Speed Trap
In the days of the Northrop F-89 Scorpions, an Air Force pilot at an
interceptor squadron was driving to work one day when he got caught in a speed
trap on a road that ran very near to the end of the runway. He argued his case
with the local cops, but to no avail.
Steaming mad and more than a little frustrated, he stormed into Operations
demanding that an F-89 be readied for him immediately.
Firing up the engines, he taxied to the active runway and took off.
Shortly after getting airborne, he declared an emergency and reversed course
back to the field. Of course, being the good pilot that he was and ever-mindful
not to exceed the max landing weight of his Scorpion, and having a fuel dumping
system installed, he dumped his excess fuel... just as he reached the road near
the end of the runway.
The fuel-drenched cops packed up their radar and weren't seen anywhere near that
area again for a very long time.
Last updated: 12 August, 2004 09:32