John Young RIP

[Shadowcaster]

Another giant has passed away.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-42592057

Rich

[FlexibleFlier]

It was said that his heart rate actually went down during the first launch of the Space Shuttle; presumably all the others as well.

The story is told - but I cannot confirm - that during a press conference shortly before the first launch a young reporter (looking to make a name for himself) pushed hard on John's reputation for having the most "right stuff", asking somewhat sarcastically if he wasn't really afraid. In the version I heard about, John answered, in his slow Southern drawl: Son, if you're sitting on top of 7.5 million pounds of thrust, looking at all those dials and gauges and you're not scared, you don't understand the problem.

Apocryphal or not these have the ring of truth about this great aviator.

[ftldave]

I will always remember watching John Young and Gus Grissom make the Gemini 3 flight. True heroes.

[ozzy72]

What a remarkable career. A true legend.

[Shadowcaster]

Son, if you're sitting on top of 7.5 million pounds of thrust, looking at all those dials and gauges and you're not scared, you don't understand the problem.

Apocryphal or not these have the ring of truth about this great aviator.

I'd say your right, I heard him say or something very similar on a documentary, annoyingly I can't remember which one.

Cheers
Rich

[Apex]

To be among those who have walked on the moon. . . RIP.