Open Cockpit Day at The Aerospace Museum of California

February 6

Open Cockpit Day for the Aerospace Museum of California was fabulous! I showed off the T-33 by inviting kids and adults to stand on the wing root and view the cockpit. This is what I told them:

The T-33 was the first military jet trainer. This particular model was built in 1953. If you take a look at the P-80 Shooting Star, you will notice that the T-33 is basically a stretched P-80. The fuselage was stretched to accomodate a tandem-riding flight instructor in the rear. In case of an emergency, the pilots could eject from the aircraft if necessary. (Then I'd point to the air-intake on the empennage) This is the air intake. The jet engine required air for it to function properly. When the engine sucked in air, this hinged panel would open allowing the air in. (Then I'd point at the fuel tanks) These are external wing tip fuel tanks. They hold 230 gallons of fuel. That may seem a lot, but it didn't last long.