Well-worn Irvin

[MikeyB-17]

Whilst trawling the net, as it were, for pics of test pilots, I came across this one of Canadian test pilot Bill Waterton in his very well-worn Irvin. If only it could talk indeed!

 

[B-Man2]

He looks like he still has a few barrel rolls , loops and Immelmanns left in him in that photo.

 

[Roughwear]

His early Irvin had developed a wonderful patina!

 

[Pilot]

so did the wearer...

 

[Roughwear]

Very true!

 

[MikeyB-17]

Bill was one Hell of a man, fighter pilot during the War, shot down and badly injured over Dunkirk, then became an instructor. After the War he became a test pilot, and was involved with early jets and speed records. he got the George Medal for staying with a Gloster Javelin which lost its elevators, and was sacked for his unspoken criticism of the aircraft, which he considered unsafe. Never read the Daily Mail as a rule, but this gives you some idea:-
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...sh-jet-test-pilots-revolutionised-flight.html

 

[Pilot]

so did the wearer...but respect from all of us.

 

[CBI]

super jacket and MAN!!!!

 

[dujardin]

the man and the jacket

cool photo