RE: Why does it always happen to the good ones??
This is some thread Ali. Looking forward to seeing the even bigger bird and whatever paint job you decide to have it finished in.
Lots of ego's seem to be flying around from all areas of the universe it seems. As a group, domestically as well as worldwide, we all really need to stick together, that's really the only way we can insure progress and promotion of what we all enjoy here whether it be for sport or hobby. Here in the states? Join the JPO and stay informed, help one another out. Abroad?, join your equivalent, and around the world, help out one another either at your local flying field, event(s)or on here as some have shown even on this thread. It's very easy to voice opinions and views while sitting behind a computer monitor in who know(s) where, but one thing is certain, we ALL see what's being posted, positive, negative or neutral. Given the choice, I prefer to try to stay with the positive, only because given the amount of people I have met over the years all over the place, I can say without a doubt, more have been positive in their motivation to help others in this hobby/sport than negative. That way seems to work best for all of us.
As far as the title of this thread and crashes? I personally have seen a very well known group who travels to many of the shows stable of aircraft from a very well known manufacturer. They have all of their original jets, ducted fan through turbine that were made and still fly them just about every season, no crashes, just a little bit of hanger rash on a few and the rest almost in showroom condition. Does every jet really have a number? or do these guys know something many do not? I don't know, but if the former is true, they have'nt reached that number on any of their jets, and like they told me, they still fly all of them. To each as own. Like I say, the answer in my mind to either of these questions for me, is......."I don't know?"
I was ASKED to post the following photos again so I will. My F-14 that had virtually TWO of everything, including fire extinquishers during start up! Built by me, painted by me, flown by me for eight flights and CRASHED by me. Yep, PILOT ERROR. NO EXPLOSION, NO FIRE, just a roar to a halt in the grass and a big dust cloud.
Ali, best of luck with the rest of your fleet and your future replacement, get cracking on the next one, I know I am.
Keep it safe out there everyone, stay positive, stay focused..........because someone's Always watching.
Good Luck
Bryce Watson