Quote:
Originally Posted by mike the snake
My Grandfather was one of the very first pilots for United. Flew Ford Tri-motors and DC3's.
He was killed, landing on approach at Oakland international. At the time, a number of DC3's had crashed shortly after radioing in, they'd say whatever they'd say, then moments later the planes augured in.
Through my Grandfather's crash, they discovered that the microphone clip was placed exactly where if you missed the clip, the mike would fall into the controls and lock them up, causing the planes to crash. They found the mic jammed in the controls from my Grandfather's crash, and ordered boots be placed around all the yokes of all aircraft after that.
My Grandmother was one of the first 20 stewardesses for United, flew in the same Ford Tri-motors and DC3's. You had to be a registered nurse back then to be a stewardess. She was an amazing woman, and accomplished more in her life than most.
My Father flew F-104's and F4's in the air Force, and owned a Cessna 182 when I was young. We flew weekly to Mexico, he was a big game fisherman. I spent a LOT of time in Mexico as a child, on boats, when the Marlin were still 18-20 feet long and weighed tons.
I'm now following in his footsteps, and taking flying lessons presently. Going for my Sport License. I'm planning on buying an airplane in the next few months as well.
If I sell my Pantera, I'm going to buy a used 60K swoopty doopty light sport plane. If I don't sell my Pantera, I'll be buying something like a Piper Cub, Luscoumbe, Ercoupe, Taylorcraft, or some other lower priced, plane.
In either case, in a couple months I'll have my license, and be shopping for planes, and I'll be up there enjoying the skies with you other pilots!
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Awesome story!! Very sorry about your grandfather going out like that.
My grandfather was a united pilot WAY back in the day...not sure when United started flying but he went into commercial when WWII was in full swing. I have a solid gold ring he received for an anniversary with the airline. He flew for them his entire career. Left two rings...one for me and the other for my brother.