Ed Rasimus wrote:
On Mon, 1 Mar 2004 17:28:24 -0600, "D. Strang"
wrote:

"Ed Rasimus" wrote

The big guys to bombers, small guys to fighters concept is strictly an
urban legend. And, it isn't simply related to Century Series--take a
look at Robin Olds, 6' 2" and a solid 220 for most of his flying
years. That means starting with his WW II experience in P-38s and 51s.

I love the picture of Chappie James who is overflowing the F-4 cockpit,
while his backseater looks like his helmet is too big, and is so small you
could put two of him in there. I think it was in the GPO printed
USAF Aces and Aerial victories book.


Chappy tended toward over-statement. The real leader of the 8th TFW
was Robin, but with his emphasis on leading-by-example, Chappy was
forced to fly the tough missions as well.

Chappy's comment about his bulk in the F-4 cockpit was "I don't get
in, I put it on."

When a flight lead exhorted Chappie on how he wanted close formation
flown by saying, "I want you on my wing, attached with a six foot
string." Chappy replied, "how much slack ya'all want in that string."

****! Easy for him to say! But you haven't lived until you've done it in a
C-46. By the time I'd get back on the ground, I always left a couple of inches
of sweat puddled in the pilot's seat of the horse.

And before you fighter jocks start snickering, I used to be able to tuck it in
just as tight as you guys did....I maybe had to work harder at it than you to
hold it in there, but that was work I never minded doing, because my ass was on
the line if I got lazy. (^-^)))

Anyway, I'm here to tell you about it, so I guess I got it right.

George Z.