I remember climbing into my first T-28, as just a photographer. The first step up is a big stretch. Then you have 2 more to get onto the wing, then another step up to swing your leg up over the bulkhead to get into the cockpit. Once in the cockpit, you realize that for a warbird, this is pretty roomy. I can even put my hat and jacket behind the seat. Then, all the clicking begins; chute straps, then seat belts. Reach down with your left hand after that and push down, then forward to lock the belts in position for takeoff.
Your mind really starts to get going when you hear that engine start! It's a big roar followed by some smoke wafting into the cockpit. Incredible.
Our first flight on Saturday was early. It was just above freezing outside, and the airplane I was going to was towards the end of the lineup. As I walked past the other planes, I couldn't help but think about the thousands of young men that walked down a line like this to get to his training aircraft.