My Tour Of The Moose
05-15-2008, 09:23 PM
#1
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Joined APC: May 2006
Position: C-172
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My Tour Of The Moose
Something awful must have happened in the last day or two since my thread containing pictures taken of my C-17 tour has disappeared off cyberspace as if it never happened. This is a sign from above that I need to post them again. 
05-15-2008, 09:25 PM
#4
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Joined APC: May 2006
Position: C-172
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The Narrative
After years of watching the big C-17s fly over my house, I finally got a chance to meet one, up close and personal. We met our sponsor at the Visitor Center, and we were promptly issued a day pass. Typical of Seattle, it began to rain softly the entire time, but it certainly did not diminish the excitement.
I know the Moose is big, but it still came as a surprise to see exactly how big it was. It seemed to grow bigger as we approached and all doubts were permanently erased when we entered its belly. It is taller than it is wide – and it was plenty wide. We were told it could hold a lot of gas in its tanks. And the versatility is unmatched.
Next stop was the cockpit, which is reached by climbing some narrow and steep stairs. Today was not the day to try on my new stiletto heels. We got to sit in the seats and was given a quick lesson on what all the buttons and switches meant. If I was sure the security people were not going to arrest me, I would have started it up and taken it for a ride. Alas, I had to content myself with just “looking at pictures.”
Behind the cockpit and above the stairs are a couple of bunkbeds. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I was struggling mightily to hoist myself up, with one person pulling my arm and another pushing my fat butt. I was rewarded, however, with a wonderful view of the top of the plane and the outside after popping open the sun roof. You can’t do that in a 747!
Next we got to examine the tires. These guys are huge! They looked a little bald to me, but I was reassured they have plenty of life left. The entire landing gear system apparently is designed so it can land on a short runway. I think I needed more runway to land my little C-172, but that’s just me.
Sheltering under one enormous wing, we watched the activity on the tarmac and runway. There was a fully loaded 757 getting ready to take troops somewhere. Then there was an F-16 that took off and must have known he had an audience for he put on a show. Before long, another C-17 was coming back for lunch (see last pic).
Everyone on the forum knows that I have a special thing for the F-18, but after today, looks like the Hornet’s got some competition. All in all, a very good and informative day. If you are lucky enough to get such a tour, you should definitely do it. Now that’s my free legal advice of the day!
I know the Moose is big, but it still came as a surprise to see exactly how big it was. It seemed to grow bigger as we approached and all doubts were permanently erased when we entered its belly. It is taller than it is wide – and it was plenty wide. We were told it could hold a lot of gas in its tanks. And the versatility is unmatched.
Next stop was the cockpit, which is reached by climbing some narrow and steep stairs. Today was not the day to try on my new stiletto heels. We got to sit in the seats and was given a quick lesson on what all the buttons and switches meant. If I was sure the security people were not going to arrest me, I would have started it up and taken it for a ride. Alas, I had to content myself with just “looking at pictures.”
Behind the cockpit and above the stairs are a couple of bunkbeds. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I was struggling mightily to hoist myself up, with one person pulling my arm and another pushing my fat butt. I was rewarded, however, with a wonderful view of the top of the plane and the outside after popping open the sun roof. You can’t do that in a 747!
Next we got to examine the tires. These guys are huge! They looked a little bald to me, but I was reassured they have plenty of life left. The entire landing gear system apparently is designed so it can land on a short runway. I think I needed more runway to land my little C-172, but that’s just me.
Sheltering under one enormous wing, we watched the activity on the tarmac and runway. There was a fully loaded 757 getting ready to take troops somewhere. Then there was an F-16 that took off and must have known he had an audience for he put on a show. Before long, another C-17 was coming back for lunch (see last pic).
Everyone on the forum knows that I have a special thing for the F-18, but after today, looks like the Hornet’s got some competition. All in all, a very good and informative day. If you are lucky enough to get such a tour, you should definitely do it. Now that’s my free legal advice of the day!
05-16-2008, 12:24 PM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2007
Position: 767 FO
Posts: 842
Vagabond. I'm glad you got a close look at the airplane. It's always great when we can show off our airplanes to interested folks. I've ridden in the back end four times and got to jump seat up front back home once once and the C-17 is a very impressive bird. The big cargo bay is very nice on long trips when you can lay out a sleeping bag and snooze. You can't do that on a 747 either
06-25-2008, 03:10 PM
#9
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Joined APC: Jul 2007
Position: C-17 bunk/in the kiddie pool
Posts: 216
Originally Posted by Liftr
The weather looks just like I remember, but; there used to be real airplanes based there!
06-25-2008, 03:12 PM
#10
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Position: C-17 bunk/in the kiddie pool
Posts: 216
Ah how I miss the green tail! Vagabond, I am glad you got the tour, it is a great aircraft! I miss the rainy northwest, I would love going to the Ram down on the waterfront right about now.
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