Warbird Information Exchange

I remember an article in Flying that analyzed the issue of accidents and Oshkosh, and it found that, if you add up the total number of aircraft operations involving getting to and from Oshkosh, the rate is really no different than the normal GA accident rate (which is still too high, though).

It appears that the D model was lost to sight on the landing approach by the A model. Why this is or why they were close we probably can't tell from the photos. I am not certain how to change procedures to make it safer. The last thing wwe need is another layer of beauracracy or more conversation on the radio to distract the pilot. Your posts and the photos seem to answer my queston that there was no apparent emergency with the A. I think the question of flying at or into Oskosh is large enough for a seperate topic.

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Bill Greenwood
Spitfire N308WK

A very well done web tribute from the memorial service to Mr. Beck can be found here:

http://maxair2air.com:80/EAA/BECK/O01.html

This was posted on the EAA newsletter.

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Life's a Pitts

I only knew Gerry through airshows, having met him, I think, when at Wings Of The North about 5 years ago; so I didn't know his family or non aviation life. He was one of those people you were always happy to see, he would say hello whenever you were around and he always had a big smile.

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Bill Greenwood
Spitfire N308WK

Many thanks for the link, Jaybird.

And to Doug Rozendaal: Well done.

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

wow.

Thanks for posting that link.
JP

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George Preddy was....Just the greatest fighter pilot who ever squinted through a gunsight,He was a complete fighter pilot.
General John C. Meyer

In regards to Bill's reply as to what might have happened. Many years ago I remember a warbird pilot (can't recall who) told me not to get "airshowitis", in other words don't get yourself in a spot with no way out. 99% of the crowd will not know the difference if you pull 9gs or 1g whatever. The crowd is there just to see the warbirds fly. I agree with Bill in that we don't need any more beauracracy. I believe a change in procedures would help, but it needs to come from the warbird community, not the FAA.

Thanks for the link to the memorial.

It is the work of artists and craftsmen that make us want to know who they were. How they lived. Mr. Beck left us a lot, but what was left, I wonder.

Build a P-51 with your bare hands? Makes my pitiful little projects seem insignificant.

It hurts us most to lose creative people.

Dave

I know what you are saying. I learned to be a fabricator in the Indy car world of the early 70's and did so from guys who were the best of the 50's and 60's. I grew up in the Air Force. I have made medieval armour. I met Mr. Beck.

To me, he was an artist in the art I most loved. I hope he transferred the skills, the knowledge, and most importantly, the love and passion for what he did. I trust that is what he left us.

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"There are old pilots and bold pilots but few old, bold pilots."