GregP
Major
Bob is still a semi-regular visitor to the Planes of Fame and attends the monthly meetings of the Naval Aviators Pilots Association held around the Los Angeles area. One of our volunteers, Fran Peri, is a member and tells us about the meetings every month. He went to flight school with some of these guys, is 82 years old, and still pokes fun with them regularly. What a great group of guys!
Bob has answered many questions about the SR-71 flight test program over the years, as well as many other aircraft, at our presentations and can still be depended upon for a great response when asked about particular events. His memory is still very sharp, and he remembers the numbers quite clearly. Sometimes he'll bring a log book along to be sure of his numbers, and will answer anything that is not still classified. If it is classified, he says the number is ... "classified but fast!"
The one thing he says the SR-71 wasn't is aerobatic. It had a relatively low max g-level and was never designed nor intended for airshows. While it could be rolled and still stay positive, he says this "is never done ... where anybody can see it."
The real message is that Bob is still with us, still active, still sharp, and a great guy to talk with if you get the chance to do so.
Bob has answered many questions about the SR-71 flight test program over the years, as well as many other aircraft, at our presentations and can still be depended upon for a great response when asked about particular events. His memory is still very sharp, and he remembers the numbers quite clearly. Sometimes he'll bring a log book along to be sure of his numbers, and will answer anything that is not still classified. If it is classified, he says the number is ... "classified but fast!"
The one thing he says the SR-71 wasn't is aerobatic. It had a relatively low max g-level and was never designed nor intended for airshows. While it could be rolled and still stay positive, he says this "is never done ... where anybody can see it."
The real message is that Bob is still with us, still active, still sharp, and a great guy to talk with if you get the chance to do so.
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