specialists, you explain your milestone to him/her and thank them for their contribution. Replacing the aileron servo on the U-2 is like trying to rebuild a garage door opener.

-- Ed, the former SSgt
Beale AFB 1986-89
(Now flying for the Fractionals)

 

[Huggyu2]

You got it, Ed. I got to Beale in '89. You would love the "S" model now: Lockheed redesigned a number of portions so that the crew chiefs have to take yoga classes just to figure out how to get to a simple hydro line without rolling the motor. 51 years of tradition, unemcumbered by progress....!

 

[LJDRVR]

The demise of the SR-71 was a complicated issue. In addition to the operational issues mentioned by Huggy, there was a huge political culture of envy/hatred for the airplane in SAC. (Strategic Air Command) when the CINCSAC became Chief of Staff, (Larry Welch) one of his big hidden agenda items, along with painting every building in the AF brown, was to get rid of the SR's. He suceeded.

 

[FastCargo]

Huggy,

Haven't been on this board in a LONG time...just started A300/310 training today. Congrats on the big 2k mark!! Aren't you done soon?

FastCargo

 

[Huggyu2]

...there was a huge political culture of envy/hatred for the airplane in SAC. (Strategic Air Command) when the CINCSAC became Chief of Staff, (Larry Welch) one of his big hidden agenda items, along with painting every building in the AF brown, was to get rid of the SR's. He suceeded.

Supposedly, Gen Welch interviewed for the SR-71 back when he was a Captain. He wasn't selected, and always harbored a distaste for the Sled (or so the story goes).

FastCargo,
Four months and counting...

 

[Falconjet]

Huggy: Thanks for the response, and congrats on the milestone.

FJ

 

[Skater]

Congrats

Huggy,

Just happened on the thread. Congrats, and do you still have any feeling left in you a$$? Hope things are good at Beale. So far so good at SWA. Hi to everyone if you get the chance pass it around.

Skater

 

[USARET]

Huggy,

Thanks for your service to our country!

 

[DaveGriffin]

Huggy,

Thanks for your service to our country!

I second that Huggy. Thanks

 

[bssthound]

Quote:
Originally Posted by USARET
Huggy,

Thanks for your service to our country!

I second that Huggy. Thanks

I thank you, too. By the way, soon I should be speaking to our mutual friend who flew with the Hurricane Hunters. Any little nuggets I can shoot at him? Also, his proficiency on the radios is old hat around here!!:laugh: :laugh: