The Greatest Aircraft Ever

**Derf** · 2012-04-01, 01:35 PM

I dedicate this post to our friend Tim. He is one of the very few to realize when in the presence of Greatness an Never failed to show those around him the greatness that has gone unnoticed.

Yes... We talk of the Sherpa! Aka also know as a Shorts when in disguise

Last October when Travolta had his 707 in for Pan Am, This Sherpa pulls up right next to the AAM

We watch as the most awesome plane that anyone had ever see slowly start to shut down as if it was just teasing us. All I can think of the entire time is how Tim is going to go NUTS when he hears about this!! I dial Tim like 5 times on my cell but no answer. I had Manny next to me and he was just as Jaw Dropped a me. After the shutdown the Pilot comes right over to us....

Pilot: How are you two really cool dudes doing today
Manny: Good Evening
Pilot: (looking down at the cameras) Ya here taking pictures of that 707 over there?
Me: Until you pulled up...your aircraft is awesome... screw the 707...this is a real airplane
Pilot: (looking at me if I am on drugs) We go ahead, Climb up and take pictures!
Manny: Thats right B!tches (or it may have been thank you.... I am not sure)
and we all go up to the flight deck.

After Manny and I got out of the aircraft we stood there for about 15 minutes in complete silence. We stood there in
complete awe and could not put any of our feeling into words. The captain motioned to us that he was going to start
up the aircraft and then depart. I struggled to get my tripod in place to take at least one good shot as all the other shots were handheld at like 1600iso or higher. I got the camera in place and took this shot.

We walked along the 707 and listened to the Sherpa....cough...Shorts spool up. Walking along I could not help but feel
Patriotic and safe knowing how fast they can make this a military variant if necessary in hours. As he broke ground I turned
back and watched Manny give it a wave goodby as if to wave at a child leaving for a long camp trip or something. It
was very moving...but then again every time I am on the ramp with a Sherpa, it is Very moving.

Anyway I just thought you guys wanted to know of my best 1hr ever on an airport ramp. Thank You Pet Airways for
keeping this legend local!!!

**lijk604** · 2012-04-01, 01:39 PM

Fred, that is such a moving story. I'm in tears that I missed this.

**megatop412** · 2012-04-01, 08:27 PM

Fred there was a lot of emotion in that story, but it was apt!!! Look at that flight deck- steam gauges galore!

**Zee71** · 2012-04-01, 11:24 PM

A couple from me

**Big Tim #70** · 2012-04-02, 08:53 AM

I can't believe I missed that (maybe) 10,000X in a lifetime shot!

The Blues are cool, the T-Birds do their thing, but only those that finish at the top of their class @ the Academy garnish the PRIVILIDGE to fly the Sherpa. Would have loved to be there to see them go with a sick High G turnout. Next time... I hope...

The ACC devestated the Airshow community in 2012 by disbanding all but the F22 Demo Team. I heard grumblings, only rumorville @ this point, that there is talk of bringing the SHERPA DEMO team to the 2013 Airshow season. I'm thinking a 6 ship team is the way to go! Capt McWherter is in the running to fly lead. He stated, "I've been flying the lead Blue Jet for almost 4 years, I'm ready to step up to something that can really turn & burn". Very exciting if you ask me!

SHERPA DEMO TEAM 2013!

1 word, Epic!

Write your congressman today!

**gonzalu** · 2012-04-02, 12:25 PM

I just shed a tear :P Thanks for the reminder, Fred! I have still not edited those pictures !

**steve1840** · 2012-04-02, 03:12 PM

I must say that after reading this, that no experience i have ever had on an airport ramp.....not even being left unsupervised on an active naval facility ramp at night surrounded by beautiful birds...can compare to that story. Thank you for sharing such a memorable and emotional experience with us Fred. I hope that someday...MAYBE....i can experience something as truely awesome as that.

**rkfast** · 2012-04-02, 04:32 PM

Here I was thinking I would click to a tribute to the Tomcat or to the 747...but instead I get a special treat.

I was next to Chris S. and Joe during the time Travolta's POS old tin can was leaking who knows what all over the ramp. Suddenly, Chris cried out and that gorgeous Sherpa rotated right in front of us.

Greatest moment of my life.....

**moose135** · 2012-04-02, 04:37 PM

I think Fred spent too much time out in the rain last night...

**Derf** · 2012-04-02, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by rkfast

Here I was thinking I would click to a tribute to the Tomcat or to the 747...but instead I get a special treat.

I was next to Chris S. and Joe during the time Travolta's POS old tin can was leaking who knows what all over the ramp. Suddenly, Chris cried out and that gorgeous Sherpa rotated right in front of us.

Greatest moment of my life.....

Truly a man with Great Taste....glad your one of us!

Thank you for all wonderful reply's. Here is a link to what is suppose to be the last year's Demo for the Sherpa...DO NOT MISS THIS!!!!

EPIC!

**steve1840** · 2012-04-02, 10:26 PM

Can't wait to see the entire formation pulling vapor at NAS Oceana!

**Spunker** · 2012-04-03, 09:08 AM

Hey derf, thanks for posting this, very enjoyable. I used to work for Henson Airlines back in the day when we had a bunch of the 330's. I loved this plane and enjoyed my many flights on it. We called it the "Piggie" because of it's long snout.
Gene

**Derf** · 2012-04-03, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by Spunker

Hey derf, thanks for posting this, very enjoyable. I used to work for Henson Airlines back in the day when we had a bunch of the 330's. I loved this plane and enjoyed my many flights on it. We called it the "Piggie" because of it's long snout.
Gene

You do not have to sell me after witnessing the full burner takeoff of one last year at RI!