Another reason that I should not have gone to the airshow

Because, while we were there, I found this way-cool Cessna O-2A.

It's a Vietnam-era observation aircraft that was used extensively as a Forward Air Control (FAC) aircraft.

It has two engines, one in the front and one in the back.

It has twin tail booms to allow for that rear prop.

It also has retractable landing gear, constant-speed propellers, 300lbs of radios (as originally issued), a smoke generator, a gunsight, weapons hardpoints, and an austere but funtional cockpit.

Handicapped placard's a nice touch, eh?

I've been wanting one of these for years, and there are actually some out there that are in my price range if I'm willing to make ramen noodles a large part of my diet for a couple of years.

I knw that a couple of people here whose opinions I respect have done a wonderful job of talking me out of buying the last few O-2's that I found for sale, but this time, the owners were there--a nice husband and wife couple--and they did a pretty good job of dispelling my reservations about getting one. We talked operating costs and theirs seems to be pretty trouble-free and cheap to fly, 22GPH fuel burn excepted. (I could live with that for the increased speed plus the "cool factor", I'm thinking.) Worse--they gave me the contact info for a fellow who is probably the ultimate O-2 "go-to" guy, an A&P who brought most of the ones flying today out of storage at Davis-Monthan and restored them to flying condition. He's close, too, and they think that he can help me find a good one.

Oh, man. That sort of temptation I didn't need.

And then watching it fly...

Yeah, I keep looking at the A&P's number.

I may never be able to afford one of those all-powerful warbirds that brings the thunder to the bad guys on the ground, but maybe I can swing the bird that calls down that thunder and tells the bringers where to put it.