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Comments:
Leighton - 2004-11-18 10:53:49 That's really interesting about your grandmother. Dumb question: did she work at Willow Run? Yes, you are right, it does seem to be a still-empty field, near the golf dome thing. We didn't get a very good look at it. Yep, Lindbergh did grace Ypsi with his famous presence--I was surprised to learn that, too.* * * * * * * * * * * * leighton - 2004-11-19 11:00:30 http://www.ypsirocks.com/Airport.JPG Here's a pic of the old airport if you wanted to take off using the Bud plant. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-11-19 11:44:45 That is quite interesting about your family, Leighton. That's amazing that your grandfather is in NJ Aviation Hall of Fame. I'd forgotten that Lindbergh had any NJ connections. Photo tour of the NJ Aviation Hall of Fame. Also, thank you for such a nice picture--I have to get out there this weekend and check it out. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-11-19 14:06:13 Also, I think it's safe to say that everyone would be interested to know why your grandfather is in the NJ Aviation Hall of Fame. If you'd rather not discuss it that's cool too of course.* * * * * * * * * * * * Leighton - 2004-11-19 18:08:24 Grandpa tested all kinds of crazy planes in NJ, CA and FL from the 40's to the 70's: Fighters, jets, and vertical-take-off prop planes that were death traps (never really saw production until the Osprey I think). He flew a thunderbird through a fence and intentionally stalled engines past their rated speed and altitude. He worked on the development of the rotary engine for aircraft (now found in Mazda RX-7's and 8s). Grandma swears he just missed being an astronaut. He is one of the few of his generation to survive, so I guess the Hall was in awe of his longevity. He's still kicking in his mid 90's, though he recently gave up driving. Seeing him in a few days, maybe I'll try to chronicle in more detail on my LJ blog soon with some fresh stories.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-11-19 20:27:39 Oh, that would be great if you did. I'd love to read more about him. Wow--what a career. I've seen pictures of the Osprey, and I kind of shudder to think of experimental vertical-takeoff prop planes back in those days. Very interesting historical stories, Leighton; thank you. * * * * * * * * * * * * add your comment: |
