skyhawk

RAN [VF805/VC724] A4G drivers came in all sizes. I recall a 6'+ guy who I opened the canopy for after his first night trap ['69], preceded by several 'bolters'. The poor guy was jelly, smelt like a horse and looked up at me with such a pitiful expression as if imploring - 'Don't let the C.O. make me do that again' but Keith.J was fine after his first sleep in a rack.

Once used by the Blue Angels. Smallest fighter on the flight deck. Designed to be small so it was unnecessary to fold the wings up. The pilot was supposed to be of a maximum heighth, because if over that height, it would take the legs off the pilot if ejection became necessary I had a CO that was 6'4" tall and flew the Skyhawk. I said to him, "well it's obvious you never had to eject." He laughed. This was in a Reserve Unit, and he was pilot of a 747 when not doing his Reserve duty. He was a great guy to be around.

very nice.