Showing posts with label Spruce Goose. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spruce Goose. Show all posts

Monday, April 28, 2008

WWII Changed Our Aviation Language

Hi Readers: I ran across this in my notes during my present move to a new address - which is Standiford Place, 3420 Shawnee Dr., Apt 204, Modesto, CA. 95350
Here are some words of our aviation language, possibly more than familiar by now, sparked by WWII. The words developed mostly by necessity, maybe a time-saver, a quick look, a long glance, a link to the past, still a choice of the present - by love, anger, devotion, admiration, respect, and pride:
The Gooney bird, the Spruce Goose, it's a 2-winger, gimme 1/4 flaps, full bore, gimme ten, the Boxcar, 45 inches, gear down, Jimmy Doo, feather it!, and flaps coming up. Then there is Hap Arnold, head up your __, low pitch, flattop, Tokyo Rose, fly boy, ground-pounder, and Oh My GOD.
And you've heard of: Corn-cob engine, low-winger, plebe, 2-seater, hard landing, aviatrix, go-around, 4-seater, Tits Malloy, Rosie-the-Riveter, the skipper, the 'ole man, the black widow, "bubbles", and look at those boobs.
There were others, too: The Flying Wing, the Flying Tigers, the Hellcat, airhead, Kissin cousin, and geronimo. And then we had the CAP, the WACS, the Waves, the Wasps, and the WAFS. I'm sure you can think of others.
Thanks for listening. R.S.