Back when the Air Force was not PC, we had ADC, and pilots who had fun flying, I remember a couple of "low flying" situations.
In those days we would go to Yuma Air Base (later Vincent AFB) before it became MCAS Yuma.
Not too far from Yuma is the All American Canal, the Colorado River and other canals.
Our pilots very much enjoyed flying low, following the canals or river. Some would even fly down the big, concrete canal, dropping under the rim level.
It was also common for fighters to fly below the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Whilst at The SCAB, we would get periodic visits from the (self-proclaimed) oldest First Lieutenant in the Air Force.
He always flew a B-25, and was always alone.
He always parked in the 13th FIS area. He had a friend in the squadron who would loan him his car.
One time he requested a Gear Check from the tower to make sure all three were down and locked.
He went by the tower, but was too high for the civilian controller.
He was asked if he could bring it down a bit and they would check.
So, he pulled the gear up, pushed the throttles forward and went right in front of the tower greenhouse.
Then he dropped the gear, went around and landed.
Maybe that is one of the reasons he was the oldest Silver Bar in the Air Force.
Some of us met his parents on a TDY to Malmstrom. They owned a bar and grill in the town of Coulee, not far from Great Falls.
No, there was no complaint filed and he never had any problems because of his "Gear Check".
Jim Too
?
