Normal mission flight, everything went fine. When they went in to land, thought they'd do a few touch-and-go's (gotta keep the practice up) before they called it a night.

They couldn't get a confirmation that the front nose gear (landing gear) was down and locked. Flew around for about 5 more hours trying to get a confirmation that it was down. Did the old hand crank job, but still couldn't get a confirmation.

Said that they landed OKAY, but that there were fire crews and medics all around just in case. Talk about the white knuckle ride. Of course me being the smarta$$ that I am, asked him if there was anyone on his crew that could pull a hair out of their butt yet. He just laughed, but never said yes. Twas a close call. I cannot imagine not knowing. Had to work an additional 6-8 hours after that fixing the problem. Gawd, they all must be tired! Only to do it again in a few more hours!

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2002

Answers

ack

-- Anonymous, February 03, 2002

During my dating-a-skydiver era, I often went up in the plane, fully kitted out but not jumping unless absolutely necessary, thankyouverymuch. Anyway, one day, over the rice fields of Stuttgart, Arkansas (mebs?), something went wrong after the jumpers exited and it was time to land. Can't remember what it was but the pilot couldn't put the plane down. It only took about fifteen minutes before whatever it was righted itself--nothing like the HOURS your hubby suffered through--and this was a prop, not a jet. Anyway, I can multiply the, um, queasy stomach to imagine what the crew was feeling. Not at all pleasant. I'm SO glad the situation turned out well.

-- Anonymous, February 03, 2002

sorry to hear of this..me...I would have needed a DIAPER!!!!!

-- Anonymous, February 03, 2002

I almost needed a diaper, just reading about it! WHEW, is right!! So glad everything turned out OK.

-- Anonymous, February 03, 2002