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Winging It
The excitement kept building as I patiently waited for the trip of a lifetime,
flying from McConnell Airforce Base in a KC-135 Stratotanker on a refueling mission.
The countdown was on, two weeks, one week; then the big day finally arrived.
 I
was not only going for the ride but also to photograph the refueling of two B-1B
Lancers and a KC-135 Stratotanker. What an opportunity for a civilian photographer.
I was one of 19 civilians on this mission to view first hand the refueling.
Airline seats were installed for the civilians. After all were buckled in, it
was time for the take-off. From our rear facing seats it seemed strange, we were
going backwards. In minutes we leveled off and could walk around.
Before leaving my seat I gathered my photo gear and my oxygen bag as instructed
by the military personnel on our mission. I didn't want to miss any photo opportunities.
The inside of the KC-135 was padded and on each side of the plane there were two
small windows. It was great being in the clouds. Time passed quickly as we crossed
state lines and waited for the first B-1B to come in to be refueled.
With the boom operator -the "boomer"- in position a line began at the rear of
the KC-135 when we got word that the B-1B was just minutes away. Anticipation
peaked as I stepped down into the area where I could observe the refueling.
There was only enough room for three people, the boomer and two others. As the
photographer on assignment, I was one of those lucky people. Since it was tight
quarters, we all had to lie on our stomachs. The boomer was in the middle with
controls at hand and one person on either side.
The boomer had the B-1B in sight. Our viewing area was three windows, one large
window in front of the boomer and two side windows. When the B-1B reached the
refueling area it was time for the boomer to go to work. He lay still on his stomach
with his right elbow close to his side, his right hand on a control stick, and
his left hand pushing buttons on a control panel directly in front of him. What
a sight to watch the B-1B maneuver to the flying boom! The connection had to fit
like a glove and in order for that to happen it had to be timed perfectly. Watching
the hook-up was incredible. I didn't want to miss any shots so I propped myself
up on my elbows and started photographing hoping to get the shot I was looking
for while trying not to hit the boomer's arm.
 After
the first B-1B was refueled, its pilot flew next to our wing and stayed there
for a few minutes allowing everyone to take pictures. When both B-1B's had been
refueled, they both flew to the rear of our plane. What a sight. They were flying
parallel to one another and I was able to capture great shots of them.
We headed back toward Kansas where the KC-135 was awaiting its load of fuel. As
the KC-135 got closer it appeared to be moving in slow motion slicing through
the fluffy white clouds. It was so neat to see this huge plane suspended in air.
The time had come to watch the KC-135 refueling. Propped up on my elbows once
again, I started photographing the event. When the mission had been accomplished,
we headed back to McConnell. I was privileged to sit in the cockpit and record
the landing on film.
For the crew on this mission it was an ordinary trip but for me it was an extra-ordinary
trip.
- Con Van Zandt
con@vanzandtphoto.com
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