About this episode
In 1995, a team of aviation cowboys set out on a mission that sounds too crazy to be real: fly a WWII B-29 bomber out of the Arctic after 50 years of abandonment. But as guest Vernon Rich tells us, things did not go as planned. From rigging up fuel pumps with trash equipment to landing a Caribou with propane-inflated tires, this story has it all—engineering ingenuity, brutal cold, and a heartbreaking ending. Strap in for one of the wildest aircraft recovery stories ever attempted. Watch the documentary here Contact Vernon Rich / Rich Precision Faborication 623.308.1173 / vrich@rpfint.com Show Notes 0:00 Intro 3:05 Getting Recruited 16:58 Planning Phase 24:05 Starting the Mission 32:06 41 Days 55:38 Year Three 1:00:59 Go Time 1:12:10 Taking the Caribou Back Be sure to subscribe to 21Five's Youtube Channel to see our luggage review videos! Hard Landing: The Epic Contest for Power and Profits That Plunged the Airlines into Chaos by Thomas Petzinger Jr Connect with us on LinkedIn Our sponsors: Move your airplane without breaking your back or the bank! Max said the Amigo AeroTow's affordable T1 tug has 'changed his hangar life'. Learn more about AeroTow's family of aviation tugs and see why its earning rave reviews from top 40 aviation podcast hosts around the globe. Use code "21five" at checkout for $100 off any AeroTow product! -- Harvey Watt, offers the only true Loss of Medical License Insurance available to individuals and small groups. Because Harvey Watt manages most airlines' plans, they can assist you in identifying the right coverage to supplement your airline's plan. Many buy coverage to supplement the loss of retirement benefits while grounded. Visit harveywatt.com to learn more! -- Advanced Aircrew Academy enables flight operations to fulfill their training needs in the most efficient and affordable way—anywhere, at any time. We do this by providing high-quality professional pilot, flight attendant, flight coordinator, maint