tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848437078181345610.post7774905121138182541..comments2024-03-08T16:42:41.614-08:00Comments on Tailhook Topics: Trader and TracerTailspinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837863895661437038noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848437078181345610.post-81176647427436147742017-07-05T14:10:29.965-07:002017-07-05T14:10:29.965-07:00I spent two Med cruises (77-78 and 78-79) flying a...I spent two Med cruises (77-78 and 78-79) flying as an aircrewman in Saratoga's C-1A (BuN 136759). When not flying, I was also an engine mechanic. I have a few photos that may be useful to you. These are as this aircraft operated during that time period and through 1980.<br /><br />Our C-1A had life rafts in both nacelles. They were supposed to deploy automatically if the plane ditches. There is a water activated switch recessed in the belly. It worked... When not deployed, we operated out of NS Mayport's airfield. In the spring of 1979, an AT2 was taking a break and relaxing in the shade under the fuselage. Noticing the switch orifice, he shoved a small screwdriver blade into it. The screwdriver shorted the switch. We heard two loud pops followed by the sound of the raft doors falling to the concrete ramp. I ran out of the hanger in time to see both rafts inflating... It took two weeks to get the rafts recertified and reinstalled, while we repaired the damage to the somewhat bent doors.<br /><br />Here's the links to the photo locations on Mediafire.<br />http://www.mediafire.com/view/43tem31scc6v51r/C-1A2-136759.jpg<br />http://www.mediafire.com/view/452u23dziqrw75t/C-1A136759.jpg<br />http://www.mediafire.com/view/kcgoma7p4pl73ag/COD-60-1978.jpg<br />http://www.mediafire.com/view/sxr30j74ooz0s3r/Cod60-136759.jpg<br /><br /><br />Corey C. Jordanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05398274333801271237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5848437078181345610.post-5753493260614717482010-11-08T13:16:36.749-08:002010-11-08T13:16:36.749-08:00I still refer to your old Update article on the Wi...I still refer to your old Update article on the Willy Fudd once in a while when I think of trying out this conversion. Nice to see some new illustrations.Garynoreply@blogger.com