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Aviation Lore and Date Nails

Some people devote their lives to collecting date nails. 86 Vintage
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author expresses a profound "love of aviation," manifesting in collecting obscure facts and memorabilia, which he likens to a "mistress."
  • The article shares fascinating historical aviation anecdotes, such as the Beechcraft Bonanza serving as the Israeli Air Force's first combat aircraft.
  • The author details his personal historical detective work, deciphering a WWI pilot's mnemonic "IOTA" to mean "Indicated On The Airspeed" for the maximum angle of glide.
  • It reveals surprising connections between historical figures, including actress Merle Oberon's compassionate act towards a disfigured Battle of Britain pilot and T.E. Lawrence's uncredited involvement in air-sea rescue boat design.
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There are folks who collect date nails. There is even a publication dedicated to the hobby called Date Nails. What, one might ask, are date nails?

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