Boughbw, It is NOT my obligation to protect you just as you have no obligation to protect me. Your obligation is to protect yourself and others that you choose.

(Written on 22/10/2021)(Permalink)

Is aviation news or a advertisement?

(Written on 15/10/2021)(Permalink)

Hand-delivered? Umm I guess you could say that. Though it really stretches the definition a bit. 3 B-29's aborted/made emergency landings in the Russian far east after being damaged in bombing raids over Japan. This was a Godsend to Stalin. He had tried everything to get the US to give him the B-29. Even trying to add it to a Lend-Lease order in the hope that some clerk unaware of the prohibition would approve the order. Russia was supposed to hold the aircrews for the duration of the war. However, Stalin risked the neutrality agreement with Japan and ordered the air-crews repatriated and had them smuggled out through Iran. Because of Stalin's order to produce 'exact' duplicates of the B-29, there are rumors that the first flight TU-4's even suffered the same engine overheating issues the B-29 suffered. And, that the first TU-4 copies made included patch/repair panels the B-29's had from previous repair work. At least in my case, I think enough time has passed w

(Written on 30/01/2021)(Permalink)

If you have stood next to a 144 and given it a good look then I don't mind a bit if you disagree.. Different strokes & all.

(Written on 30/01/2021)(Permalink)

It's absolutely true that there was espionage around the Concorde. Though, the Russians didn't try to make a bolt for bolt copy. I've been to that airbase/museum 5 times or so. & also seen the Concorde at the Smithsonian and at CLG airport. I know the TU-144 was a hot mess and had more problems than an AMC Gremlin.. However, I can honestly say that at least externally.. the TU-144 is a 'prettier' aircraft.. By far.

(Written on 29/01/2021)(Permalink)

Actually.. that IS a DC-3.. Part of their nod to WWII Lend-Lease. They also have a Bell P-63 ( King Cobra ) and other US aircraft that the US sent to Russia to help their war efforts. What you missed was the TU-4 ( It's on the SE corner of the museum across from the Mil V-12 ). That is a 'bolt for bolt' copy of the B-29. Crazy story how Stalin got his hands on 3 B-29's had them taken apart, engineering drawings drawn & an assembly line setup.

(Written on 29/01/2021)(Permalink)

Yes & no. Even CNN couldn't get it straight as they showed pics of at least 3 different models of these 'ground effect' airplanes. The Sovs' messed around a lot with these 'back in the day' even trying them out for high-speed ferry service. Quite a few are on static display around the country. The pic with the tarp over the cockpit is at the Central air forces museum at Monino. It's about 30 miles east of Moscow and easy to get to via commuter rail service. If you ever get the chance I'd highly encourage a visit out there. They keep an AMAZING collection of aircraft including one of the last TU-4's as well as Sukhoi T-4, TU-144 ( Concordki ) and the Mil V-12. They even give a nod to WWII lend-lease aircraft. Bring a lunch and stay the whole day. It's on an active Russian air force base so, no snack bar. 55°50'0.20"N 38°10'52.19"E

(Written on 29/01/2021)(Permalink)

Bruce, may I kindly suggest that you audit some law courses at your local community college? If you do, you will learn that a company rule is just that, a company rule. Where failure to stop at a stop sign is often referred to as failure to obey a traffic control device. The device, the law, the fines, and the points on your license are managed by governmental authority. Rules are not laws ( especially 'rules' invalidated by unequal enforcement )

(Written on 07/08/2020)(Permalink)

Really? Care to explain why the FBI investigates and the federal judiciary prosecutes individuals for civil rights crimes?

(Written on 07/08/2020)(Permalink)

Bruce, are we acquainted? Do you know my gender? Didn't your parents teach you to address a stranger properly? Besides that, I am astounded by your ignorance. A company rule is NOT a law. AA already invalidated their right to enforce that law by not enforcing it on numerous other occasions. A company may make its own rules but they must enforce them consistently for them to retain validity.

(Written on 07/08/2020)(Permalink)