Category: Boys Life Magazine

Boys Life Magazine

The Air Boss

Tor Hanson

Originally published in Boys’ Life – November 1997 Navy jet pilots get all the glory on an aircraft carrier. But without guys like Dick McCrillis, they would be lost at sea. An F/A-18 Hornet is on its way back from a mission enforcing a “No Fly Zone” over hostile territory. An aircraft carrier awaits somewhere in the ocean, ready for the pilot’s return. Suddenly a cockpit warning light flares, and a signal pings in the pilot’s helmet speaker. The airplane is low on fuel. The pilot pushes the switch to the microphone: “This is 110 on approach for landing. I … Continue reading The Air Boss

Boys Life Magazine

Why stop for gas? Air Force jets refuel on the fly

Tor Hanson

Originally published in Boys’ Life – November 2002 SGT. Bill Edwards is one of the Air Force’s friendly gas station attendants. But he won’t be checking oil or replacing wiper blades on this job. It’s hard enough just getting the fuel where it needs to go – 22,000 feet in the air. Sgt. Edwards is a boom operator who refuels jets all across the world while they’re still in flight. The Air Force depends on experienced aircrews and a fleet of KC-10 Extender and KC-135 Stratotanker planes to fill tanks when they run low. There isn’t room for error. Bad … Continue reading Why stop for gas? Air Force jets refuel on the fly

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TV news reporter Warren Petrie takes his job to another level

Tor Hanson

Originally published in Boys’ Life – March 2001 Warren Petrie puts his helicopter in a hover. On the ground 1,000 feet below, flames from a ruptured gas pipeline shoot high into the air. The powerful camera under the helicopter zooms in on firefighters beating back the inferno. Mr. Petrie moves News Chopper 6 over to photograph the freight train that derailed then cut the nearby gas pipeline, turning night into day with exploding gas. Police are also on the scene, as well as reporters from the local television stations. But Mr. Petrie has the best view of the accident. So … Continue reading TV news reporter Warren Petrie takes his job to another level