 | TSN 1972 - ready for a mission. Full of fuel - Note from Michael Rea: "I remember this mission in 1972. Bladder bird, carrying I think 10,000 gallons to Pleiku . We took off from TSN full and planning to land at Pleiku at MAX Landing Weight. Before takeoff I had one word from ALCE, "beware Captain" you will land at maximum landing weight. I had never done that before! On final at Pleiku, I felt the plane sinking: added power, added power, added power, just made the threshold. Wow! On the second trip that afternoon, I was ready and kept power on final to touchdown. Easy. Fun flying. Loved it. Good old days." |