NASA Gene Kranz a B-17 Flight Engineer?
Mon Nov 16, 2009 2:06 pm
I read somewhere that Gene Kranz of Apollo 13 fame was also a flight engineer with an air museum on their B-17. Mr. Kranz was always a hero of mine, and I thought that was awesome. Any one know which B-17 and if he is still active with that?
Re: NASA Gene Kranz a B-17 Flight Engineer?
Mon Nov 16, 2009 2:43 pm
No not at all.
He flew F-86s in the AF 1955- 58.
He flew F-86s in the AF 1955- 58.
Re: NASA Gene Kranz a B-17 Flight Engineer?
Mon Nov 16, 2009 2:54 pm
No, Jack not during WWII but in current times on a restored B-17
Re: NASA Gene Kranz a B-17 Flight Engineer?
Mon Nov 16, 2009 2:54 pm
[Deleted] Chris beat me to it.
Last edited by mtpopejoy on Mon Nov 16, 2009 3:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: NASA Gene Kranz a B-17 Flight Engineer?
Mon Nov 16, 2009 3:01 pm
On Thunderbird, maybe?
Re: NASA Gene Kranz a B-17 Flight Engineer?
Mon Nov 16, 2009 4:15 pm
He was a designated "flight engineer" on the LSFM B-17, but don't get me started on the whole flight engineer thing on aircraft that do not require, nor have a flight engineer station.
He does not hold an FAA flight engineer certificate, and the minimum crew is two on B-17 type aircraft.
He does not hold an FAA flight engineer certificate, and the minimum crew is two on B-17 type aircraft.
Re: NASA Gene Kranz a B-17 Flight Engineer?
Mon Nov 16, 2009 8:26 pm
Irrespective of his "status" as a flight engineer, I remember him showing up at OSH in the 1990s in THUNDERBIRD... I don't know if he flies on it currently or not......
Mark H
Mark H
Re: NASA Gene Kranz a B-17 Flight Engineer?
Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:32 pm
Ralph Royce told me that it became a little distracting around the aircraft when Gene was with them, so I don't think he flies much with them anymore.
Jerry
Jerry
Re: NASA Gene Kranz a B-17 Flight Engineer?
Tue Nov 17, 2009 6:16 am
Jerry O'Neill wrote:Ralph Royce told me that it became a little distracting around the aircraft when Gene was with them
Yeah, I can imagine that having to count down to do everything can be a real pain. Not to mention the repeater beep on the intercom each time he keys up.
"Clear the number 3 engine"
"Number 3 clear!"
"Okay, turning in 10, 9, 8, ....."
"Gear down?"
"Roger, gear down."
"Gear coming down in 10, 9, 8, ...... "
Re: NASA Gene Kranz a B-17 Flight Engineer?
Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:53 pm
Ralph Royce told me that it became a little distracting around the aircraft when Gene was with them, so I don't think he flies much with them anymore.
Jerry
He stopped by the Wings Over Houston autograph tent several years ago to chat with the Veterans and ended up signing autographs himself before he could get out. One of my guest, John B. Lee introduced me to to him, he's really a nice guy
