Where Are They Now?Please feel free to post contact information here if you are looking for long lost friends or trying to find out what has happened to colleagues. Obituaries and condolences can be posted here too.
Location: It wasn't me, I wasn't there, wrong country ;-)
Age: 68
Posts: 1,763
I watched the landing in the old LGW Aero Club Went on to meet Neil at two NBAA functions, one at the Champlin Fighter Museum (RIP) along with "Torch" Lewis, then again in Atlanta at NBAA big bash. A quiet and dignified chap. I was privileged to have met him.
Total respect. When the computers started to fail and left the craft in a boulder field, he hand flew it (for the first time) to a safe landing with little fuel left.
if that and his ejection from the flying lunar module simulator at the last moment were not enough then listen to the tape of the failure that left the Gemini capsule spinning out of control; the man was one cool pilot.
Initially, Armstrong was a US Navy aviator who flew 78 combat missions over Korea from USS Essex.
I was a teenager living in the States when he made that first historic step and shared some of the nation's pride. RIP to a fine man who was literally out of this world.
The often very expressive "web comic" xkcd.com did a time-line showing the number of people still alive who've walked on another celestial body xkcd: 65 Years. Many of us are very disappointed that the curve peaked quickly and is just as quickly (in historical terms) declining to zero and likely to stay there forever. Asian plans perhaps may change that.
Check out the "Where are they now" thread. Jetblast isn't quite appropriate.
Thanks for that, but to be honest, is the "where are they now' thread appropriate.?
Armstrong was so significant in modern aviation that his death warrants his own sub forum to ensure everyone can see it and read it. Not that many people on PPRuNe read the 'where are they now thread'. I imagine that most Pilots between the ages of 45-60 would cite Armstrong as the primary inspiration and motivator to pursue a career in aviation.
Sad news indeed... to lighten the news and illustrate the man's patience and humility, a reminiscence from a friend - During an encounter with a young reporter at the Prestwick Airshow on Radio Clyde in the early 80s, part of the live interview went something like this. Reporter: "So Neil did you always fancy being a, erm, an Spaceman, errr Moon Walker, errrrr Cosmonaut errr......" Armstrong replies, slightly bemused but not thrown "You mean Astronaut?" Reporter.. "Yeah that was it"....
Please Click Here for a rare and recent 4 part interview with Commander Neil Armstrong, with CPA Australia’s CEO Alex Malley
Thanks to YBW for the link.
Neil Armstrong: 1930 - 2012 A message from Alex Malley, CEO, CPA Australia
"For an inspirational man who achieved so much in his life, it's his humility that I will always remember when interviewing him last year. He was testament to what can be achieved through vision and dedication. His legacy will live on forever. My sincere sympathies go out to Neil's family on this sad day."
It's not been a great week for armstrongs, hope bad news doesn't come in 3's. Maybe he could have been somewhat more energetic as an ambassador for space research? However perhaps he was just protecting himself from adverse psychological impact post the euphoria.
Could the death of Neil Armstrong despite the sadnes, makes us better in the world.
United States of America realizing the dream of all the world's children -the Moon- showed how their cause -Freedom in the whole world- was that of all mankind.
You Naval Aviators of the U.S. NAVY are the first title the heir of Neil Armstrong you well prepared among all of you, with your constant goal of perfection and humanity, to that Apollo mission who brought him to light.
I was a boy of age sixteen, when the moon landing took place. The landing on the moon created a reality to the whole space program, as the moon was visible without any technical help. I had no access to TV and was following a life report from a radio station. My father, then 61 years old told me, that no man would ever be able to walk on the moon and all was only a big hoax. I did not argue with my old man, the space program and the moon landing did strengthen my desire to become a pilot.
I often remember those moments, thank you Neil Armstrong for those memories.
Went on to meet Neil at two NBAA functions, one at the Champlin Fighter Museum (RIP) along with "Torch" Lewis, then again in Atlanta at NBAA big bash. A quiet and dignified chap. I was privileged to have met him.
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Neil Armstrong R.I.P. (A man who has given a dream to all world)
Thank you
