I was reading a few comments on twitter about loving turbojets, and I was reminded about Kristina Narusk interviewing me on GrabCAD, and the question related to how did I get into design. The first thing that came to my mind was my father, who put me in the inlet of a P&W turbofan about to be installed on a Boeing 727. I was 3 years old and I didn’t want to get out. I never forgot it. In fact it drives me nuts. I love those things. So eventually I joined the USAF. (I was slated to join the USMC, but my family talked me into following the family business).
It’s funny to think back on it now. I was so happy as a child to climb into those things.
My first attempt to repeat the climb as an adult was a different story. Asking what the best best method to get into the exhaust section of an F-15 was would be met with vague references to gymnastics and yoga. “Gee, thanks sergeant”.
So, I reflected back on all the times I was pushed, shoved, shimmied and heaved into an engine, both fore and aft, during my enlistment… Did you know that even with tools you can fall asleep in there?
All the blood, sweat, and tears, Would I do it again?
Hell yes !!
I miss those pain in the ass planes.
