Silly Question
- Thread starter SkyChaser
- Start date
Depends on who you ask. Some internet opinions:
"Basically a derisive term originated when the first all-metal aircraft appeared into a world dominated by beautiful fabric-covered 'real' aeroplanes.
Like the container for the eponymous product they were all made from metal, whilst the contents were pink, identical lumps of almost inert meat like substance as opposed to the bold and heroic pilots of the stick and rudder persuasion."
Or...
"A derisive term yes, but not because they were made of metal, but because certain fighter pilots of the 40s and 50s who were asked if they wanted to take part in the space program felt that these modules were not piloted but rather the 'pilot' was just a test dummy in a tin can, meat in a can . . . . spam can.
That is why Yeager turned down the opportunity and stuck to being a test pilot. He felt all control was on the ground rather that with the pilot."
"Basically a derisive term originated when the first all-metal aircraft appeared into a world dominated by beautiful fabric-covered 'real' aeroplanes.
Like the container for the eponymous product they were all made from metal, whilst the contents were pink, identical lumps of almost inert meat like substance as opposed to the bold and heroic pilots of the stick and rudder persuasion."
Or...
"A derisive term yes, but not because they were made of metal, but because certain fighter pilots of the 40s and 50s who were asked if they wanted to take part in the space program felt that these modules were not piloted but rather the 'pilot' was just a test dummy in a tin can, meat in a can . . . . spam can.
That is why Yeager turned down the opportunity and stuck to being a test pilot. He felt all control was on the ground rather that with the pilot."
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Aztec Flyer
^^^ Love it!
But I do think the first explanation - the displacement of romantic wood and fabric little airplanes flying off fresh mown grass by mass produced riveted metal "tin cans" flooding out from Wichita's paved runways - is the best one.
Even Piper, at Lock Haven, tried to resist the onslaught, then finally joined in.
But I do think the first explanation - the displacement of romantic wood and fabric little airplanes flying off fresh mown grass by mass produced riveted metal "tin cans" flooding out from Wichita's paved runways - is the best one.
Even Piper, at Lock Haven, tried to resist the onslaught, then finally joined in.
Last edited:
dtuuri
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Rock Berube
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Alpineman
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Much the same as the wooden boat crowded referring to fiberglass boats as Clorox bottles.