Tip of the day

[billrunnels]

If you ever have an opportunity to enter a B-17 through the nose hatch give it a try. However, be sure to have a couple strong men close at hand to catch you if you fail. The following instructions will most likely bring success. Place your hands on the wooden pads at the top of the opening. With arms fully extended push your feet through the opening then flex your arms to pull your body in. If you flex your arms before pushing your feet through the opening you wont make it. I could still perform this fete at age 65 only because I knew the trick. And now you know

 

[fubar57]

At 5'6" I probably couldn't reach the opening

 

[billrunnels]

At 5'6" I probably couldn't reach the opening

I think you could and I bet you would be successful

 

[at6]

I probably wouldn't make it either. It looks like you need quite a bit of abdominal core strength to get in. And my now flabby a$$ would be a problem.

 

[Crimea_River]

I'm 6'-1" but have a body like Gumby. No way I could do that.

Merry Christmas Bill!

 

[billrunnels]

I'm 6'-1" but have a body like Gumby. No way I could do that.

Merry Christmas Bill!

Think positive - Merry Christmas to you!

 

[michaelmaltby]

it looks so easy on Twelve O'Clock High

 

[billrunnels]

it looks so easy on Twelve O'Clock High

It really is if you know the trick

 

[XBe02Drvr]

'Bout gave the Collings people a heart attack when I did it! They'd promised me a ride in Nine O Nine back to BTV, so when the word went out to board up and they were welcoming guests at the rear hatch, I wandered around the tail like a sightseer, under the left wing, and was pulling the "Twelve O'clock High trick" before they could catch me. Once in a lifetime opportunity, I wasn't going to let it get away. Couple of the old vets standing around applauded. Got scolded, but not kicked off the plane. I'd seen it enough times on TV, so figured I could pull it off and did. Wouldn't be able to now.
Merry Christmas everybody, and Bill thank you for your wonderful stories, and for all you've done for us, then and now.
Cheers,
Wes

 

[billrunnels]

'Bout gave the Collings people a heart attack when I did it! They'd promised me a ride in Nine O Nine back to BTV, so when the word went out to board up and they were welcoming guests at the rear hatch, I wandered around the tail like a sightseer, under the left wing, and was pulling the "Twelve O'clock High trick" before they could catch me. Once in a lifetime opportunity, I wasn't going to let it get away. Couple of the old vets standing around applauded. Got scolded, but not kicked off the plane. I'd seen it enough times on TV, so figured I could pull it off and did. Wouldn't be able to now.
Merry Christmas everybody, and Bill thank you for your wonderful stories, and for all you've done for us, then and now.
Cheers,
Wes

Good for you. Glad you took advantage of the opportunity. I'll bet the Collings people were a little upset My short association with this group has been a pleasure. Merry Christmas!

 

[Gnomey]

I'll bear that in mind Bill if the opportunity arises for me.

 

[Airframes]

I could have done it a few years ago, but now, with Rheumatoid Arthritis, I'd need steps, help, and around ten minutes - and that's entering through the rear door !
Thanks for the great stories Bill, and keep them coming
Hope you had a great Christmas, and I wish you all the best for 2018.

 

[vikingBerserker]

Awesome, now I just need a B-17.....................

 

[T Bolt]

You and me both.........

a little late, but Merry Christmas Bill

 

[billrunnels]

You and me both.........

a little late, but Merry Christmas Bill

Thank you and the same to you also best wishes for a Happy New Year