Strange eBay Find

[jride200]

Should we start pooling our money now? This, as a gift for the legend who kindly reminds us, "THE MORE THINGS CHANGE ... THE MORE THEY REMAIN THE SAME ..." He's getting up in years, perhaps a cane?

http://cgi.ebay.com/tailhook-from-A...ryZ40051QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Cordespc]

I'm really not sure if the black/white paint scheme was ever actually used, or if it is just decorative, but there are several of those things lining various walkways at NAS Pensacola.......wonder if one's missing?

 

[Catmando]

I'm really not sure if the black/white paint scheme was ever actually used, or if it is just decorative, but there are several of those things lining various walkways at NAS Pensacola.......wonder if one's missing?

As I recall, the black/white paint scheme was pretty common back in the day, although I don't know if all A-4 models had it.

Having one of those old tailhooks was not all that uncommon. With a little effort and a few $$, they were legitimately available. I knew several people who had one, and they made great change-of-command gifts, so it's no surprise one showing up on eBay. And I'll bet A4s might already have one.

 

[mules83]

I have my dad's A-4 tailhook with me. It's painted the same way. He said all you needed was a case of beer and a tailhook that was trapped out to get your hands on one. This was in the mid 80s at Barbers Point. I was able to have it as long as I agreed to keep it chained up at parties. Apparently it was 'borrowed' a few times in the past.

 

[nittany03]

Do any of the old salts know the reasoning behind the black/white scheme? I've noticed even when tailhooks are painted grey, they still have dark grey checks on them . . .

 

[Catmando]

Do any of the old salts know the reasoning behind the black/white scheme? I've noticed even when tailhooks are painted grey, they still have dark grey checks on them . . .

I'm only guessing here, but….. When it's "haze gray" at sea, even with binoculars it is difficult to for the LSO and Air Boss to confirm "hook down" from a distance in the haze. The binary black and white pattern shows up a little better in the grey sea and sky background.

But where is A4s when you really need him? He would definitely know.

For Mules: I think a case of beer might have been a pretty cheap buy… more like a case and a fifth.

Also, IIRC, the A-4 hook did not have a replaceable "shoe" like most other carrier aircraft. Therefore when it attained its allotted number of traps, the whole hook needed to be replaced, rather than just the hook shoe alone. So there was a large supply of those worn out tailhooks.

 

[TheBubba]

I'm really not sure if the black/white paint scheme was ever actually used...

The T-2 (which is about to go away) has the black and white paint scheme on the hook.

*Edit* If you look close enough at my avatar, you can kinda see it...

 

[Flash]

The T-2 (which is about to go away) has the black and white paint scheme on the hook.

Any word on what is going to replace it?

 

[TheBubba]

T-45. Not sure when though... rumor is within the next year or so. I know some of the simulator maintainers are talking about going to Meridian or Kingsville for training on the T-45 sims.

 

[Flash]

T-45. Not sure when though... rumor is within the next year or so. I know some of the simulator maintainers are talking about going to Meridian or Kingsville for training on the T-45 sims.

Good to hear that, they were talking about doing away with the T-2 stage totally or replacing it with T-6's . I am glad that common sense seems to have prevailed.

 

[JIMC5499]

What if it is A4s who is selling the hook? Limes are getting pricey.

 

[phrogpilot73]

I think A4's has another job... I ducked out of my afternoon meetings early (they were killing me), and headed up to the airport, giving me time to check out the New England Air Museum. Being that it's Hartford, CT - I thought it would suck, but it was actually very well done. Saw the immaculate A4 on display, and had to take a picture (even if it was a camera phone). Then I noticed A4's staring down at me... Looks like he's semi-enjoying retirement in his favorite airplane.

 

[FastMover]

Wow, that's a nice looking bird! I've got a model of VA-153 NL302 in my collection. Cool paint scheme.

 

[phrogpilot73]

Wow, that's a nice looking bird! I've got a model of VA-153 NL302 in my collection. Cool paint scheme.

Let's just say that the camera phone doesn't do it justice... It was... simply... gorgeous... And I hate all things fixed wing. That should say something about just how well done this aviation museum in small town Connecticut really was...

 

[HAL Pilot]

And I hate all things fixed wing. ...

And yet, you once asked me about fixed wing flying jobs in Hawaii......