X-15 #1 First Drop Flight
June 8, 1959
Pilot -Crossfield.

Released 8:40            Countdown
Crossfield:
Looks pretty good here. I'm at 33,000, level, 250, oscillatory in pitch, very spongy in roll (Lost him for a few seconds)
Q.C:
Emergency battery off, Scott?
Crossfield:
(back on air) 190. Flaps coming down.
Chase:
Read 175, Scott
Crossfield:
Thank you Bob. Where am I sitting now?
Chase:
Right off Runway 4.
Crossfield:
I see it. I'm at 31,000 feet. 190 indicated. Flaps give very little buffet. Flaps coming up. Very soft pitch. 255-260, 21,000 feet. Roll control is....pitch control is very spongy. Right turn. Too much speed.
Chase:
270
Crossfield:
Buffet. Going to land a little long on the lake.
Chase:
Position here. Just passed 16,000 on my altimeter.
Crossfield:
Roger. I'm reading 15. My heading on that. intersection is 120.
Q.C:
Reminder on lower ventral Jettison.
Chase:
Don't forget to call it please.
Crossfield:
What's my position here? Looks like it might not be so bad.
Chase:
Think you're real good here at 13,000. Reading 240.
Crossfield:
Beginning the turn-in. APUs looking real good. Wish I had guts enough to do a barrel roll here. Feel like I'm back in the saddle again, Buddy.
Chase:
Don't forget your ventral.
Crossfield:
OK wait till I clear the edge of the lake here. Coming off now. She handles nice right along here.
Chase:
260
Crossfield:
Flaps. Trim change. Gear down
Chase:
Take it easy. The gear? About 30 ft. Just hold it steady and set it right there.

(End of transcription)