Story starts at Duxford in '06. Ran into Steve Hinton. Exchanged pleasantries for a moment and I then asked him if he thought I would fit behind the pilot in 23 Skidoo 'casue I sure would like to ride in a P-38. (For $$$, of course.)
He told me that the next time I was at Chino, we'd see. Well, we were at Chino for the Airshow in May '07. I went into the gift shop and asked where I might find Steve. They said he was out somewhere working on 23 Skidoo. Sure enough, there he was with his head in the wheel well with a wrench in his hand. I reminded him of our conversation at Duxford and he immediately out down the wrench and siad, "let's go." OK now we get to the funny/embarrassing part(s). We all know about the little ladder that's at the back of the gondola. Steve jumps up on it and in 2 seconds, he's on the wing.
A little background now. My left knee and hip are in no way able to lift my weight. Of course, lifting my weight with my left leg is mandatory if I'm to get up on the wing. I'm stuck. Can't go up any farther. Steve grabs my hand and pulls me up onto the wing. OK...ya' got the picture? Here's "Mr/ Warbird" hauling the crippled old geezer up onto the a/c. HUMILIATION GALORE
BUT WAIT...we're not finished. There's more humiliation and embarrassment to come.
I climb into the cockpit. Steve tells me not to step on the hydraulic lines...TOO LATE. No damage. I then proceed to put my butt on the ledge behind the pilot seat. So far so good. Then, in an attempt to get a bit more of my "ample" torso inside, I lean forward and slide back on the ledge. I'm now in the fetal position and this is as far as I'm gonna' fit. PROBLEM...From the neck up, I'M STILL OUTSIDE THE FREAKIN' COCKPIT. I looked at Steve and he looked at me and we shook our heads. We instantly realized, this situation, at 300mph would NOT be a good idea.
OH...We're not done yet. I was able to get out of my fetal position without further problems...HOWEVER...now I have to get down off the wing.
Steve...in a voice that was probably heard in the gift shop, tells one of the guys to bring a step ladder to the front of the wing so I can get down. Remember the left leg problem? I have to SIT on the wing and slide my butt off far enough to reach the top step of the ladder.
Think I wasn't embarrassed about the whole episode?
At least nobody laughed at me...until AFTER I was out of earshot anyway.
There you have it
Mudge the geezer
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