Some time ago, I had an opportunity to climb aboard a C-13o for a publicity flight. I had just moved to Florida, and the Reserve was offering to take civies such as myself up. It was magnificent.
A Herc, out on the taxiway… .
An imposing nose… the one that was to take us up.
“Hot Wheels”. I like the nose art – but this example, seen on a C-130 at the Air Force Museum at Eglin AFB is better:
Loaded up and closing the ramp… .
A look at some complex equipment. I sat down and poked around, but nothing worked. That’s probably good. I have no idea. Though the stairs to the cockpit are to the left between the rows of goggles and jackets and the left side of the stack…. .
And we’re up… .
More dirty windows, but still a great view… .
Up on the flight deck… . I was surprised, how quiet it was. Once I donned headphones. Also, all the windows on the flight deck made for quite a view. The pictures do not do it justice. It was as if you were standing in some gallery, floating above the ground.
A banking turn. Out the right-side windows, that’s the ground… .
Lots of complicated things. Everyone’s heads are turned to the left. Not sure why. It was pretty cramped up there.
I think this aircraft is likely elsewhere… .
Serving since the 50’s, updated many times, more on the C-130 Here.
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