Now THIS is a Flight

November 3, 2009 Aerospace

A civilian, riding shotgun in a military craft, accidentally pulled the ejection handle.

8 comments

8 comments

  1. ame says:
    November 3, 2009 at 13:30

    wow … he’ll never forget that ride!

    Reply
  2. ame says:
    November 3, 2009 at 13:31

    did the pilot then land the plane (i’m guessing he did) … guessing that would be difficult?

    Reply
  3. ReconsDad says:
    November 3, 2009 at 13:34

    @Ame
    Yep…he managed to land it. His aviation career is probably over, however. If the civilian was not authorized to be in that plane, the pilot will be in some very hot water. Very bad juju on the part of the pilot.

    Reply
  4. ame says:
    November 3, 2009 at 14:12

    i was wondering about whether or not the pilot would have authorization to carry a civilian in his aircraft – is that common? cause i would think that is a big no-no.

    and, as we WELL know … some no-no’s we do in life will never be seen by others … and some, well, will be as visible as fireworks on a very dark night

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  5. ame says:
    November 3, 2009 at 14:13

    also, just curious … how difficult would it be to land a plane where the passenger has ejected? wouldn’t that leave the hood open, or something like that? air pressure issues?

    Reply
  6. ReconsDad says:
    November 3, 2009 at 14:15

    @Ame
    It’s not uncommon for the military to allow civilians rides in fighter jets and bombers. (For example, when the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds come into town, they often get a local reporter to fly backseat.)

    However, those require approval and they typically require a civilian to get a physical exam, and get provided an orientation regarding certain procedures.

    Reply
  7. ReconsDad says:
    November 3, 2009 at 14:27

    @Ame
    It depends on the airplane. In this case, landing a turboprop–after the ejection–may very well have been difficult.

    With most fighter jets, when there is an ejection, both of the crew will have ejected.

    Reply
  8. noseintheair says:
    November 3, 2009 at 21:31

    There is a jet ride down in the florida keys — it is insanely expensive, something like 5,000 bucks for 20 minutes — where they take you up in a MiG. Not that I would eject, or anything.

    Reply

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