Because of Gary's temporary Inactive Duty status, the AirBike Formation Flyers have been searching for a replacement member.  The following letter was sent to the other wingman and ground support crew for consideration of just such a replacement.  Perhaps the members of this board could once again rise to the challenge of offering their insight and "out of the box" thinking to provide assistance.

The photos below show the ABFF team demonstrating their "Missing Man Formation" and identifies what could be our new formation "point" plane to substitute for Gary until he flies with us again.  He is known as Air-Dog.

I believe, however, that this is actually an "Air-Dale".  He may have toe webbing to help increase his "bite" in the air, especially during climb-out. It has been reported that he can really dig in and go.  Most likely the dog-paddle will work as well in air as water but that is to be determined after testing and FAA certification. Perhaps Brent can assist with the FAA "paperwork" used in training.  Because his certification and training is incomplete, Air-Dog stays outdoors, his nickname is "Puddles".  

I think this is the original breed of taildraggers so identified when they raise their rear landing gear, who knows?. Most likely only the male Air-Dogs can make aircraft carrier landings because the females don't have an extendable hook to catch an arresting cable. There probably would be some pain associated with this mission capability.  Perhaps the pooling of liquid assets upon catching the cable would need to be addressed.  Additionally an excessive number of carrier landings may even cause more than a tail to drag.

With the addition of displayed camouflage outerwear Air-Dog could serve in the Utility Category for reconnaissance imaging when fitted with a white cane (seeing-eye) to do an assessment of our bombing runs. Considering that, we may want to control his diet because Air-Dogs are known for dropping bombs that have considerable hang time.

The goggles and cap are just the right accessories to keep him looking good upon landing and fending off all those red-haired nurses who would rush at him, a situation so common with WW I pilots (a tough job but someone has to do it).  Putting a silk scarf on him and leather booties would complete the outfit but consideration needs to be taken to avoid increasing the drag effect .

Give me your thoughts on incorporating this new guy into our outfit.

AirBike Ace

Missing- Man Smokin' Fly-by photo--Mike Rodriguez
Air-Dog photo--Included with  his resume

Well, that is some story! I think I'll go fetch a cold one and think about this.....

Not to be a heel, but I think dogs are better hunters than aviators. I beg you to think of the havoc a rabbit on the ground could cause on a tight formation flight if a dog was leading the pack... I mean,... aircraft. :o

I have known many dogs who would suddenly lie down and roll over when you got near them. Is that a good wingman quality? I don't think so. :(

Paul, I have great respect for you, but felt I had to speak out about this and not sit idly by. Something isn't right here, it's a feeling I can't shake. However, there may be an alternative. :)

Have you considered this candidate?  8) 8) 8)

  



    

P.S.

How many of you ran your cursor over those blue words, thinking they were a link to a website?

;D ;D ;D

  Do birddogs make better aviators. Sorry, sometimes I get so doggone confused. I will try not to hound you for an answer.

Cool costume,
Whats air-dog's wing loading like? If only I could run my plane on dogfood.

CPD

Very funny, very ingenious , picture and comments as well   ;D ;D ;D
Just make sure to stay away of the "afterburner"....

and stepping in the 'dump and burn'.....?

LOL!!! thats a good one Paul. You going to Boadhead before Oshkosh?
  Larry

Way to go ETLB board members, you have risen to the challenge again!  You are both a credible source of airplane technical information and exhibit a vast wealth of creative pun wordsmithing.  Everyone enjoys your clever responses.  

Man I like this flying stuff----and the interaction on this board.  Alan, thanks for creating and maintaining it.  We all contribute our bits of knowledge and skill to the benefit of everyone.

AirBike Ace

PS--Larry, I will be driving with three others this year and pulling a trailer with my plane in it.  Broadhead most likely will not be a stop.  Thanks for asking.