Tip of the day

• Dec 24, 2017

• #1

billrunnels

Distinguished Member

B-17 Bombardier

8AF, 303bg, 360bs

1,124

1,368

Oct 13, 2017

Minnesota, USA

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

 

• Dec 24, 2017

• #2

fubar57

General

33,809

20,998

Nov 22, 2009

The Jungles of Canada

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

 

• Dec 24, 2017

• Thread starter
• #3

billrunnels

Distinguished Member

B-17 Bombardier

8AF, 303bg, 360bs

1,124

1,368

Oct 13, 2017

Minnesota, USA

fubar57 said:

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

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I think you could and I bet you would be successful

 

• Dec 24, 2017

• #4

A

at6

1st Sergeant

5,058

3,595

Jun 15, 2011

Fresno, California

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.

 

• Dec 24, 2017

• #5

Crimea_River

Marshal

46,331

14,421

Nov 16, 2008

Calgary

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

Merry Christmas Bill!

 

• Dec 24, 2017

• Thread starter
• #6

billrunnels

Distinguished Member

B-17 Bombardier

8AF, 303bg, 360bs

1,124

1,368

Oct 13, 2017

Minnesota, USA

Crimea_River said:

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

Merry Christmas Bill!

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Think positive - Merry Christmas to you!

 

• Dec 24, 2017

• #7

michaelmaltby

Colonel

12,477

18,942

Jan 22, 2009

Toronto

it looks so easy on Twelve O'Clock High

 

• Dec 24, 2017

• Thread starter
• #8

billrunnels

Distinguished Member

B-17 Bombardier

8AF, 303bg, 360bs

1,124

1,368

Oct 13, 2017

Minnesota, USA

michaelmaltby said:

it looks so easy on Twelve O'Clock High

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It really is if you know the trick

 

• Dec 25, 2017

• #9

X

XBe02Drvr

2nd Lieutenant

5,366

6,183

Mar 27, 2016

VT

'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

 

Last edited: Dec 25, 2017

• Dec 25, 2017

• Thread starter
• #10

billrunnels

Distinguished Member

B-17 Bombardier

8AF, 303bg, 360bs

1,124

1,368

Oct 13, 2017

Minnesota, USA

XBe02Drvr said:

'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

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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!

 

• Dec 27, 2017

• #11

Gnomey

Globetrotting Surgeon General

Staff

Mod

70,920

8,913

Nov 28, 2004

London / Southsea / Royal Deeside, UK

www.flickr.com

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

 

• Dec 27, 2017

• #12

Airframes

Benevolens Magister

63,028

12,577

Aug 24, 2008

Cheshire, UK

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.

 

• Dec 28, 2017

• #13

vikingBerserker

Lieutenant General

28,790

4,612

Apr 10, 2009

South Carolina

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

 

• Dec 28, 2017

• #14

T Bolt

Colonel

13,662

3,474

Mar 24, 2010

Chicago, Illinois

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

a little late, but Merry Christmas Bill

 

• Dec 29, 2017

• Thread starter
• #15

billrunnels

Distinguished Member

B-17 Bombardier

8AF, 303bg, 360bs

1,124

1,368

Oct 13, 2017

Minnesota, USA

T Bolt said:

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

a little late, but Merry Christmas Bill

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