posted April 20, 2006 04:42 PM               

Regards,

posted April 20, 2006 07:03 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Rick Boos:
I think it would be neat if everybody that knew Scotty or at least met him would share their memories in this thread.

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The last time was at Mojave, for Mike Melvill's second flight of SpaceShipOne. I was standing right next to him as we watched the whole event from takeoff to landing. To watch a suborbital spaceflight with a guy who had flown the first winged craft capable of making such a flight was very special. He was one of the very few who immediately spotted that something was up with stability during Mike's flight. Melvill landed, walked over and shook hands with him (I posted some photos on a thread here somewhere of that) and it was wonderful to witness.

Those of you who have seen footage of Crossfield flying the Wright Flyer replica just a couple of years ago know he was test piloting risky stuff right up to the end. Today is a real tragedy, but it may be some small consolation that he died doing what he loved, with a long, full life and legacy behind him.

FF

posted April 20, 2006 08:08 PM               

I drove by Scott Crossfields home on the way home and took this last tribute shot of a legend so all could see his proudest tribute... the school named for him. Just past the school sign in my picture is the street sign where he lived directly across the street. I am pretty sure he would have approved for all to know the thing he is most proud of! His home is across the street from this modern school on a hill overlooking the school here in Fairfax! Like Buzz, he was so very proud of this tribute!!

posted April 20, 2006 09:37 PM               

Rest in Peace in the heavens Mr. Crossfield.

posted April 21, 2006 08:25 AM            

I monitored the news stories yetserday hoping for a better ending but not this tragic and ironic end to a trail blazer.

X-15 marks the spot

posted April 21, 2006 09:16 AM               

A true gentlemen and American hero.

Looks like he died doing what he loved.

Goodspeed Scott Crossfield!

posted April 21, 2006 09:49 AM               

I had my photo taken with him, and had it enlarged, and he graciously signed it. It is one of my favorite photos.

He also put a great inscription in my copy of his book, Always Another Dawn.

For those of you who never have mementos (photos, books, etc) inscribed, I question your decision. For me the memory is enhanced. And maybe someday, my kids, or grandkids, or maybe great grandkids, might say. . . "Wow, Grandpa met . . ., or that's a picture of Grandpa with . . . ."

And even I am in awe, "That's me with Scott Crossfield."

I was very sad yesterday in hearing the news, and am still sad today, but I have fond memories. We lost a great test pilot and a true gentleman.

Garry

posted April 21, 2006 11:24 AM               

Anyway, here is my small collection of Crossfield items.

posted April 21, 2006 12:21 PM               

Inside: two photographs previously signed by Bob White and now completed by Scott Crossfield. Postmarked somewhere in the US on 30 March 2006.

Crossfield has always been more than nice with autograph collectors, always sending some good wishes with the items he signed for us.

May he rest in peace, and enjoy many more flights in Heavenly vessels up there.

posted April 21, 2006 12:41 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by mjanovec:
Here's an idea for those of us that were lucky enough to get a photo signed by Crossfield.

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Jim

posted April 21, 2006 02:20 PM               

Dear Mr. Horne:
Your very cordial letter was greatly appreciated. Don't worry about me I am almost back to wet rawhide stage. I did have a bout with mother Nature and won the decision but got beat up pretty badly. I am almost good as new now
General Ascani is truly a gentleman and a fine officer. We have known each other for many years. I learned a lot from him.
Take care and Cheers.

Scott Crossfield

Godspeed Scotty. As another test pilot said to me "Our test pilot community has lost a great one!".

posted April 21, 2006 06:11 PM               

But most notable I think, was last April when I took Bob White to the Sun n Fun Fly In in Lakeland, Florida. I had just "re"nominated Bob for the National Aviation HOF (without hashing previous threads lets just say it must've been a HUGE oversight that he's not in), and I had mentioned to Bob that Scotty went to SnF annually. He got excited and asked about going so (a no brainer) I offered to take him.

We did and thanks to Bill O'Donnell's scavening we got a gold cart. The chase and hunt was on to find Scotty! We did, and you should have seen Scotty light up seeing Bob - they hadn't seen each other in a while.

Those two codgers just sat and had a grand old chat. It was something to be in this presence and just watch - and feel the aura. Imagine! Crossfield and White! Together! Oh MAN the history!!

Then Bob waves me over (Bill, Don Brady and I respectfully stood a short distance away) and asks me to share with Scotty what the renomination package for the NAHF was I submitted. Scotty looked at me and said "Al, I just always assumed he was in, it's a great error on MY part how can I help"?

And in all fairness, when Bob retired from the USAFE he stayed in Germany for quite a few years and lets just say, fell below the radar.

But Scotty took it as a personal project to assist, and asked me to mail him a hard copy. He would email and called a few times, discussing it, and of course the rest is history.

But watching them shake hands as Scotty had to go to an appearance, I saw genuine warmth between the two, and much mutual respect. All sincere.

As for Bob and the NAHF, the rest is history - he got in this year.

During one phone call, Scotty told me how ashamed he was that Bob was overlooked. It really hit him! Can you imagine abother test pilot of that era, doing the same? Hardly.

As I mentioned elsewhere, the world has lost an icon, and I have lost yet another hero and friend.

posted April 22, 2006 06:15 AM               

we will miss him