U-2 conversion thoughts

A friend reminded me, again, about the films of rookies landing U-2s and
not knowing to do with the rudder on roll-out or (in some cases) the need
keep the wings level as long as possible.

This reminded me that both are things all glider pilots understand and,
by extrapolation, to wonder why all U-2 candidates aren't converted to
gliders before getting their mitts on a U-2.

Its not as if the USAF doesn't already own gliders, though admittedly a
few DG-1000s would be better than ASK-21s for this task since they don't
have a nosewheel. Regardless, buying a few Twin Astirs or DGs would be
much cheaper than repairing even one ground-looped U-2.


--
martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. | Essex, UK
org |