[Long Cut]

Actually, every pilot who took the prototype for a ride when it visited the RAG last year loved it and could only ask, "WHEN?".

Us Aircrew are likewise excited about it. Don't get us wrong, we love the old ORION, but she's due for retirement before someone gets hurt. Sorry, but when you climb aboard and all you can smell on the bird is pi$$, vomit, hydro fluid, and kerosene, in that order, it's time to look at a new model.

[pabianice]

Actually, every pilot who took the prototype for a ride when it visited the RAG last year loved it and could only ask, "WHEN?". Us Aircrew are likewise excited about it. Don't get us wrong, we love the old ORION, but she's due for retirement before someone gets hurt. Sorry, but when you climb aboard and all you can smell on the bird is pi$$, vomit, hydro fluid, and kerosene, in that order, it's time to look at a new model.

No. When you climb aboard and all you can smell on the bird is pi$$, vomit, hydro fluid, and kerosene, in that order, it's time to look for a new commanding officer. For several years I flew on the SP-2H, which was then 30 years old, and our aircraft were kept clean.