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Author
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Topic: Scott Crossfield (1921-2006) (WAS: Crossfield missing)
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MICHAEL CLEMENTE
unregistered
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posted 04-20-2006 04:18 PM
 
Another great void in Aviation history. A true hero and legend. He will be greatly missed. God speed Scott. |
Mike Isbell
Member Posts: 551
From: Silver Spring, Maryland USA
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 04-20-2006 04:19 PM
I met met Scott Crossfied in April 2002 in Crystal City, Virginia when he was part of a panel at the annual Civil Air Patrol event. The panal discussion was about commercial passengers flying into space - Dennis Tito had made the first such flight the previous year. During a brief chat that I had with Mr. Crossfield after the presentation, he told me that just being able to see the earth as a round planet out the window and to view multiple nations at one time would be more than worth the cost of a ticket to ride into orbit. |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 04-20-2006 04:42 PM
Another hero lost. Rest in Peace.Regards, Rick. |
767FO
Member Posts: 269
From: Boca Raton, FL
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 04-20-2006 04:54 PM
I wrote to Crossfield a couple of years back sending him the enclosed photo and asking if he wouldn't mind signing it for me. I told him to inscribe it any way he wished and the result was as follows. Needless to say I was touched by his inscription and greatly saddened today with his passing.  |
astroborg
Member Posts: 200
From: Woodbridge, VA, USA
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 04-20-2006 05:01 PM
. |
HappyProudThrilled
New Member Posts:
From:
Registered:
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posted 04-20-2006 05:03 PM
Rest in Peace. Thank you for the impact you've made in this world- you shall not be forgotten. |
Rob Sumowski
Member Posts: 466
From: Macon, Georgia
Registered: Feb 2000
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posted 04-20-2006 05:46 PM
 Thanks, Scotty. |
spacegrl13
Member Posts: 122
From: Portland, Oregon, U.S.
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 04-20-2006 05:58 PM
Though I never got to meet Scott, over the years he has been so gracious to me, always more than willing to sign and answer any question. An american hero who will truly be missed and never forgotten. Godspeed Scott!
.
Helen |
FFrench
Member Posts: 3161
From: San Diego
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 04-20-2006 07:03 PM
quote:
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.
I met him many times, but the first and last times I met this warm, engaging and classy gentleman were particularly memorable. The first time was standing under the wing of a full-size X-15 replica on the runway at Edwards, next to the real bomber that had dropped the X-15, with Joe Engle, Bill Dana and Pete Knight in the vicinity.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 . |
FFrench
Member Posts: 3161
From: San Diego
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 04-20-2006 07:15 PM
This is the thread with the photos at Mojave.
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FairfaxSpace
New Member Posts: 8
From: Fairfax, Virginia
Registered: May 2005
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posted 04-20-2006 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!! Dwayne |
space1
Member Posts: 853
From: Danville, Ohio
Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 04-20-2006 08:24 PM
. |
dss65
Member Posts: 1156
From: Sandpoint, ID, USA
Registered: Mar 2003
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posted 04-20-2006 08:58 PM
.------------------
Don |
NasaFrk
Member Posts: 56
From: Winter Park,FL
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 04-20-2006 09:08 PM
. |
FutureAstronaut
Member Posts: 372
From:
Registered: Mar 2006
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posted 04-20-2006 09:37 PM
I never had the privelage in meeting one of my true heros, but I will never forget him. I just wrote him a letter on April 1st, and I hope he got to reading it. My prayers are with his family and friends. His legacy will never be forgotten.Rest in Peace in the heavens Mr. Crossfield. ------------------
Mike |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 04-20-2006 10:32 PM
Chuck Yeager weighs in his opinions in this article. I'm not sure if Gen. Yeager's comments come at an appropriate time, but it could be the writer of the article trying to stir him up a bit too. |
FFrench
Member Posts: 3161
From: San Diego
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 04-21-2006 12:34 AM
Interesting to see that these obits all say he was the first person to fly at Mach 2. None of them seem to note that was also the first to successfully fly at Mach 3 (Mel Apt was the first to fly at that speed, but did not survive the flight).At SETP the other year, Yeager, Crossfield and Bob White were all in attendance. In one room you had the first people to successfully fly at Machs 1,2,3,4,5 and 6. |
icarkie
Member Posts: 618
From: BURTON ON TRENT /England
Registered: Nov 2002
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posted 04-21-2006 02:46 AM
RIP Scott, You will be sadly missed. My biggest regret is that is I never got round to writing to him, thats my fault. My thoughts are with his family...Ian |
David Stephenson
Member Posts: 294
From: England
Registered: Mar 2003
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posted 04-21-2006 03:37 AM
A great loss, my thoughts are with his family. |
Steve Procter
Member Posts: 1031
From: Leeds, Yorkshire, UK
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 04-21-2006 05:14 AM
A sad loss of a super man who will be remembered as a great pilot and inspiration to many of us who post of these boards |
Paullywoggles
New Member Posts:
From:
Registered:
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posted 04-21-2006 07:47 AM
. |
John K. Rochester
Member Posts: 1292
From: Rochester, NY, USA
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 04-21-2006 07:52 AM
Another legend has slipped the surly bonds of earth..to touch the face of god. |
spaceuk
Member Posts: 2113
From: Staffs, UK
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 04-21-2006 08:25 AM
Sad news indeeed.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 Phill
spaceuk |
Rick Boos
Member Posts: 851
From: Celina, Ohio
Registered: Feb 2000
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posted 04-21-2006 08:42 AM
Chuck Yeager is way out of line! It is bad timing on his part to in anyway suggest at this time that pilot error led to Crossfield's death. To suggest that complacency or that Crossfield exceeded his capability, or that Crossfield was penchant for risk taking shows how insensitive and egotistical Yeager is. Let's wait till the facts are in and the FAA completes their investigation before speculating! Now is not the time! It is a time to grieve the loss of a truly GREAT man! As for Yeager calling Crossfield the most arrogant pilot in his autobiography, Yeager, I would suggest to him to look in the mirror. I have interviewed many Test Pilots and Astronauts in my time and I have to say Chuck Yeager is the most arrogant and self centered individual I have ever had the misfortune to interview. Yeager get a grip, your place is secure in history and your competition has passed away! |
Mike Dixon
Member Posts: 1397
From: Kew, Victoria, Australia
Registered: May 2003
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posted 04-21-2006 09:05 AM
. |
cddfspace
Member Posts: 609
From: Morris County, NJ, USA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 04-21-2006 09:16 AM
I just wrote to Scott and received a reply back in March. He sent 3 signed photos (1 for me and for each of my sons).A true gentlemen and American hero. Looks like he died doing what he loved. Goodspeed Scott Crossfield! CDDFSPACE |
MarylandSpace
Member Posts: 1337
From:
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 04-21-2006 09:49 AM
I was fortunate, very fortunate, to have heard Scott speak three times. I remember those times well: College Park Airport, National Air and Space Museum, and at Frederick Community College. I enjoyed his stories about being a test pilot. He was humble. . . and very sharp.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 |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 04-21-2006 11:24 AM
I never met Scott, but I always enjoyed his interviews on the documentaries. He seemed to have a good sense of humor. As for Yeager's comments (I haven't read them yet) just don't forget that it takes 6 months to a year before the official NTSB reports are completed for most airplane accidents. So thunderstorms could be the cause, or maybe he just had a medical problem, who knows? Whatever the cause, 84 years old and still flying is pretty darn good if you ask me! I'm sure he went the way he would have wanted to. Anyway, here is my small collection of Crossfield items. Tom |
ejectr
Member Posts: 1751
From: Killingly, CT
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 04-21-2006 11:26 AM
I also was annoyed at the demeaning that Chuck Yeager gave at this sad time, but that's Chuck Yeager.Always trying to belittle someone who may be just a tad better at some things. |
ilbasso
Member Posts: 1522
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 04-21-2006 12:01 PM
Just read Yeager's quotes on the CNN website. Despicable, if you ask me. What bums me out is now realizing that I live about 4 miles away from where Scott lived, and I didn't even know it. |
eurospace
Member Posts: 2610
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Dec 2000
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posted 04-21-2006 12:21 PM
It is rare that the hobby sends done a shiver to my spine, but this is one of the days. This evening I picked up a large envelope from my mailbox. 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. ------------------
Jürgen P Esders
Berlin, Germany
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Astroaddies |
East-Frisian
Member Posts: 586
From: Germany
Registered: Apr 2005
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posted 04-21-2006 12:24 PM
I guess that Scott Crossfield und Chuck Yeager never have been friends. Both seem to be "strong" people, but maybee I'm wrong.The East-Frisian |
Jim
Member Posts: 73
From: San Antonio TX
Registered: Mar 2006
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posted 04-21-2006 12:41 PM
quote:
Originally posted by mjanovec:
Here's an idea for those of us that were lucky enough to get a photo signed by Crossfield.
A most EXCELLENT idea -- and I've already done it here.Jim ------------------
"If you can't be good--be colorful!" Pete Conrad |
TrueNorth
Member Posts: 161
From: Bathurst, NB, Canada
Registered: Jun 2003
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posted 04-21-2006 01:21 PM
. |
Rick Boos
Member Posts: 851
From: Celina, Ohio
Registered: Feb 2000
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posted 04-21-2006 01:26 PM
Yeager has showed us his true colors and how insensitive he truly is with his comments and bad timing about a man who is not in a position to defend himself, and before all the facts are in. Sounds like the "Grissom scenario" all over again. Let's not let him ruin this great thread!I for one am really enjoying all the great stories and comments posted here, and want to thank all of you! |
MCroft04
Member Posts: 1634
From: Smithfield, Me, USA
Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 04-21-2006 02:06 PM
Regarding Chuck Yeager's comments, please don't forget that sometimes the press takes ones comments out of context. |
machbusterman
Member Posts: 1778
From: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland
Registered: May 2004
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posted 04-21-2006 02:20 PM
I want to share a message I got from Scott Crossfield last year after I wrote to him expressing concern about him missing some Flight Test related events in California. 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!". |
albatron
Member Posts: 2732
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 04-21-2006 06:11 PM
I've known Scott for more than a few years. We'd trade emails on occasion, Id see him in town or wherever he was, etc etc etc and every contact with him was notable and memorable. He was at a local airshow here not too long ago, and something just made me take pictures of my grandkids with him which he gladly signed. Wow. 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. Al |
Chuck_Joe
Member Posts: 62
From: Belgium
Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 04-22-2006 06:15 AM
Scott Crossfield was a nice gentleman and a heroe for his country and for the world.
His achievements in aviation were very succesful. As a testpilot of the X-15 he open the way to space!we will miss him Bart
Belgium |
rchappel
Member Posts: 108
From: Texas
Registered: Mar 2006
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posted 04-22-2006 08:53 AM
On Chuck Yeager's website www.chuckyeager.com there's now a nice compliment to Crossfield and a picture taken of him by his plance 2 days before the crash. |
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