James May's flight to 'edge of space'

**scotspine** · 21 June 2009, 15:31

i know, looks like it should be good. but he won't have that madman oz clark to wind him up

**PM-Junkie** · 21 June 2009, 21:04

wow

**Menelaus** · 21 June 2009, 21:45

WHS

That was very good and despite what I'd expected from a USAF pilot, the driver of the U2 seemed to be very chilled and laid back.

**Menelaus** · 21 June 2009, 22:02

Originally posted by zeitghost

The thing on BBC4 was interesting too... loved the bit where they told him his thigh length was short enough not to lose his legs if he had to eject...

That used to be the gig at aircrew selection for the RAF that if the length from your hip to your knee was too long you wouldn't be accepted for pilot training because if you had to bang out you'd leave the bit below your knees behind ... admittedly as a stand-up once pointed out "stings a bit, but less so than staying with it".

**VectraMan** · 21 June 2009, 23:18

Very enjoyable programme (watched the BBC4 extra too). But I can't help feeling that 70,000 feet isn't really space, especially if you consider Concorde could fly at 60,000 feet without the need for pressure suits or rubber things on your willy.

**OwlHoot** · 22 June 2009, 00:03

Originally posted by VectraMan View Post

Very enjoyable programme (watched the BBC4 extra too). But I can't help feeling that 70,000 feet isn't really space, especially if you consider Concorde could fly at 60,000 feet without the need for pressure suits or rubber things on your willy.

I missed the prog, but am curious to know why one needs "rubber things on your willy" at 70,000'

**d000hg** · 22 June 2009, 00:19

Originally posted by OwlHoot View Post

I missed the prog, but am curious to know why one needs "rubber things on your willy" at 70,000'

It's just that much fun. You don't want jizz loating about in zero-G...

**DSW** · 22 June 2009, 06:23

Originally posted by VectraMan View Post

70,000 feet isn't really space

The source of all truth (wikipedia) says that you had to go to 50miles(264,000 feet) to get your astronaut wings so 70,000 seems a little limp!

**Menelaus** · 22 June 2009, 08:26

Originally posted by VectraMan View Post

Very enjoyable programme (watched the BBC4 extra too). But I can't help feeling that 70,000 feet isn't really space, especially if you consider Concorde could fly at 60,000 feet without the need for pressure suits or rubber things on your willy.

Concordes' fuselage is pressurised - the U2 cockpit isn't

James May's flight to 'edge of space'