On Sun, 21 Sep 2003 15:59:17 GMT, Ed Rasimus
wrote:


Does "inadvertent separation" cover those "dang, wrong button"
moments?

Al Minyard

No. Inadvertent means coming off without action (intended or
accidental) on the part of the aircrew. I've done some of those "dang
(or more scatological, crude or blasphemous words), wrong button"
moves. I mention one in When Thunder Rolled, where I conducted a well
choreographed sequence of finger manipulations to clean the airplane
of tanks, suspension gear and weapons--not necessarily in that order.
I fessed up.

I also dumped a C/L MER full of 750's one stress-filled afternoon by
choosing the wrong toggle switch when I intended to blow the inboard
450 tanks. I fessed up there as well and took an unbelievable amount
of harrassment from my squadron buds.

(To this day I contend it was a result of poor design ergonomics. The
three selective jettison toggle switches were on the right lower
console panel. Republic had them reading from left to right:
inboard, centerline, outboard. I contend the logical sequence should
have been starting from the inside of the row on the right side of the
airplane: centerline, inboard, outboard. Using my logic, when I wanted
to toggle the inboard stations, I incorrectly chose the centerline
jettison switch. Worst of all, I had to continue to the target area,
support my flight, not hurt the enemy cause I didn't have any bombs to
drop and, the final indignity was I got hit by 37mm while doing it.)

It is amazing to find someone who does not say/believe "I am perfect
and have never made a mistake" Thanks :-)))

Al Minyard