Warbird Information Exchange

And "Your mileage may vary".

_________________

All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

Well! His poor little darling! How awful for little Pansy, umm Johnny to see such a horrible accident.
I'd hate to be that kid when he has to venture out into the cold, cruel world and sees what it's really like out there.

_________________
Dave

I grew up in the world of auto racing in the 60's and 70's. I saw Jim Hurtibese nearly killed in a firey crash here at Milwaukee. I had many of my racing buddies killed when I was running sprint cars and midgets, before the days of the wings. I saw numerous friends killed at the Speedway in the early 70's.

Life is fragile and the risks are known. I don't think too many kids in the stands wound up emotionally disturbed for the rest of their lives from witnessing these experiences. I also never met anyone who came to us after an accident and state "How dare you kill yourself in front of my family?"!

Different times now, no scores in soccer games, make sure Johnny just feels good about particpating, let's not grade him or make him be competitive with anyone. Can't we all just exist and be friends?....yada yada yada

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

So let me get this straight...guy takes his kid to an airshow, where he knows pilots will be performing potentially dangerous maneuvers, and he's P.O.ed because the guy had the gall to crash? Seems to me daddy should have known what he was getting into..especially if he's a pilot himself. Does he not let Junior watch car races on TV, lest he be afraid of going to the store? I would venture to say your chances of being in a fatal crash on the highway are probably higher tham a NASCAR driver on the track.

The only airplane crash I ever saw was a guy who wiped out in a Bellanca Decathlon in 1981 (he lived.) The guy was doing an aerobatic routine at a fly-in breakfast in really crappy weather (aout 500 ft ceiling with intermittent rain and fog.) I was 17, and the life lesson I learned was that when you engage in risky behavior in less than ideal conditions, you can get bitten in the a$$!

SN

Here are some comments sent to The Modesto Bee regarding Mr Steeb's fine judgement of Rob Harrison's performance in which he, a supposed fellow aviator felt compelled to share with the public.
=============================================================================================================

I have to agree with Captain Steubing, the letter writer. I'm sick and tired of taking my kids to dog fights and then having to explain to them what happened to the poor puppies. Risk-taking entertainers need to be more aware of what they are doing to the fragile egg-shell minds of children whose parents take them to watch good old fashioned, perilous, daredevilism.
Evil Somewhat Kuneival | 05.22.08 - 2:14 pm | #

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am a 63 year-old man and found Mr. Harrison's awesome landing incredibly inspiring. To live life in exciting ways, we mustn't be afraid to occasionally "crash-land", as it were. This is just where I am in my life, I guess; ready to take on unnatural challenges and not afraid to potentially die as a consequence. Don't our brave men and women defending our freedoms do just that? Are not our armed forces the stunt-plane-pilots of their milieu? I'm just glad Mr. Harrison is alive and have to disagree with Mr. Steeb on one more issue and that is that, YES, it is ALL ABOUT TATTOOS and autographs. What else could stunt aviation be about?
Go Stunt Planes!!!
alanon | 05.22.08 - 2:08 pm | #

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GET REAL, YOU ARE THE ONE THAT NEEDS TO SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR YOUR CHILD, NOT SOME STRANGER, TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.
HONEST OPINION GUY | 05.22.08 - 1:27 pm | #

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chris, "get over yourself." I am sure that Rob Harrison didn't plan to wreck his plane just to ruin your day or frighten your child. We have had the pleasure of watching him perform in Carson Valley. He, along with his wife, spent hours in the hot sun speaking with and role modeling for youngsters and oldsters alike. His greatest reward was the time with the kids. We do not live in a pain-free world, and accidents happen, but it's nice to see that Rob, "Tumbling Bear" Harrisons' large, servants' heart will keep beating and reaching out to kids.
L George | 05.22.08 - 12:47 pm | #

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a comment to Chris Steeb of Modesto.

Mr. Harrison is one of the most safety conscious and conscientious performers in the airshow business. He has a deep affection for the sport and for introducing kids to aviation.

Do you think he crashed his plane on purpose? Your remarks seem to push that ridiculous point.

In the aviation business, as in any business; things happen. Situations occur that are beyond our control - and we handle them to the best of our ability. Which, Mr. Harrison did.

It is a tragedy when any incident happens. And even more tragic when others are witness to it, especially the children who may not understand the frailty of life.

Your job, as a parent - is to explain this to your son to the best of your ability. And not to point fingers at the accident victim.
Marilyn Dash | 05.22.08 - 11:51 am | #

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Harrison needs to take a look at himself and his performances and remember its not all about autographs and tattoos but more about setting a good, safe example, especially in aviation."

It's a stunt plane, they're not known for slow easy flights. I think they're for... stunts? Maybe?
Another Anon | 05.22.08 - 11:31 am | #

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Whoa there. My almost 4 year old son was there and saw the crash. I have a totally different opinion than you, Mr. Steeb. I think Mr. Harrison is setting a FINE example for the kids. Being a stunt pilot is dangerous, accidents can and will happen. That is not being irresponsible. If you do not want your child exposed to a plane accident, do not take him to an air show. However, Mr. Harrison shows great compassion and concern for the children at a time he's recovering from some pretty significant injuries. The children love meeting with him after the show, and Mr. Harrison derives great joy from talking to these kids. The fact that he is willing to send autographs and tattoos to the children who were not able to meet with him is very admirable.

I clearly do not understand your anger at Mr. Harrison. He is a wonderful example to humanity: a great example of how to think of others during a time of personal hardship.
ET | 05.22.08 - 9:20 am | #

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That's right. Plus the idea that "Mr. Professional" is separating himself from the herd by calling himself a professional pilot.
Give Harrison 10 hours of dual in "Mr.Professionals" aircraft and Mr professional 10 in Harrison's, then turn him loose. I'll be having lunch with Harrison, and later in the week we'll attend the professionals viewing.
Anonymous | 05.22.08 - 8:56 am | #

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Do you really think he crashed on purpose to set bad example ?

Wake up and smell the coffee...
John Robertson | 05.22.08 - 7:25 am | #

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

These people are leaders and make things happen. If you don’t take a risk, things don’t happen. These people push the envelope, and things happen. If you want sureness and predictability, go to Disneyland. Never mind, accidents happen there also, but I don’t read you telling Mickey how ashamed you are.
We need more Rob Harrisons, hope he is going to be OK.
KC | 05.22.08 - 7:05 am | #

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

people go to air shows, car races and such things; yes things can and do go wrong. if you don't want your kid to see such crashs then don't take your kid to see them. people who call themself "stunt pilot" or "stunt driver" are going to crash, so leave the kid at home and enjoy the show and stop your whinning.
XXX | 05.22.08 - 6:12 am | #

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robbie

_________________
Fly Fast Make Noise!