Airplane stuff to do in Central Florida

[TSwezey]

Originally Posted by aparchment

The CCAFS Museum and the launch sites were open to the public when I was there a few years ago, and I just recommended the tour to a group of exchange students who are space nuts. They thoroughly enjoyed it.

The place is truly amazing and honestly quite emotional if you are a space history buff.

I was fortunate enough to meet some of the old timers who were there for Alan Shepard's launch. As the caretaker who had been present for the launch told stories of what happened that day, I could picture Von Braun standing there tensely awaiting the first real test of his vision, the guys huddled around their launch consoles and of course Shepard strapped to the top of a guided missile getting antsy to get on with things.

The Apollo 1 pad where Chaffee, White and Grissom died in January of 1967 is a somber memorial and reminder that people put their lives on the line to advance our knowledge and ultimately assure the survival of our species.

The tour bus that takes you out to the Mercury and Gemini pads also passes to area where the Challenger wreckage is entombed.

It's a fascinating place that is full of information about the early space program. Go take the tour.

I toured it back in June before the shuttle landing and is full of space history but would probably only take up a few hours. I got the USAF free tour.

[mburch]

Thanks to everybody who posted suggestions...

I am headed back to the coast tomorrow to see the CCAFS museum. From what I was able to gather, the museum has been closed to the public for some time, but you can still see the exhibits if you can get into the KSC bus tour (yes I did call ahead). I've been reading Gene Krantz's autobiography this week so it will be cool to see some of the sites he mentions.

The warbird place in Kissimmee is apparently out of business now, but the Valiant Air Command museum in Titusville is said to be worth the visit. I'll try to stop by there between dropping the girl off at the pill pusher convention and seeing the history of early spaceflight! Busy day.

Jeff... Although I may admit to being an expert on one or two things, airplane construction is not one! But thanks for the invite.

Paul... I am saving my Paul-favors for the next time I'm in Houston.

mcb

[frankh]

Originally Posted by Jeff R

How about helping a Jayhawk (KU graduate in 1978) do his canopy, since you are a recognized expert?!?!

And/or come to the EAA meeting at COI (Merritt Island) Wednesday evening.

I have a gal friend of mine (and a fellow engineer in my office) who grew up on Merritt Island..her dad worked on the shuttle too. Michelle will be the on my next aerobatic video..

Frank

[mburch]

Hey folks,

I put up a few photos from my trip here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/matt.burch/FloridaTrip2008#

cheers,
mcb

[Jeff R]

I loved your shirt in the first two photos! I need to get one of those. My screen saver is of Mario's "The Shot". KU fans totally know what I am talking about. I miss Lawrence.

KU Grad BSEE 1978