[19th LA Inf]

An odd feature of the early 104 was a downward-firing ejection seat. I think this was done because it was thought that available seats would not clear the vertical fin. In event of engine failure on takeoff, it was necessary to roll upside down to get out! Ivan Kinchloe, a Korean war jet ace, was killed that way.

One of my memorable experiences was landing our company Cessna 337 on the big runway at Edwards AFB. After landing,I had to taxi to the end of the runway and hold for a NASA F-104 on final. This was in 1970 and I think it was one of the last ones flying in this country (might be the one displayed in the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum). It was carrying a great deal of power all the way to touchdown, the sound was deafening and unforgettable. The only other one I ever saw was a flyby at an airshow in 1956, so they were operational then.

[Squawk 8888]

The Canadian variant, built by Canadair, had an upward-firing ejection seat. When briefing visiting American pilots, they had to point this out and warn them NOT to roll before bailing out.

[mowowie]

Great story.
I love that stuff.