Starfighter Jock Posted June 22, 2017 Share Posted June 22, 2017 (edited) What can happen when you don't let rules and barriers stand in your way! http://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/that-time-a-marine-mechanic-took-a-joyride-in-a-stolen-a4m-skyhawk Edited June 22, 2017 by Starfighter Jock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Texan Posted June 22, 2017 Share Posted June 22, 2017 (edited) Man, that's an incredible story. In his case, crime did pay, and paid handsomely. If that had been me, I'd be in Leavenworth making little rocks out of big rocks for life. Edited June 22, 2017 by Big Texan Starfighter Jock and MikeMaben 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starfighter Jock Posted June 22, 2017 Author Share Posted June 22, 2017 Man, that's an incredible story. In his case, crime did pay, and paid handsomely. If that had be me, I'd be in Leavenworth making little rocks out of big rocks for life. The man was just not going take no for an answer and was determined to succeed. Big Texan 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martinnfb Posted June 22, 2017 Share Posted June 22, 2017 second that, he was young and lucky. What is admirable is the fact that he has such a fruitful career in civilian sector after serving time in military prison, that usually raises a red flag on your resume. Good for him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marauderdriver Posted June 23, 2017 Share Posted June 23, 2017 I did a little dig on Mr Foote, The story is similar to what went through my mind as an Air Force Brat. Dad Sr. and Oldest Brother Jr. Career USAF Pilots, Retired Colonel's When I got glasses in the 9th grade, I realized my "Flying Career" was over. I was processing for Delayed Enlistment USAF after Graduation.. Ended on a weight issue. Always in my mind have thought I'd be this NUTS, Not my style, but it's the thought that counts. " I've no problem with him "stealing" an A-4, because he weighed it out and said "It's Worth It". The USMC did what they did(never would have happen to me either} Took his punishment and became a TEST PILOT. I'm IMPRESSED!! Some other GOOD READS on there too!! Marines are Hilarious !! Jack Starfighter Jock 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted June 23, 2017 Share Posted June 23, 2017 Nice, the guy steals a military jet and gets hired by NASA, I had long hair in the "80's and couldn't even get a job at a fast food joint because of it.. WTF? Starfighter Jock 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyT Posted June 23, 2017 Share Posted June 23, 2017 (edited) It happens ( I wouldn't say all the time) but every now and then, From Hercs to Helicopters, sit down and prepare for a fascinating read........ http://www.pprune.org/military-aviation/355396-stolen-military-aircraft.html http://www.pprune.org/aviation-history-nostalgia/354300-night-57-squadron-lost-canberra.html Edited June 23, 2017 by TonyT Starfighter Jock 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLWP Posted June 23, 2017 Share Posted June 23, 2017 Nice, the guy steals a military jet and gets hired by NASA, I had long hair in the "80's and couldn't even get a job at a fast food joint because of it.. WTF? It's probably just me - I'd much prefer to see someone really, really dedicated to flying get a job with Nasa than have hair in my burger Richard Starfighter Jock 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starfighter Jock Posted June 23, 2017 Author Share Posted June 23, 2017 I do not admire the man for what he did, confiscating a military aircraft that he had no authorization or any right to do is as wrong as it gets, but I do admire is integrity, ingenuity and determination not to let the incident ruin his life. He brought the aircraft back and faced the music - Integrity. Came up with the scheme to get the aircraft off the ground and actually fly it - Ingenuity. Pursued joining the Air forces of other counties, got himself hired to be a test pilot and became a valued contractor to NASA against all the odds of that ever happening - Determination. Kirk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alaninaustria Posted June 23, 2017 Share Posted June 23, 2017 When I was younger we used to go to the Executive Flight Center in Calgary and enter the hanger - we knew the 4 digit code to get access. Inside were regular business jets and sometimes an F-5 or even a couple of Tutor jets... my buddy who was with me was also working on his commercial license... we knew where the lockers were with the pilots' helmets and flight gear. I had been in the left seat a few times of the Tutor and even got a taxi ride once while with the Air Cadets. My buddy and I looked at each other and had the same thoughts... who the hell would ever know - we don the gear, order fuelling and ask for the Tutor to be towed out and get a start cart - and file a flight plan for a couple of touch & gos at CYYC!! Taxi back in, shut down and walk away... it crossed our minds!! I don't want to think what might have happened!! Either during take off/landing or upon return... young minds get strange ideas!! Cheers Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted June 23, 2017 Share Posted June 23, 2017 (edited) It's probably just me - I'd much prefer to see someone really, really dedicated to flying get a job with Nasa than have hair in my burger Richard You are right, I should of just went out to hotwire and steal some cars when I was younger since I knew how to do it but for some dumb reason I chose not too. I guess I could have had a job at the GM proving grounds. I agree that having having hair in my food is gross. I recently ate at my favorite restaurant and that happened. Unfortunately it was a hair from the girl that served us so it didn't count. I told the manager that they should require servers to shave their heads to avoid such travesty but that didn't fly either. Edited June 23, 2017 by The Dude Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D Bellis Posted June 23, 2017 Share Posted June 23, 2017 Yep... he HAD INTEGRITY.... ...NOT ! Exactly. All he had going for him after joyriding that A-4 was a family with the political connections to keep him out of military prison, as well as the financial resources to pay for his civilian pilot training. Anyone with enough money can continue their civilian pilot training to include a "test pilot" rating. That does not necessarily mean that he's qualified to "test" anything more complicated than a freshly re-certified Cessna 150. Maybe he can, but that's not automatically an inclusive part of a "test pilot" rating. More importantly, he does NOT work for NASA, nor any other US government agency. His discharge status would almost guarantee disqualification from federal employment. Rather, he is a civilian contractor to JPL which is a department of CalTech that happens to be funded by NASA. Leaving out some of the facts does make for a better story, though. D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wunwinglow Posted June 23, 2017 Share Posted June 23, 2017 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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