My friend Bob was nice enough to invite me to wipe oil and gather tools in support of doing run checks for his 1945 Grumman TBM-3 Avenger. Oh yeah, too cool!
I got there around 1030 and the prop turns were underway. I passed up a couple gallons of lubrication oil to the assistant mechanic and generally made myself sort of useful. It was a great feeling to be back in a Navy Hangar doing flight line type of stuff, just like 30 years ago.
Turns complete, oily mess has leaked on the deck.
Gun Turret needs a seat with a crewman!
I passed oil and gathered empties
Just two car batteries to keep the electrical system working.
Oil everywhere!
Radial Engine. The Harley of the skies.
Navy Tow Tractor
Everybody stopped work to watch a piece of aviation history in motion.
The Owner is getting tired of waiting...
Finally on the Flightline!
What a great day. It was like being 19 years old, again. The Navy folks didn't talk to me but I know they were wondering who I really was. (Running back and forth with rags, wearing a very noticeable swiss watch and wearing old Raybans...) It was a great day for this old guy!
8 comments:
And I get the F-16? No fair!!!!!!!!
Awesome day you had on that beautiful machine!
Orpo;
They do need an AM Troubleshooter to repair the left brake hydraulic system. Sorry you are in California...
That's at HGR 117 at Jax unless I miss my guess...
Very close... Hangar 114, but we exited to the East side.
That's awesome LOOONG time!!!
What a MARVELOUS sound in the video! Great pics, too.
I am green...
Thanks Gene and Buck! I have been invited back next Monday.
Other things are happening. Maybe I can pull a big favor and beg a ride, but no holding of breath, ok? It's fun just to be near this piece of history.
I was close :-) I only spent 10 years at NAS Jax :-)
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