Another Memory
The fellow on the right, Capt. Robert J. Roetcisoender, is the designated examiner that signed my ticket when I earned my Private Pilots License. And that plane behind him is some variant of the SR-71 Blackbird. Yeah, he used to fly those things. I was pretty awestruck by the man, and even more honored to have an airman with his history give me my final examination. And at the risk of sounding immodest, I was floored when he told my instructor that mine was the best check ride he’d had in recent memory. It was a great moment when he shook my hand, congratulated me and told me I was a pilot. I had a picture of that moment, but it was on someone else’s digital camera and I lost track of them. So it’s gone forever and that’s a shame. But I would still see Bob R. around the airport when I was going there weekly. I hope now that I’m going there frequently again I’ll see him some more.
To learn more about the Blackbirds (and the U2’s) visit Blackbirds.net
