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Author
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Topic: Space shuttle flown around D.C. in early 1980s
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stsmithva
Member Posts: 1933
From: Fairfax, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 12-11-2008 11:35 AM
   
I've looked online, but can't find any reference to something I hazily remember not getting to see when I was in elementary school. Was one of the space shuttles flown (on its 747, of course) around Washington, DC sometime in the early 1980s, pretty much just to show it off? Could this have been Enterprise on its way to storage at Dulles? If so, are there photos taken from the ground available online? |
thump
Member Posts: 575
From: washington dc usa
Registered: May 2004
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posted 12-11-2008 11:47 AM
In 1985, when Enterprise was delivered to NASM, the SCA and Enterprise, flew from Florida to DC, and at the time, I lived in Virginia Beach. Each "large" city, that they flew over, if my memory holds, the pair would circle. In Virginia Beach they flew over Interstate 44 and 64, and were scheduled for one lap, but because of a tailwind they were ahead of schedule so they flew 2 laps instead. I worked next to Interstate 44, so had an awesome view at the time but did not have my camera.I recall somewhere seeing a picture of the pair with the Washington Monument in the background, but cannot locate it... |
ilbasso
Member Posts: 1522
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 12-11-2008 12:31 PM
They flew it around the Beltway in DC. I was sooooo mad...was in a mandatory meeting that ran half an hour late and I just missed seeing the flyover by 5 minutes!!For several years after it arrived at Dulles, Enterprise was just sitting on the tarmac off in one remote area between the southern ends of the runways. You could occasionally see it out your plane window if your plane taxied that far south on runway 1L/19R. |
stsmithva
Member Posts: 1933
From: Fairfax, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 12-11-2008 02:32 PM
Thanks for those details — they sure answered my question. Can't believe I missed it! What kind of adolescent space geek was I?!?Even with all the key words provided, I still can't find any photos of the event. Huh. |
space4u
Member Posts: 323
From: Cleveland, OH USA
Registered: Aug 2006
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posted 12-11-2008 04:09 PM
Yes I was living in Richmond, VA at the time and remember seeing it pass overhead. Awesome sight! I moved to Richmond in June of 1985 so when exactly did Enterprise make this trip? |
thump
Member Posts: 575
From: washington dc usa
Registered: May 2004
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posted 12-11-2008 04:44 PM
November 18, 1985 |
OV-105
Member Posts: 816
From: Ridgecrest, CA
Registered: Sep 2000
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posted 12-11-2008 06:52 PM
Enterprise/905 did a D.C. fly over also in 1983 or 1984 on the way back after the Pairs Air Show. There was a nice shot of it flying over the Washington Monument. |
webhamster
Member Posts: 106
From: Ottawa, Canada
Registered: Jul 2008
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posted 12-11-2008 11:13 PM
I have a vague memory of my dad pointing it out to me on our annual March Break trip to Florida around 1983 or 1984 sometime. Our flight from Montreal to Miami had a stopover either at Dulles or BWI (I can't remember for sure but I think it was Dulles). We were taxiing on the field when he pointed it out, so maybe it was Dulles. |
AstronautBrian
Member Posts: 287
From: Louisiana
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 12-12-2008 10:42 PM
My dad told me that he remembers the 747 carrying Enterprise flew a couple of circles over Baton Rouge, LA. before landing in New Orleans to go on display at the 1984 Worlds Fair. I don't remember seeing it over Baton Rouge myself, but I do remember it at the fair. |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 12-13-2008 04:36 PM
I do remember seeing a nice photo of the 747/shuttle. I did a search through the internet for it, but haven't found it yet. |
APG85
Member Posts: 306
From:
Registered: Jan 2008
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posted 12-19-2008 05:36 AM
Have patience. In a few years, when they deliver an operational Shuttle to Dulles, you'll get a chance to see it again...  |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 12-21-2008 03:33 AM
I'm waiting to see it flying in front of Mt. Rainier! |
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