By Job Conger |
After the crew had “caged the gyros” and checked in with
Horizon Aviation regarding the desired fuel, one of the crew visited the AeroKnow Museum. In the course of that conversation, he said I was welcome to walk out
and take as many pictures as I liked...and I DID! Other visitors,
including three from the F.A.A. office,
gathered around and one of the crew gave an excellent introduction to
the airplane.
LtCol. J.E. Sarno visits the AeroKnow Museum |
Major Steven Kohut |
I related to the USMC pilot how the ATC people in the
control tower routinely allowed helicopters - typically UH-60s and CH-47s - to
taxi to take off form the tarmac and commence flight from there. He said
he’d be happy to take off from the tarmac! BUT he planned to follow
instructions from the tower, that he’d likely be directed to Runway 22 to the
distant north of us at Horizon. Even so,
we caught a break. The pilot was directed
to the intersection of Runways 22 and 31 where he could launch.
The pilot earlier expressed his intention to make a
departing fly-by in “airplane mode,” but knowing how forces beyond the control
of mortal men can force the best of intentions to go astray, I was DELIGHTED to
witness the takeoff from the intersection. I was also amazed by the slow
forward speed during the initial climb before the wings were producing
lift. In seconds the Osprey began a
gentle turn to the right as the transition took place and he rolled out wings level on a heading of 130
degrees over Runway 13, right down CENTRAL!
I will be surprised if I ever see another single flying
machine that impressed me as much as Quantico Osprey number 12 that visited
Springfield’s airport August 21, 2014. Sincere thanks to Major Kohut and the
rest of the crew for showing yours truly and the rest of those who showed it to
us close-up and personal.
Editor's Note: Text and Photos reprinted with permission from Job Conger from the AeroKnow Museum Gallery of Flight. Job Conger is the Founder and Director of the AeroKnow Museum, located in the Horizon Aviation FBO at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, IL.
Editor's Note: Text and Photos reprinted with permission from Job Conger from the AeroKnow Museum Gallery of Flight. Job Conger is the Founder and Director of the AeroKnow Museum, located in the Horizon Aviation FBO at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, IL.
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