High Flight recited by William Conrad

Aviator's poem "High Flight" recited by actor William Conrad to a backdrop of B-36 flying scenes from "Strategic Air Command". Simply the best of the best.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• High Flight
• poem
• William Conrad
• aviation
• B-36
• Strategic Air Command
• Cold War

[NVanWendy]

Nicely assembled. Can anyone answer a question about this aircraft that I've often wondered about:

Why the pusher engines? I can't think of another plane since the 30's that used them.

[AVhistorybuff]

Design specs called for extremely long range and very heavy loads. It was determined that a pusher configuration would result in minimal turbulence over the wings and thus less drag and more lift.

[mrutsne]

This video combines the splendor of the B-36, the beauty of the poem, "High Flight", and the artistry of William Conrad. On a personal note, as a former crew member on this magnificent aircraft, memories surface reminding me of the opportunity afforded a 20 year old in the early 50's for which I am thankful to this day.

[Waltma]

This is one of the most affecting readings of the poem I have ever heard, and the visual is inspiring. As a survivor of almost four years as a mechanic servicing this type of aircraft from Carswell AFB during the first half of the 1950s, it brought back a thousand memories.

[bumblewick]

Interesting sidelight: William Conrad, the narrator flew an F4U Corsair during WWII.

[ShogoYahaagi]

The first portion of this used to be used as a TV sign off sometime during the late 70's or early 80's in Washington DC. I was always mesmerized by this, it always seemed so true and dream fulfilled. I never tired of listening to it.

Thank you for posting this.

[CraZySaVaUnT]

Truely one of the best narrations of that poem, High Flight. Aviation is my life long passion and just reading the poem gives me goose bumps and an awesome feeling. thankyou for posting this vid

[tertommy]

too kool!!

[framed30]

this is what contrails should look like

[HunterR909]

@AVhistorybuff You got this footage from the movie " Strategic Air Command " Starring Jimmy Stewart. and as for the reason for the six pusher Turboprops, and the outboard engines, it was all for speed and lift, Remember ths Bomber was a product of the 1950s the B36H Peacemaker.

[kapitancom]

nadherne..

[Seesfar1]

@NVanWendy ,

They used pusher engines first B-36D, then they put the jet engines later on the B-36H. My parents helped build these The D Models which took 24 hours each, Pretty fast for something that huge.

[LateNightCable]

Beautiful film. Those who take issue with a bomber accompanying an inspiring poem, should take note that the B-36 never bombed a single thing, but it did deter conflict. In essence, fulfilling it's name and purpose : Peacemaker.

[rachiefoot]

My Daddy flew on this plane 5734 awesome to see this footage especially since I lost my Daddy in 2009. Thank you for posting it!!!