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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Rockwall Texas
    Posts
    4,521

    Default P-47 Thunderbolts Planes in Action

    Inspection Referral

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: P-47 Thunderbolts Planes in Action

    Great film/video.

    Some of those runs over the airport reminded me of the story from a number of years ago of a Pan Am pilot arriving at Berlin International Airport and asking for progressive taxi instructions (as Berlin International Airport is supposed to have a confusing taxi system), the ground control operator read out each turn one after the other all at once, so the Pan Am pilot gets to the first turn and again asks for progressive taxi instructions - the ground controller reads all the turns out one after the other again, the Pan Am pilot gets to the next turn and again ask for progressive taxi instructions - the ground controller goes ballistic and rants on about the pilot not being able to fly or follow directions ... then finally asks the pilot (with indignation in her voice) 'I take it you've never been to Berlin International Airport before?' ... a moment of silence and the Pan Am pilot goes back on the air and says, in a good old southern drawl "Yes ma'am, I have been here once before, 1945, but I didn't stop." ... after a prolonged silence (all ground talk stopped when the pilot said that, everyone waiting for the ground control operator's next statement) when the ground control operator finally came back on, she said "Glad to have you back Captain, I will be more than happy to guide you turn by turn to your terminal ... proceed to ... and I will stay here with you."

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Waterloo, Ontario
    Posts
    66

    Default Re: P-47 Thunderbolts Planes in Action

    Awesome.

    My Grandfather was too old to go overseas so he served as an instructor. They sent pilots into combat with fewer hours than it takes to get your private pilot's license today. I have always had a lot of respect for that entire generation, but even more so now that I am learning to fly.


  4. #4
    Kevin Barre's Avatar
    Kevin Barre Guest

    Default Re: P-47 Thunderbolts Planes in Action

    The "Jug" as it became known was a very large fighter, making it better for attack duties than dogfighting. It did have a powerful radial engine in it and a good top end speed, but it was lacking in maneuverability, especially at low altitudes. Range was limited also, compromising its use as a bomber escort. It was known, as were a lot of U.S. airplanes, for being able to absorb a lot of damage and still make it back. You have to love that aspect.

    But regardless, you have to hand it to the guys who flew them. Some were mere kids by todays' standards.


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