GRAPEVINE BY DICK GUILLAN HERSHEY REPORT & PICTURES RETIREMENT LIVING BY WALT GUNN
THE ACTIVE RETIRED PILOTS ASSOCIATION OF TWA MAY 1990
CAPT. JIM McINTYRE
TARPA AWARD OF MERIT
TARPA TOPICS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE ACTIVE RETIRED PILOTS ASSOCIATION OF TWA EDITOR A.T. HUMBLES Rt. 2 Box 152 919 964 4655
GRAPEVINE EDITOR RICHARD M. GUILLAN 1852 Barnstable Road 919 945 9979 HISTORIAN & CONTRIBUTING EDITOR EDWARD G. BETTS 960 Las Lomas Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 213 454 1068 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS OF TARPA
RUSS DERICKSON, PRESIDENT JOE McCOMBS, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT DAVID DAVIES, SECOND VICE PRESIDENT CHARLES DILL, SECRETARY/TREASURER
A.T. HUMBLES, SENIOR DIRECTOR BILL KIRSCHNER, DIRECTOR AL MUNDO, DIRECTOR
TARPA is incorporated as a non-profit Corporation under the non-profit corporation law of the State of Nevada. As stated in Article II of the By-Laws, its purpose is social, recreational and non-profit, with a primary goal of helping its members to maintain the friendships and associations formed before retirement, to make retirement a more productive and rewarding experience and to assist those active pilots approaching retirement with the problems that are inherent in the transition from active to retired status.
DEDICATION TO THE PIONEERS OF TODAY'S TRANS WORLD AIRLINES WHOSE VISION, EFFORT AND PERSEVERANCE MADE IT ALL POSSIBLE, WE EXPRESS OUR SINCERE GRATITUDE.
PRESIDENT
'
S
MESSAGE
A series of surgical events just a week before the '90 Convention places a different light upon the conduct of TARPA's business affairs in the foreseeable future. I'm pleased to report that Joe Brown is doing well after undergoing triple by-pass surgery on March 31st. Joe goes to the cardiologist on May 23rd 1 r tests to confirm total success. Joe McCombs had not planned to attend the gathering because of dental surgery the previous week and leg surgery (aneurisms) scheduled later in the month. With Brown absent, McCombs decided to come to Hershey and conducted the Board Meeting on Saturday morning but was forced to go to the Emergency Room at University Hospital later in the day when a painful infection developed in the area of the surgery causing loss of McCombs requested that I conduct the Business meetings and voice. returned home Sunday to nurse Jean Olivia (fractured ankle requiring orthopedic surgery March 31st). Joe's leg procedure will be postponed until Jean becomes mobile which will leave him on the inactive list until late Summer. Back to the business at hand. The April 7th-10th TARPA Convention was another one of our highly successful get-togethers that we have become accustomed to over the past several years. Vic Hassler, Don & Josie Nealis and their team of helpers including Dean & Alice Miller for Registration; Bob Smith for Trap & Skeet; Mickey Wind for Tennis; Alice Strickler for Bridge; Roy Brister for Golf and Ev Green & Chuck Hasler for the Hospitality Room did a great job. We thank each of these persons and their many helpers who assisted them to make this another From all reports, everyone was highly pleased with excellent affair. the events and the accommodations. Guest speakers during the Business Meetings included Dr. Lynn Smaha, Cardiologist with Guthrie Clinic, Sayre, PA; TWA Captain Jim McIntyre, recipient of the 1990 TARPA Award of Merit; Mike Ferrara, Senior V/P of RAPA (Retired Airline Pilots Assoc); Jerri Currigan, President, TWA Clipped Wings,Intl and Kent Scott, Master Chairman, TWA-MEC. Our thanks to each for their participation. Of interest to all, you may recall that Joe Brown's Presidents Message in the November TARPA TOPICS stated "We have heard many rumors and innuendos about the activities of the MEC and the "B Plan" Study Committee but so far we have nothing concrete with which to work". In the next issue of TOPICS, Joe again expressed our "B Plan" concerns in his President's Message. Early in January 1990, President Joe Brown, V/P Joe McCombs and I went to New York. We met separately with attorneys Asher Schwartz & David Rosen and with actuary Brian Jones. These men are completely familiar with our situation having worked with TARPA during the "Lump Sum" negotiations between TWA Management and the TWA-MEC. They have also represented the TWA Flight Engineers on their retirement programs in the past.
1
During these meetings, amongst all the other issues of our Trust Annuity Plan and Retirement Plan, we also discussed the consequences of any possible overt action by the TWA-MEC and TWA Management. On January 19th, Asher Schwartz called to advise that, subsequent to our New York meetings, he and Brian Jones had an in-depth discussion on all legal and actuarial aspects of the TWA pilots "B Plan". Their joint conclusion was that there was "NO THREAT" to the retired pilots of TWA. The safeguards were all in place. TWA Management and ALPA, as Administrators of the Plan, have a fiduciary responsibility to protect TWA retired pilots from any adverse effects. ERISA prohibits plan amendments or options that decrease "B Plan" benefits to the retired pilots. So, according to the above mentioned professionals, we are in good shape and no immediate action is necessary. The TARPA Board of Directors will continue to monitor any action or agreement between TWA Management and ALPA. Any negotiated amendment that might adversely affect retiree "B Plan" accounts will be subject to appropriate action with aid of Counsel. The 1991 TARPA Convention is planned for Colorado Springs in September. Cliff & Mary Sparrow are the co-Chairman/Chairwoman of this Fall Classic with a variety of local tours during the Convention and a postConvention tour through southwest Colorado to be conducted by Robi Mueller, an experienced TWA Seniors tour director who knows the area well. This period will be at the height of Colorado's "ASPEN GOLD", one of the most beautiful times of the year in the mountains. Visits are planned to Royal Gorge; Durango/Silverton steam mining train ride; Mesa Verde; Black Canyon of the Colorado; Aspen; Rocky Mountain National Park and the old mining town of Central City. Look for further details elsewhere in this issue or the August issue of Some indication of your interest must be made known a TARPA TOPICS. year in advance to assure reservations at the more popular spots. Hope you all had a Happy Easter.
Russ Derickson
TARPA's delegates to the Retired Airline Pilots Association are Hal Miller and Neuman Ramsey. Bill Dixon planned to attend the convention in Hershey also representing the TWA Seniors Club but had to cancel due to a fall breaking his arm & tooth.
2
The Active Retired Pilots Association of TWA
From Joe Brown; I am truly sorry to have missed my convention in Hershey. Vic Hassler did a great job according to all the reports I have received. Thanks Vic. Thanks also to Capt. R.G. Derickson for taking over the convention in my absence and for accepting again the Presidency of TARPA. Thank all of you for the calls, cards, (especially the one signed by many attendees at Hershey) best wishes and prayers. They have all helped and I am doing great. By the time you receive this copy of TOPICS, I expect to be driving the car, running the boat, playing golf and reluctantly cutting the grass. I went to Lake of the Ozarks General Hospital on Thursday, March 29, with what I thought was acute indigestion. After X-rays & EKG, etc. they sent me by ambulance with heart monitor, oxygen etc. to the University of Missouri Columbia Hospital and Clinics. Friday I had a coronary catharizatin and on Saturday afternoon, March 31, Coronary artery by-pass graft surgery. I received the best possible care until Saturday, April 7, at which time I was permitted to go home. With the Doctor's permission, I attended Mass on Palm Sunday and the Holy Week services. Since I receive such good care at home, I am continuing to get my strength back and doing a lot of walking. See you in Colorado Springs!! From Jerri Currigan, International President, TWA Clipped Wings; Dear Joe - I was sorry to hear about your heart attack and hope you are feeling much better. I just wanted you to know that I did make it to the Convention and Banquet on Monday and had a wonderful time. Thank you for inviting me. Russ did a good job filling in at the last minute and was happy to hear that he will be the next TARPA President. Vic Hassler did a wonderful job planning the Convention and Banquet. I did have an opportunity to get to Gettysburg on Tuesday. I will look forward to the next convention in Colorado Springs. Take care of yourself. Sincerely, Jerri
WHAT ARE SENIORS WORTH ANYWAY, WE ARE WORTH A FORTUNE! Remember old folks are worth a fortune, with silver in their hair, gold in their teeth, stones in their kidneys, lead in their feet and gas in their stomachs. I have become a little older since I saw you last and a few changes have come into my life since then. Frankly, I have become a frivolous old gal. I am seeing 5 gentlemen every day. As soon as I wake up, Will Power helps me get out of bed, then I go see John. Then Charlie Horse comes along and when he is here he takes a lot of my time and attention. When he leaves, Arthur Ritus shows up and stays the rest of the day. He doesn't like to stay in one place very long, so he takes me from joint to joint. After such a busy day I'm really tired and glad to go to bed with Ben Gay. What a life! The preacher came to call the other day. He said at my age I should be thinking about the hereafter. I told him, "Oh, I do all the time. No matter where I am, in the parlor, upstairs, in the kitchen or down in the basement, I ask myself - Now..What am I here after? Sent in by Joe Brown
3
The meeting at Hershey has come and gone. It was a great gathering. One of the best I have ever attended. It's good to reune with old friends, Dues have come in at a pretty good rate. As of the first of the year there were 1187 (R)egufar members; 193 ( A)ctive Members; 195 (E)agles; 149 (H )onorary Members; 38 (S )ubscriptions and 22 (C)omplimentary. It was necessary to send out PAST DUE NOTICES to 186 of the membership about six weeks, ago. Of this number 110 have responded and are now current. Notices have been sent. to those still tardy, and I am optimistic that all will e b up to date soon. Mailing costs for the Magazines is expected to increase due to proposed Postage Cost increases. We'll have to deal with that problem if and when the increases materialize. At the convention Captain " Jim" Mclntyre, The Award of Merit Recipient was introduced and spoke to the convention briefly about his experiences in the field of Air Safety and Accident: InvestigatIon. The Award was made on the evening of the Banquet. Russ Derickson was elected President for the ensuing year; Joe McCombs, First Vice--President; Dave Davies, Second vice-President; Charlie Dill, Sec/Tres and A.T. Humbles
Charlie Dill
4
TARPA The Active Retired Pilots Association of TWA Board Meeting April 7, 1990 Hershey Lodge and Convention Center Hershey, Pennsylvania Meeting called to order by Joe McCombs,Chmn.Pro/Tem. at 08:10 EST. Roll Call: Board Joe McCombs, Charlie Dill, A.T. Humbles, Bill Kirschner,
Chairman Protem Secretary/Treasurer Senior director & Editor Associate Director
Committee: Russ Derickson Bob Sherman Viv Hassler Dave Davies Neuman Ramsey Chuck Hasler Everett Green Lyle Spencer
RAPA Liaison & Past President Investment Committee Observer 1990 Convention Chairman Nominee Insurance Committee Observer TARPA Tours 1992 Convention Site By-laws and Policies
Absent: Joe Brown Jack Donlan Al Mundo
(Surgery)
Proxy to Derickson Proxy to Kirschner
Opening Remarks: Vic Hassler with a report on the 1990 convention. Reports: 1. Charlie Dill read minutes of October 24,1989 board APPROVED meeting at St. Louis. 2. Treasurer,s Report was read, discussed and approved subject to minor revisions. 3. A.T.Humbles reported on the publications with some ideas on how things might go smoother at the time of getting the magazines out. The announcement of Postal increases next year are a matter of concern. A.T. moved " that the TARPA President write Congress asking that Postal Rates not be increased." Second Kirschner. PASSED
5
5. Award of Merit : Orville Olson
NO REPORT
6. By- Laws & Policies :Lyle Spencser
NO REPORT
7. Senior's Club :Dorothy Rush
NO REPORT
8. Grapevine : R.M. Guillan
NO REPORT
9. Historian :Ed Betts
NO REPORT
10. Insurance: Neuman Ramsey- A short report on TARPA Insurance followed by an update on insurance policies by Tim Crowley. 11. 1991 Convention @ Colorado Springs, CO .-Update by Cliff Sparrow,Co-Chairman.Plans are well under way for the convention, which will be held at the Sheraton South Hotel at Colorado Springs, CO. Dates of this meeting are Sept. 10 -13, 1991. 12. 1992 Convention Site : Everett Green Several sites are under consideration at this time. San Diego, San Jose, Palm Springs, Los Angeles. More information will be forthcoming on this. 13. Investment Committee : Bob Sherman gave the board an update on the status of the " B " fund, supported bya written report with graphs and charts.This included a commentary on events of the last Twelve Months. This report is available to anyone who wants it. 14. RAPA : Russ Derickson suggested that someone be appointed as liaison to RAPA, since an officer of TARPA is not necessarily a liaison to that organization. 15. TWA Pilot's Retirement Fund : Russ Derickson spoke of the importance of keeping up to date on this, and how much this fund means to those in need. OLD BUSINESS Motion by Humbles " That Everett Green select a Chairman for the 1992 convention and that he (Everett Green) select the site for the 1992 convention and report to the Board at the 1990 Fall Meeting."Second and PASSED NEW BUSINESS Letter from John Lattimore-Read by Joe McCombs.
6
The Secretary/Treasurer is instructed to complete the Form to RAPA, listing all of TARPA'S Officers for the next year. There being no further business, the Board Meeting adjourned at 12:110 EST. Respectfully Submitted, Charles S. Dill Secretary/Treasurer TARPA
7
The Active Retired Pilots Association of TWA CONVENTION Hershey Lodge and Convention Center April 8 & 9,1990 The April 8th session was called to order at 08:15 EST. Russ Derickson presiding in the absence of Joe Brown due to surgery. Board members present were Charlie Dill, S/T., A. T. Humbles Senior Director and Editor, Dave Davies-Nominee, and Bill Kirschner, Director Russ expressed thanks to Ed Betts for his dedication to the history of TWA and the great articles that he has written over the years. Vic Hassler,Convention chairman was introduced and brought an update on the coming events of the day. Charlie Dill made his Sec./Treasurer report—ACCEPTED Russ Derickson gave an encapsulated report on the
"
B " Plan.
At 08:40 Russ introduced Mike Ferrara, the Executive V/P of RAPA. Mike spoke of the Airline Industry as it evolved over the years from the 40's up to now. Of the troubles that a lot of the Airlines had; how they coped; how some went under and others were " gobbled " up by Mergers etal. He spoke briefly of the pilot ' s strike in 1946 with some of his thoughts on how this affected the industry along the way. Thank you, Mike. At 09:00 Bob Sherman gave a rundown on the status of the " B " Plan. His report is available to those who are interested. At 09:30--Recess At. 09:55 The meeting resumed with " Bob " Thompson giving a short update on TPRF, TWA Pilot's Retirement Foundation. At 10:10 Neuman Ramsey spoke about the TARPA Insurance plans.He strongly recommended a LIVING TRUST over the writing of a will. At 10:20 Cliff Sparrow gave an update regarding the 1991 convention at Colorado Springs. Planning is well underway This meeting will take place in September 1991 at the Sheraton South Hotel. More on this later. At 10:30 meeting adjourned. 8
APRIL 9th, 1990 The 1990 Convention Meeting reconvened at 08:15 EST Russ introduced " Jim " McIntyre TARPA Guest of Honor and " Jim " thanked the convention for Award of Merit Nominee. considering him for this distinction. He then gave a brief rundown of his participation in Air Safety Programs and Accident Investigation programs for the past many years. At 08:20 Vic Hassler briefed on the coming events day.
of the
At 08:25 Kent Scott,TWA MEC Chairman was introduced. He gave us a verbal picture of an airline going nowhere under Carl Icahn. Some of the pertinent things he told are: 1. There is no coherent strategy for the future of TWA. 2. Icahn has put forth an unrealistic worth of TWA. 3. Icahn is making no reinvestment in the Airline. 4. TWA is a withering/wasting Airline 5. Icahn has singled the PILOT Group for $ 80M per year and other concessions that are unrealistic. 6. All three Unions are in accor that ICAHN MUST GO. It's the only sure way to have a sayso in the way TWA is to be operated. At 09:00 Jerry Currigan. President of Clipped Wings was Introduced. She brought greetings from her group, and ' informed us that their charity for 1990 was Altzheimer s Disease. For 1990 & 1992 their charity will be Multiple Sclerosis. At. 09:05 Dr. Lynn A. Smaha Md.,Cardiologist from the Guthrie Clinic Ltd. spoke about the advances in heart medicine. How the people at the Guthrie Clinic have been able to convince the FAA that Heart patients who have had by-pas surgery and/or angio-plasty are more healthy after than before these procedures. All in all this promises a lot for those suffer who might suffer chest pains or have high blood pressure.Good News!! At 10:05 Tim Crowley gave a rundown on TARPA insurance and answered questions. TARPA Insurance has made adjustments along with those mabe by Medicare.
9
At 10:25 Charlie Strickler moved that Sec/ Treasurer send letter or card of condolence to Joe Brown and Joe McCombs. Second and PASSED. At 10:25 Charlie Dill read the list of Deceased Members. At 10.35 The slate of officers was presented. Russell Derickson Joe McCombs Dave Davies Charles Dill A.T.humbles
President 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President Secretary Treasurer Senior Director/Editor
No nominations from the floor Moved that the Secretary cast a unanimous ballot. PASSED. At 10:45 the Meeting was adjourned.
It's inflation when a man has to pay $7.00 for a haircut that he used to get for $1.00 when he had hair. $ $ $ $ $ $ You know it is going to be a bad day when your birthday cake collapses from the weight of the candles. % % % % % Flag: A moveable marker in the hole on each green. In deference to your game the flag should always be flown at half mast. # # # # # # Patient: "My wife tells me that I talk in my sleep, doctor. What should I do?" Doctor: "Nothing that your wife wouldn't like." + + + + + +
10
THE TRUST ANNUITY PLAN FOR TWA PILOTS By Bob Sherman 9 April 1990 TABLE I
MEMBERSHIP INVENTORY
YEAR
1 989
1 988
1 987
1 986
1 985
1 984
ACTIVES BEGIN ADDED LEFT RETIRED DEATHS TOTALS
3064 296 5 1 50 5 3200
3215 41 38 1 52 2 3064
3314 59 15 1 39 4 3215
2968 556 9 1 99 2 3314
3084 75 50 1 37 4 2968
3326 0 95 233 6 3084
1 338 20 33 1 325
1 314 40 16 1 338
1200 55 21 1 314
1 214 90 24 1280
1 092 1 37 15 1 214
966 1 41 15 1 092
78 12 1 89
66 12 0 78
51 15 0 66
35 16 0 51
32 3 0 35
26 6
23.8 1.6 25.4
ANNUITANTS BEGIN ADDED DEATHS TOTALS T. ANN.* BEGIN ADDED DEATHS TOTALS
TABLE II
CASH FLOWS
32
MIL.$
CONTRIBUTIONS COMPANY PILOT TOTALS
25.9 .8 26.7
25.1 1.1 26.2
23.2 1.4 24.6
20.1 2.7 22.8
29.0 1.8 30.8
24.6 62.9 87.5
24.9 44.7 69.6
27.2 37.2 64.4
23.9 52.4 76.3
1 5.4 6.4 21.8
BEN. PYMTS. ANNUITY LUMP SUM TOTALS
NOTES Left = all causes other than Retirement and Death. Retired less Annuitants Added = the number that took the lump sum (130 in ' 89; 434 since ' 86). Jt. Ann. are those joint annuitants, beneficiaries & QDRO ' s drawing benefits. 31% of Plan members are drawing benefits. Prior to the lump sum, benefits were less than contributions. 1 97 million has been paid in lump sums and 1 01 million to annuitants over the last 4 years . 11
TABLE III
1 989 YEAR END DATA
MANAGER
TYPE
ASSETS
of PLAN
X GAIN IN ' 89
FEES
FEE/AVE ASSETS
Fidelity Fidelity Frontier Mellon Morgan S.S.R.M. Wells F
LEq SEq SEq LEx LEq LEq SEx
72.6M 17.2 17.5 1 64.4 94.2 89.4 66.1
7.2 1.7 1.7 1 6.3 9.3 8.9 6.6
17.4 na na 31.4 29.4 36.6 1 2.9
435.2k 41.5 1 35.5 46.2 270.1 217.7 30.0
.62% .25 . 81 .03 .32 .28 . 05
Term.Mgr. * S.S.Bk. IEx Sw.B.C. IEq World IEq Total Equity
.2 1 01.3 28.1 26.4 677.3
na 1 0.0 2.8 2.6 67.1
na 1 0.4 1 5.6 1 9.5 23.4
na 36.1 1 51.6 98.5 1 462.4
na .04 .61 .41 .25
Primco
GIC
216.4
21.5
9.8
1 99.6
.08
Morgan NCNB S.S.Bk. T.C.W. Total Real Bos.Sf. TrustOff.
RE RE RE RE Est T/P
21.7 29.0 25.1 1 9.8 95.7 1 8.9 na
2.2 2.9 2.5 2.0 9.5 1.9 na
9.2 6.8 -1.1 1 2.9 6.5 9.4# na
1 74.8 340.9 245.8 234.6 996.1 483.2 313.4
. 84 1.22 .97 1.26 1.07 na na
Less Recaptured Commissions & Security Lending
-246.0
-.03
Total
3208.7k
Plan
1 008.5M
1 00%
1 7.5%
. 33%
NOTES: L = Large; S = Small; Eq = Equities; LEx = S&P 500 Index Fund; SEx = Russell Index Fund (small companies); IEq = Intl. Equities; IEx = Euro.Austr.FarEast Index Fund. GIC = Guaranteed Investment Contracts; RE = Real Estate. T/P = Trustee and Paying agent. # = 9.4% Return on cash. * = Residual assets from a terminated manager. na = not applicable. Recaptured Commissions = $118.6k Security Lending = $127.4k. The latter is covered by 100+ % cash collateral, and further guaranteed by Boston Safe. Attached is a graph that compares both A & B Plan benefits with the Consumer Price Index for "All Urban Consumers - U.S. City Average", at quarterly intervals from year end 1979 thru 1989. By holding the CPI at zero, the real dollar value of your benefit checks is shown as a plus or minus percent. While the effective value of the A Plan benefit decreased 39% over the 10 year period, the B-Plan benefit increased considerably, up 46% as compared to the C.P.I. 12
--- AROUND THE AIRLINE ---
Just one year ago at New Orleans, Master Chairman Capt. Tom Ashwood and Vice Chairman F/0 Kent Scott spoke to you. Later, some on the MEC did not like, among other things, Ashwood's openly antagonistic rhetoric in his writings about Carl Icahn. Tom was recalled in September. Six members wanted to reelect him, six did not. The impasse lasted for weeks. Kent Scott and the Sec/Treas. resigned to force the MEC to either elect a Chairman or be taken over by ALPA's President. Pres. Duffy appointed Kent Scott to act as a temporary until Spring elections. On March 12, after seven new members were seated, the MEC elected Kent as their Chairman. Capt. Fred White was elected Vice Chmn., and F/0 Lee Woodham S/T. The situation on TWA has not improved. On several occasions Icahn sold aircraft for lease back. He also sold the hangar at ORD and the ORD-LHR routes. Each time the pilots were told that if they made some pay concessions, the sales might be avoided. Icahn has put little if any of the proceeds, or the $1.5 Bil. given by all employees, 1986-1989 (1/3 by pilots), back into the airline. More give-backs are likely to go into the same pocket rather than to TWA. The MEC determined that TWA was worth about $730 Mil. before Icahn took over. USAIR was worth $734 at that time. Using 9/30/89 data, it is estimated that TWA was worth minus $300 Mil and USAIR a plus 2.75 Bil. at the end of '89. TWA has ordered (?) 40 planes. USAIR ordered 246. AMR + DAL + UAL's orders total 1,592! Even CAL has a positive net worth and 140 planes on order. TWA presently has 214 planes, of which 144 are leased. Their total expenses, which include interest on the huge debt from privatization and the i nterest on the leases, are such that there is no profit to share. Profit sharing was the original inducement to give up what will amount to almost two years of free labor by the end of '91. TWA has weathered crisis in the past; we certainly hope they will pull thru this one. Other than passes and a life insurance policy (20k at most), those over 65 have little to lose. Those under 65 have the added risk of TWA paid health and dental i nsurance. Benefits from both retirement Plans would continue uninterrupted to all retirees. This is not a forecast of doom, but we presume you want to know the unvarnished truth of how our former employer and brother pilots are doing. In any event, our losses, if any, are confined to the foregoing. If any of our explanations have raised more questions, we'll try to answer them, but rest assured that there are no hidden clauses to harm us. 1 950
THEN AND NOW
1 990
In 1950 the " BIG THREE" had about 3000 pilots. AAL 1000+; TWA & UAL 1000- each. Today the " BIG FOUR " have nearly 30,000 pilots. AAL 8360; DAL 7550; UAL 7475; USA 6000. Little TWA, no longer in the big league, has 3570 (incl. 556 from OZA in ' 86).
13
vs CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
A & B PLAN INCOMES
INSURANCE COMMITTEE REPORT - MAY 1190 PHONE NUMBERS TO NOTE: TARPA INSURANCE - 1-800-645-2424 (65 PLUS) CONN. GENERAL - 1-800-777-2141 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE An area of misunderstanding seems to be that a supplemental insurance policy pays ALL that Medicare doesn't pay. All policies we know of pay a percentage of the Medicare Eligible Expenses only. If it is not covered by Medicare then it's not covered by Supplemental, either. Exceptions must be specified in the policy. Example: Medicare doesn't cover outside the U.S. and territories, but our Tarpa policy does, including the part that Medicare would have paid had it been in the states. Mark one up for Our side! In a speech by Tom Gallagher, the Florida State Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner, he emphasized these p oints: The biggest mistake most people make is having two or more policies covering the same thing. See insert. In Florida, the law requires that if you have ANY Florida approved supplemental policy and are not satisfied with it, the new policy becomes effective when bought without any waiting period. The average cost of all supplemental policies have increased from 25% to 40% since repeal of the Catastrophic Insurance Act, when Medicare and supplementals reverted to 1988 rates. Every state has an Insurance Commissior and everyone should get a copy of the experience, ratings, how they pay, etc. before enrolling in any insurance plan. No insurance company operates the same in all states. Look for "comprehensive coverage" which pays deductibles and all differences between what is billed and what is paid by Medicare. NURSING HOMES AND EXTENDED CARE Most facilities built exclusively for this purpose only sell lifetime leases and the property reverts to, or remains with, the nursing home when a person dies, moves away etc. We think there is a new method whose time has come. These nursing homes are complete with all extended care facilities, whether it be 24 hour intensive care, custodial care or a couple of hours each day for activities of daily living. They sell them outright with full title and you can rent them, sell them or use them, and when you're finished with them, they go to your beneficiaries like any other asset. A monthly charge reflects services you require as well as the availability of all other services. We suggest you investigate these facilities in your area.
15
LIFE INSURANCE There are only two times in one's life when term life is a good investment: 1. When starting out in family life, job, etc. and need protection but can't afford savings built in to it. 2. Late in life when still healthy enough to buy it, but you won't be paying on it very long. The only way to benefit on term life is to die, which is a bit drastic. In all the years in between there is a better way. "Whole Life Insurance" builds up a cash value while retaining a level premium and coveraqe. The optimal period to purchase whole life is between 55 and 65. This kind is more expensive than term life but is a lot less than a combination of term insurance plus an annuity equal to its cash value at any point. This is a repeat of article in the November issue. WHOLE LIFE FOR:
John Doe
ISSUE AGE : 6
5
INITIAL FACE AMOUNT: MALE
INITIAL ANNUAL PREMIUM: RIDERS:
INITIAL DEATH BENEFIT OPTION:
SELECT
1100,000 A
LEVEL AMOUNT
$2,884.00
NONE
(a)
(b)
(c )
END
GROSS
- - - - - - - PROJECTED 8.5%
OF
ANNUAL
ACCOUNT
CASH SURR
DEATH
YR
OUTLAY
VALUE*
VALUE
BENEFIT
AGE
------
$0
$100,000
1,692
0
100,000
3,710
1,376
1 00,000
6,030
3,694
100,000
2,884
8,501
6,251
100,000
61
2,884
11,240
9,048
100,000
7
62
2,884
14,272
12,167
1 00,000
8
63
2,884
17,657
15,610
100,000
9
64
2,884
21,173
19,512
100,000
10
65
2,884
26,225
26,225
100,000
11
66
2,884
31,511
31,511
1 00,000
12
67
2,884
37,249
37,249
100,000
13
68
2,884
43,479
43,479
1 00,000
14
69
2,884
50,244
50,244
100,000
15
70
2,884
58,804
58,804
100,000
16
71
2,884
67,039
67,039
1 00,000
11
72
2,884
76,909
76,909
1 00,000
18
73
2,884
87,947
87,947
100,000
19
74
2,884
1 00,210
100,210
1 09,229
20
75
2,884
113,992
113,992
121,971
21
76
2,884
127,663
127,663
134,046
22
77
2,884
142,580
142,580
149,709
23
78
2,884
158,851
158,851
166,793
24
79
2,884
176,592
176,592
185,422
25
80
2,884
195,931
195,931
205,727
26
81
2,884
216,949
216,949
227,796
27
82
2,884
239,848
239,848
251,840
28
83
2,884
264,193
264,793
278,032
29
84
2,884
291,965
291,965
306,563
30
85
2,884
321,566
321,566
337,644
1
56
$2,884
2
57
2,884
3
58
2,884
4
59
2,884
5
60
6
$0
(a) Started at age 60, annual payment is $3,967 (b) Started at 65, annual payment is $5,500 (c) You have had $100,000 in life insurance protection, but also recovered that amount should you choose to cash it in. Cash surrender value is available at any time.
16
In Memoriam JOHN G. ARMSTRONG JOSEPH F. CARRAHER ARTHUR J. EGGIMAN THOMAS HUTCHINS CHARLES M. LOKEY RICHARD S. NORRIS PAUL THOMPSON
DOTTY CARR (JOE) CLIFFORD C. CRAW DUDLEY G. GRIMES JOHN A. KIEFER CHARLES R. McMILLS JOHN F. ROHODES KENNEDY F. WESTFALL
2/3/90 3/20/90 1/25/90 4/18/90 4/17/90 2/12/90 3/13/90
1/20/90 1/26/90 12/3/89 4/12/90 3/26/90 3/29/90 3/8/90
EDMUND F. KALLINA Flight Engineer Ed Kallina, 73, died 13 Dec. 89 in Brandon, Fl. He began his career in aviation when he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1935 where he served until 1940. He then joined the Royal Air Force in 1941 and served in the Ferry Command of the RAF during World War II. He joined TWA as a Flight Engineer in 1945 where he worked for 31 years. Ed retired to Florida where he spent the remainder of his life playing golf and devoting himself to church work and civic activities. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Calloosa Country Club in Sun City Center. He was a dedicated volunteer in the Sun City Center Emergency Squad and Security Patrol. Surviving family members are his wife, Evelyn, 3 children (Edmund Jr., Anne Elizabeth Sinha and Robert Tiffin) and 9 grandchildren. JOHN G. ARMSTRONG John, 69, died at the home in Overland Park, KS, 3 Feb. 90. He was born in Bremen, Ohio, and lived in Pittsburgh before moving to the Kansas City area in 1952. Joined TWA in 1948 as a radio operator and navigator and later was a ground school instructor and manager of audio-visual aids at the Training Center before he retied in 1983. He attended Ohio State University and Pittsburgh Keystone School of Engineering. He was a first lieutenant and counter-intelligence officer in the army during World War II. He was a member of the American Legion, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Johnson County Amateur Radion Club, the American Radio Relay League, Elks Lodge and the Catholic Church. Survivors are his wife, Emily Ann, a son, John Terry, a daughter, Cynthia Nordin and 3 grandchildren.
THOMAS A. WARD, JR. Tom Ward, 81, died 30 November 1989 in Fairfax, MO. Hospital. He lived in Craig, MO, where he was born. He was president of the Bank of Craig until he retired in 1966. Capt. Craig was pilot for Braniff and Trans World Airlines and a veteran pilot of World War II in the Air Transport Command. He founded the Craig Airport and was a member of the Braniff Silver Eagles, TARPA, Quiet Birdmen, ALPA, Craig School Board, Masons, Kiwanis and Craig Presbyterian Church.
17
IN MEMORIAM
DOROTHY BURGMILLER CARR Dottie died 20 January 1990. She was a TWA Hostess and was checked out on the Boeing 307 Strato-Liner but never flew it because she married Joe in July 1940. The Strats were introduced in 1940. Joe worked fast as he was hired 12 February 1940 from the Navy.
JOSEPH F. CARRAHER Joe, 69, died at home in Chatham, MA, on March 20. He was born in Everett and graduated from Maiden Catholic High School in 1939. Served 4 years in the Marine Corps during World War II as a fighter pilot aboard the Cape Gloucester in the Pacific. Flew for TWA from 1948 to 1980. He was named Captain of the Year in 1965 by Trans World Airlines . He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, 1 son, 4 daughters and 14 grandchildren.
Art, 83, moved to He was a vived by
ARTHUR J. EGGIMAN died in Independence, MO, Jan. 25, 90. He was born in Jamestow, MO, and the K.C. area in 1040. He was a Flight Engineer for TWA before he retired. member of the St. Luke's United Church of Christ and a Mason. He is surhis wife, Catherine, of the home.
DUDLEY G. GRIMES Dud saw combat action during World War II as an aircraft commander flying B-17's over Germany. On return from overseas he flew for your editor at Kingman Air Force Base, Arizona. He joined Trans World Airlines as a Flight Engineer in 1945 and was based in San Francisco until retirement. JOHN A. KIEFER John, 72, died 12 April. Born in Milwaukee he dropped out of St. Thomas College in Minnesota to join the Army Air Corps during World War II. A colonel at 26, he flew military supplies from India to Merrill's Marauders, who were fighting Japanese forces in China. He held 4 Distinquished Flying Crosses, 2 Air Medals and a Presidential Citation. He joined TWA after the war. Capt. Kiefer once built an airplane in his garage and gave it to the Stanford Flying Club. He was an avid fisherman and interested in ecology. Jack is survived by his wife, Marie, a son, John R. and a daughter, Janine Karras.
PAUL THOMPSON Paul was born in Gallatin, TX, and moved to K.C. area in 1945. Veteran pilot of World War II. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, 1 son & 1 daughter.
18
CAPTAIN JAMES A. MCINTYRE AWARD OFT MERIT AT RPA - 1990
Captain James A. McIntyre was presented the T ARPA Award of Merit plaque at the 1990 convention banquet in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on April 9. Having already received the Airline Pilots Association Air Safety Award in 1985, this recognition by TARPA of Captain McIntyre's activities and accomplishments over many years seemed espcially timely and welldeserved. Almost 30 years of McIntyre's career has been devoted to study and research in the promotion of airline safety and in the accident investigation field. Now in retirement, he is still Chairman of the ALPA Professional Standards Committee. He is also actively instructing in "Human Performance" considerations for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and engaged in ALPA studies of methods for the handling of surviving crew members after an accident. Another of McIntyre's concerns has been the carriage of hazardous materials on cargo and passenger aircraft. Working with pilots from other airlines, the group succeeding in getting Congress to pass the 1975 Hazardous Materials Act. In another area he is active in the implementation of the new concept of "crew coordination", now called Cockpit Resource Management (CRM). Pan American and many commuter carriers are indoctrinating their crews in this new philosophy. Jim started with TWA in 1953, was recalled to the Navy from 1961 to 1964, and retired from TWA in October, 1987. He and his wife, Anna (an avid skier), and their four children, live in the area of Deerfield, New Hampshire. T he oldest son, James S., is a Boeing 747 Check Engineer for TWA. A more complete story of Jim's career was published in the AIRLINE PILOT, ALPA's magazine, in July, 1986. With ALPA's permission, this well-written story by Robert Moorman appears on the following pages.
19
CAPT. JAMES A. McINTYRE to fly it, not to drag it behind me. " The quips made Law burst into laughter. " We got along real well after that," recalls McIntyre. That sense of humor and an attitude that any problem is solvable has served McIntyre well during his piloting career, much of which has been devoted to serving on various ALPA air-safety-related committees. A second-generation Scottish-American with a square jaw, a colorful vernacular, and a wry sense of humor, McIntyre will
By Robert Moorman
Accident investigator, flight security expert, all-around safety worker wins Air Safety Award.
T
WA Capt. James A. McIntyre is fond of one story that exemplifies his elan vital—his philosophy toward flying and air safety. It occurred in June 1984. McIntyre was piloting a B-747 jumbo jet from Boston to Rome, a run he had made numerous times before. On board was recently appointed Archbishop of Boston Bernard J. Law, who was enroute to Rome to receive from the pope the pallium—the official symbol of his new office. Thinking it would be a nice gesture, McIntyre asked the flight attendant to see if the new archbishop would like to see a B-747 cockpit. Known to be an eager flyer, Law gathered up his robes and made his way to the flight deck. "I'll never forget the look on his face," remembers McIntyre, "when he got to the cockpit and saw who would be flying this big machine?' Before the prelate (who has since been made cardinal) could utter a word, the diminutive McIntyre piped up, "It's O.K., your Eminence. This bird has got power steering, and anyway the company pays me 22 AIRLINEPILOT July 1986
20
receive ALPA's Air Safety Award for 1985—the highest air safety award given by the association. Established in 1957, ALPA's Air Safety Award is bestowed upon those pilots who have made outstanding contributions in the field of air safety. It is ALPA's second highest award overall, next to the Gold Medal Award, which is given for heroism. McIntyre joins a cadre of 39 past Air Safety Award winners, including the first recipient, Capt. Ernest Cutrell of American Airlines, one of the princi-
dad when their son arrived home after his first flying experience. She was right. Shortly thereafter, McIntyre joined the Navy and flew Spad ADs and Privateers during the Korean conflict. Afterward, he returned home to New York to prepare for medical school. But it wasn't to be. After his father died suddenly, McIntyre secured a position with Pan Am, flying Douglas DC-4s throughout South America, and DC-6s to Africa. After one year of continent hopping, he was employed by TWA
OPPOSITE: Capt. James A. McIntyre reacts to news of his award. ABOVE: TWA Chief Accident Investigator McIntyre, seated at right, other TWA MEC accident investigation committee members, and an ALPA staffer observe a computer analysis of flight data recorder printouts in the FDR laboratory at ALPA headquarters. (1982 photo). pal designers and proponents of the centerline approach light system. The award crowns a 33-year career in commercial aviation. McIntyre began flying in the early 1940s in an open cockpit trainer on a dirt airstrip then called North Beach Airport near New York City. Today the dirt is concrete. And the airport's name has been changed to LaGuardia. "The next thing you know, he'll want to be a pilot," McIntyre remembers his mother telling his
on August 10, 1953, where he has remained to this day. McIntyre has amassed more than 20,000 hours of flight time in just about every aircraft TWA has operated: Martin 404s, DC-4s, DC-6s, DC-7s, L-1011s , B-707s, B-727s, B-747s, and the famed tritail Lockheed Constellation or " Connie, " which McIntyre calls one of the strongest planes ever built. He also flew a relic, TWA' s last DC-3, operated as a spare-engine carrier. 21
McIntyre was one of the few TWA pilots called upon for several inaugural flights of the Lockheed 1649 Super Constellation during the late 1950s. Scheduling these flights was difficult at times because then TWA Chairman Howard Hughes would borrow the airplane and not return it for days. "He was always pulling stunts like that," recalls McIntyre. "Brilliant, but an odd character." On December 7, 1961, McIntyre was recalled to the Navy and dispatched to Hawaii, where he hauled everything from Alaskan earthquake victims to hand grenades around the South Pacific in C-118s. Three years later, he returned to TWA and began his air safety work in earnest as Council 41 safety chairman and TWA Master Executive Council accident investigation coordinator. From 1967 through 1970, McIntyre edited TWA's Flite Facts, an operations and flight safety publication, and drafted specifications for TWA's newly established Flight Safety Department. He initiated some of the guidelines for ALPA's Accident Investigation Board and provided a format for on-site investigators. Those guidelines have become ALPA's and TWA's benchmarks for conducting accident investigations. In 1967, McIntyre participated in his first TWA accident investigation. It involved a midair collision of a DC-9 and a Beech Baron over Urbana, Ohio. His tenacity for getting results and his detective-like acumen helped in getting the Federal Aviation Administration to establish a universal 250-knot speed limit for all aircraft below 10,000 feet, as well as the mandatory use of transponders in light business aircraft. Flight security work McIntyre subsequently turned his attention to flight security because of the rash of hijackings of U.S. aircraft to Cuba during the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1972, he July 1986 AIRLINE PILOT 23
â– "In my estimation, the worst thing to happen to aviation and air safety is the ascendancy of the Harvard M.B.A." succeeded Capt. Tom Ashwood as chairman of the TWA MEC Aircraft Security Committee. The following year, McIntyre was appointed to ALPA's Flight Security Committee, and he became one of that committee's most productive and inventive members. Costs to the airlines from hijackings were astronomical in the early 1970s, remembers McIntyre. Unlike today's hijackings. which are carried out by professional terrorists, early acts of air piracy were done mostly by "nuts and disgruntled Cubans." TWA and ALPA teamed up to devise a plan to reduce air piracy. McIntyre was instrumental in developing the "sterile concourse" concept, which involves having passengers pass through a single point of entry, which branches out to various concourses leading to flights. This eliminates costly and inefficient screening at each gate. At the mouth of the single entry are magnetometers and X-ray machines. The early detection systems had start-up problems. The airlines did a lot of preparatory work in getting a sterile concourse operational at John F. Kennedy International Airport; but on the first trial run, "we found the magnetometers didn't work," McIntyre recalls. "Everyone was in a panic. "I said to them, `Look, we may not get another opportunity like this. Put some blinking Christmas lights around the magnetometers, and set off the alarm every once in a while to let the people know something is happening." ' All parties agreed to the temporary plan of faking it until the magnetometers could be fixed. "I think it was the right decision," defends McIntyre. "That day the airport security people found eight handguns in the men's john." TWA's voluntary "sterile concourse" plan and the use of metal detectors soon became an industry standard and were later mandated by law. 24 AIRLINEPILOT July 1986
McIntyre's safety work began in the U.S. Navy. Here he prepares for an F14 Tomcat flight from Miramar Naval Air Station near San Diego. Hazardous material When the hijackings tapered off, McIntyre found a new challenge, as is his style. His interest was piqued by two Ozark pilots, Capts. Don Dunn and Jim Eckols, who were walking a lonely beat around the nation's capitol, trying to get Congress to do something about the mounting problem of carrying hazardous materials on cargo and passenger aircraft. Admits McIntyre: "At first, like most people, I didn't believe them. Then I took a look in some airliner cargo bays. Damn, it made my hair stand on end. Radioactive isotopes for power plants, explosives, acids that could eat through steel. Keep in mind, this was stuff you couldn't legally carry on a bus or train. "I remember Delta had an instance in which industrial isotopes were improperly packaged on one of its aircraft and they contaminated the whole airplane for days. It was a system out of control." Despite the unflagging efforts of McIntyre, Dunn, Eckols, and the rest of ALPA's Hazardous Materials Committee, a tragedy had to occur before FAA and Congress would act. On November 3, 1973, a Pan Am B-707-321C crashed just short of Runway 33 at 22
Boston's Logan International Airport, killing all three crew members. The National Transportation Safety Board determined that 16,000 pounds of deadly acids enroute to Scotland had been improperly stored in a wooden box packed with sawdust. As the aircraft crossed over northern Maine, the nitric acid ate through the wooden container, starting a deadly chain of fires that sent toxic fumes and smoke to the flight deck. The aircraft crashed on short final into Logan, a tragedy that clearly could have been prevented. The issue finally came to a head when ALPA created the S.T.O.P. (Safe Transport of People) program. McIntyre helped Dunn and Eckols take on the nation's biggest chemical companies to get a law passed that would prohibit certain hazardous materials from being carried by aircraft. "You can't believe the pressure we were up against," says McIntyre. "We were tangling with the likes of DuPont, Triple M, Union Carbide. These companies had guys making $100,000 a year whose sole purpose was to try to make us look bad. They didn't succeed, and we won a victory on
behalf of our passengers and crews." In 1974, Congress passed the Hazardous Materials Act; one year later President Gerald Ford signed it into law. Dunn and Eckols were both given ALPA's prestigious Air Safety Award for 1973. McIntyre was elated that some of his words were part of the bill and that he had helped create an industry-wide standard for carrying hazardous materials. TWA has not nad one single hazardous materials incident since the company signed its agreement with ALPA and the law was passed. "Must say, I'm pretty proud of being part of that," admits McIntyre. "It was one of the finest things ALPA has ever done." Flight safety and standards In 1975, he helped inaugurate the joint ALPA/TWA Flight Safety and Standards Committee. The company, having just suffered a disastrous year for accidents and incidents, asked the committee to audit the airline and find out why these incidents were taking place. For 10 clays, the committee reviewed the maintenance and piloting procedures on all types of TWA aircraft around the world. The committee found a number of areas that needed corrective action. The auditing team noted that some "wildcatting" was taking place, with each pilot essentially operating his own airline. The auditors also found standardization in the cockpit and in maintenance procedures to be sporadic. Moreover, a few captains were "flying solo," a tendency on many airlines at the time. And the team found that the flight engineer was virtually ignored as part of the crew. All that changed. As a result of the audits, TWA became a model for standardized maintenance and piloting procedures. It also developed an effective crew coordination management system. McIntyre was instrumental in instituting a system whereby the Flight Safety
and Standards Committee would "I remember he was quite meet at least twice a year to disinfluential in that investigation," cuss air safety. FAA has cited these recalls Haase. "Because of his ongoing meetings as an effective background as a member of safety communications tool. ALPA's Human Performance McIntyre, a graduate of Columbia Committee and of ALPA's Accident University, is currently viceInvestigation Board, coupled with chairman of ALPA's Human his being a seasoned pilot, Jim was Performance Committee, a member successful in extracting the of ALPA's Accident Investigation important parts of the evidence Board, coordinator of ALPA's and making sure they were included in the record" Professional Standards Committee, McIntyre is one of the ALPA chairman of the TWA MEC Accident Investigation Committee Accident Investigation Board members who assist newer ALPA and its chief accident investigator, and an ALPA national spokesman. members from regional and shorthaul airlines with their accident McIntyre was recently interviewed and incident investigations. He has on ABC's Good Morning America also taught several ALPA basic about international terrorism and what ALPA is doing to reduce it. accident investigation sessions During his career, McIntyre has dealing primarily with human factors and assistance for surviving given industry-wide papers and crews and their families. published numerous articles on air McIntyre represents ALPA as safety in aviation trade magazines. chairman of the Society of His article "Should it Happen to You" (Air Line Pilot, January Automotive Engineers Flight 1984) provides formal guidelines on Operations Committee and serves on the National Aeronautics and what a pilot should do after an Space Administration Aviation airliner incident or accident. Many Safety Reporting System Advisory pilots tell us they keep their copy of the article with their Jeppesen Committee. charts. The article was the Although his airline career is forerunner to McIntyre's "TWA entering its twilight stage, MEC Accident Investigation McIntyre will remain active as an air safety consultant and will Handbook," which was used so effectively in June 1985 when TWA continue to chronicle ways of Flight 847 was hijacked for 17 i mproving air safety. days. Other ALPA MECs now also McIntyre ruefully admits that the business of flying is not as much use the handbook. TWA Central Air Safety fun as it once was. "These new entrepreneurs are not in love with Chairman Dave Haase, one of aviation like the old pioneers were. McIntyre's proteges and chairman Don't misunderstand me," explains of ALPA's Airport Standards Committee, credits McIntyre for the veteran pilot, "people like encouraging young pilots to TWA' s Howard Hughes, participate actively in air safety Continental ' s Bob Six, and Pan work for the association. Am's Juan Trippe were tough, but they were aviation oriented and Haase recalls one instance when he and McIntyre were working on safety conscious. Not so now. an International Civil Aviation "In my estimation, the worst Organization Annex 13 thing to happen to aviation and air investigation involving a foreign safety is the ascendancy of the carrier's DC-10 that had run off the Harvard M.B.A." McIntyre pauses after the end of a runway at JFK. The thought. "But you can 't take airline reportedly had major problems with procedural changes yourself too seriously; you must regarding crew callouts and keep your sense of humor. If they approach procedures. get that, you ' ve lost." 23 July 1986 AIRLINE PILOT 25
(Reprinted with permission of ALPA)
BY CHUCK HASLER We have been real busy trying to iron out all the last minute details for our Kenya Safari in May and the Scandinavia/Russia Cruise in June. As predicted the Safari is a sell out and we have a wait list. One sad note was a call from Joe and Jean McCombs saying he had to have heart surgery ( he should be well on the way to recovery by the time you read this ) and they would have to cancel the Safari, after buying Safari clothes and starting to study the language. They both said that they would be ready to go the next time. We are working on our 1991 program ( 3 cruises ) and will implement them all if enough interest is shown. JANUARY or FEBRUARY- Caribbean & Atlantic Cruise with the highlight going up ( and down )the Amazon River. END of APRIL - 18 day Panama Canal Cruise from San Juan to Los Angeles on the Star Princess. MID AUGUST or MID SEPT.(after the TARPA convention) A roundtrip cruise to ALASKA from Vancover. A rumor has started and I have been asked by many TARPA members if I owned all or part of a Travel Agency. Thirty years ago I owned part interest in a small agency but since selling my interest (30 yrs. ago) I have never set foot in the place again. All our trips are booked through The Travel Co. in Atherton, CA or Ventures in Belmont, CA, Both Interliner agencies.
24
Colonel David A. Richwine, USMC, was recently selected for promotion to Brigadier General. Richwine is currently the Special Assistant and Marine Corps Aide to the Secretary of the Navy. His parents are Capt. and Mrs. David W. Richwine. A 1965 graduate of the University of Kansas, he was commissioned a Lt. in the U.S. Marine Corps through the Navy ROTC program. His initial duty assignment was as an infantry platoon commander with the Third Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment in Vietnam. Graduated from flight training at Williams AFB, AZ, in 1971 as a Naval Aviator qualified in the F-4 Phantom. Subsequent duties with Fighter Attack Squadrons 232 & 212, and command of Fighter Attack Squadron 251 at the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, South Carolina. In addition to tours with operational commands and headquarters staffs, Colonel Richwine graduated from the Air Command and Staff College (1979) and the National War College (1985). He commanded the Marine Corps Air Station at Beaufort, SC, from 1985 to 1987. He began his present assignment in June 1988. Colonel Richwine's personal DAVID A RICHWINE awards include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart and Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He also wears the Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Father Dave says a couple of things that make his son's career a little bit unique are that he started out his service with two successive tours (17 months) as a combat infantryman in Vietnam, went through flight training as a Captain and earned both Air Force and Navy wings. Our congratulations to Brigadier General David W. Richwine and his parents, David W. and Vi. Your editor will take advantage of this space to express his sincere appeciation to Capt. Joseph A. Brown, Jr., for his service to us in TARPA as our President. Joe is a calm and dedicated leader and I have enjoyed serving under him. He has been courteous, considerate, thoughtful and cooperative. TARPA has greatly benefited from the service of this gentleman. We are all praying for his speedy recovery. Capt. Brown set the fashion for golf attire sometimes appearing in saddle oxfords, red knee length socks, green knickers, yellow shirt and checkered cap!
25
EDITOR'S DESK To Goldie Goldthorpe; From Mrs. Ross Weaver - Dear Goldie: I wanted to let you know how much I and the rest of Ross' family appreciate your TARPA article about his India trip. I have given each of his children and grandchildren a copy of the story - which, of course we heard about now and then over the years - but reading about it in print and with the nice comments you made about Ross made it special. We all thank you very much. Best regards, Sincerely, Marjorie Weaver [Your editor flew some with Ross and served on the ALPA MEC with him and heartily endorse Goldie's opinion of Captain Ross Weaver.] And from Goldie; Dear A.T. - You mentioned once that Capt. Neuman Ramsey always called you "Jones" since the time when you both were in the so-called "crew lounge" in the peak of the rickety old hangar off 63rd Street in Chicago and a clerk woke you up and said, "You are Jones and you are to deadhead immediately to Fort Wayne.." As you explained: "I did so, naturally, and ever since Neuman has called me Jones". Well, Crew Sked certainly couldn't complain about your cooperation, "A.T" Jones. Anyway, this brought back memories of that same, rickety old hangar and the shaky stairway to the second floor rear where the offices were. I worked there just before World War II as a radio operator. In those days the CGO midwatch consisted of a dispatcher, then called a Flight Superintendent, a meteorologist and a radioman. It was a close knit, informal group especially informal when a Flying Flt. Sup't was dispatching. Back then TWA had two types of dispatchers (1) the ground based type usually a former meteorologist and (2) the flying type, Captains who alternated between flying the line and dispatching. It was usually, although not always, more fun working with the flyboys. (Forgive me, Parky) One night about 3 a.m. things were quiet at the Chicago Municipal Airport before it became Midway. One of the flying fit. supers, I think it was Ben Dally but it might have been Marv Horstman, they both had a lively sense of humor, was holding down the dispatcher's desk. The weatherman, who I'll call Orville because that wasn't his name, was dozing at his station and I was the radio op on duty. Ben (or Marv) was taking it easy, feet on desk chatting with the maintenance foreman when he spotted Orville now sound asleep. He motioned for me to come over. He had a plan. I was to wake Orville up and tell him that the Tower had called saying there was a lot of "franistan on runway four". Then Ben and I and the foreman would peer out of the north window toward the field. All went according to plan and a somewhat groggy Orville joined us at the window, face pressed against the glass, staring into the early morning darkness. But somebody couldn't supress a chuckle and Orville suddenly woke up. After all he wasn't stupid...just sleepy. He straightened up, strode over to the hot line and before anyone could stop him yelled into the phone: "Hello Tower? If you think there's a lot of franistan on four take a good look at all that portison on thirty one!" BANG. From R. C. & Pat Downing; We came across this not long ago and thought you might find it interesting and as we did. The front is stamped "Southwest Air Fast Express. It was written by Larry Fritz and on the front flyleaf he had taped an article from the Tulsa Tribune entitle; "Flabby Flesh Flees Before This Reducing Exerciese". His handwritten note at the top - "Suggest you read this and TRY". R. C. worked for Safeway from September 1929 until October 1930 when American bought the Company.
26
EDITOR'S DESK Letter from Downings continued; Another thanks to you and all who contribute talent and effort in our behalf. We appreciate it. Pat Downing [Your editor wrote and thanked them for the article. It is interesting but voluminous so will print it later as I know it will merit the attention of a lot of you. I remember R.C.'s work in ALPA and John Carroll complimentarily dubbing him the Silver Fox.] * * * * * * Most of the pictures in here are by John Happy and we are very grateful for his work. There are some by Larry Fauci and Dick Guillan. Thanks to these people and to Ed Betts for his valuable contributions. From Lum Edwards; You're doing a great job on TARPA TOPICS. Know it must take up a lot of your time but is also must be rewarding to hear how much everyone enjoys it. Talked to Bob Dunn, Flight Crew Administrator at LAX, day before yesterday. He told me that he is retiring and has already sent in his check to subscribe to TARPA TOPICS. He said that he has been reading someone else's copy and it really made it possible to keep track of people he hadn't see for some time. Our best to Betty. [Thanks for the pat on the head, Lum. I am only carrying the job that my good friend, Al Clay, started and handled so well.] * * * * * * We had an article in the November issue entitled "Remember Pearl Harbor" which I wrote and should have signed it. Have had compliments and some criticism. I understand there were no acts of sabotage directly traceable to those of Japanese origin. We also know our Japanese-Americans distinguished themselves in American uniforms as real fighters and winners of many medals for valor. In peacetime relocating those people would certainly have been unlawful but it was war and rights and laws were set aside sometimes in hysteria. The following from Don Roquemore; The article "Remember Pearl Harbor" was unsigned but I'll bet a dime to a doughnut that you wrote it knowing how proud you are to be an American and had a chance to defend this land of ours. Don went to the first 12 grades at San Pedro, CA, which in the 20's and 30's was a fishing and farming town. I knew many Japanese and had many Japanese friends and after asking them several times I finally got permission from their Jujitsu instructor to let me join the class 2 nights a week. Upon entering the gym everyone bowed to the Japanese flag, Hirohito and some other pictures on the wall of dignitaries of the Japanese government. I have forgotten who they were, it has been so long ago, but the devotion and patriotism to Japan was instilled in them. The class was a dollar a night. Some time during the evening everyone would pass by a big oriental vase and drop his dollar in. No check off system, just honor. I believe all of the students were American born and some third generation. The Japanese were so dedicated to their parents that I have always believed that most of them would have fought for Japan if we were invaded. After I went in the service I received several letters from a classmate in one of the camps in the midwest and she always said they were treated good and had whatever they needed in the way of food, shelter and entertainment. I firmly believe it was necessary to isolate the Japanese in case we were invaded. It is too bad that some people who were not born until after the war or were too young to remember it, thought that we mistreated them although I understand some did lose some personal belongings in the move.
27
EDITOR'S DESK From Hank Gastrich dated 3 Feb.; I was pleasantly amused to receive your Christmas card a few days ago. I agree with everything you had to say about the mail service and you weren't referring to the El Cajon area...which is the "Bermuda Triangle" for service. Once I thought it would be a nice gesture to send Christmas cards in July; to sort of keep the spirit of Christmas alive. Now I suspect it would be a good idea to do that so they are received by December. [Editor, on return from Hershey, had a Christmas card returned from Oklahoma City which had been mailed from here 19 December. Had W. instead of N. in street address.] Looking forward to your February issue which I will probably receive in midMarch. As I said before, each issue is like walking into a TWA Flight Ops office, circa 1955-65, when it was still a pleasure to walk into a flight ops. Have a job with John King writing FAA test training manuals with a most viable salary. Was fortunately able to and happy to help a couple of TWA pilots as well as some friends from other airlines to pass their ATP or FE writtens. Also am project manager for our new A & P, General, Powerplants, Airframes training kit. We supplied 47% of the pilots taking the Private, Commercial or Instrument written tests with training aids in 1988, according to FAA figures. Says he is a very lucky man in good health with five kids and 8½ grand kids that respect me. Our Company, King Accelerated Schools of San Diego, has a fully equipped Piper Archer which can use at will so took Iris to Las Vegas recently. this plane will be given away in July at Oshkosh. I'm happy to be remembered from one fine group of pilots, a different breed from the button pushers of today. Most sincerely, Hank *
*
*
*
*
*
Left to right PAT PATRICK HARRY STITZEL R. W. GOLDTHORPE TARPA 90 HERSHEY
GOLF TERMS Gross: A player's score before his handicap is deducted. Also your opinion of his game. Handicap: The number of strokes a player receives to adjust his scoring ability. The golf course is the only place where a handicap is not a handicap. Hook: A shot that goes to the left. Once hit by William F. Buckley, who was so embarrassed he immediately gave up golf.
28
EDITOR'S DESK From Jim McClure of Dayton, Tenn.; I thought you might be interested in my little project of the past six years so I'm enclosing a picture of my granddaughter. She made All-State and is signed by Florida State University, but, best of all, she is a straight A student. We haven't missed a single game of hers and this involved a mite of traveling. That led me into keeping the old cars up to a high standard and the TWA ground school training really paid off. I am astounded at the progress in cars the last 10 years when they inserted computers into the system. I'm still into the big 70's cars with a 76 Lincoln, 74 Buick Electra, 72 Impala convertible and a 64 Chrysler New Yorker. These big old engines really move, especially since I've converted to HEI ignition on the Buick and removed the AIR and EGR. That really makes the difference even if it makes the Sierra Club and the E.P.A. unhappy. I won't be able to make Hershey as I have a grandson, Christ's brother, pitching junior college ball and I'll be seeing his games all spring and summer. [She's straight A looks, too, Jim]
Herald-News photo/Scott Miller
DERLAK, CAMERON JERSEY NUMBERS RETIRED Rhea County High School's most prolific basketball scoring tandem Christy Derlak (shown above with her grandparents Jim and Betty McClure) and Jan Cameron (left, in region action against Brainerd) were honored at the annual winter sports banquet Tuesday, March 13 by having their jersey numbers retired. Derlak scored a school record 2,386 points as a four-year starter at Rhea County, and was recently selected first-team All-State by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association. Cameron collected 2,280 points in her four-year career at RCHS, and helped guide the Eaglettes to sub-state appearances in 1988 and 1990. The Eaglettes completed the 1989-90 season with a 26-6 record, best in the school's girls basketball history.
29
EDITOR'S DESK Ed Betts' article on the Martins reminded your editor of a meeting the ALPA Safety Committee had once with the Company. Bob Adickes was Chairman of the committee and he callled me his Martin expert. Nice title, eh? I recall others at the meeting were Frederickson, Bert Cooper and Ray Dunn. When it came my turn I brought up the subject of messed up landings due to not all the flaps coming down although selected to be in that position and this would happen in the flare resulting in bounces, porpoising etc. Ray Dunn seemed to pooh pooh the idea saying they would bring the reported wing flap unloading valve to Kansas City and find nothing wrong with them so he didn't think there was a problem. Whereupon I said that if there wasn't a problem then they were certainly wasting a lot of the Company's money and proceeded to give the statistic where a certain Martin had 5 wing flap unloading valves changed in 4 days. Frederickson turned to Ray Dunn and said it looks like you had better get on a fix. Ray a little later reported to me they had found the problem in that the unloading valves delivered to TWA were coming with three different settings. I think that cured the landing problem, at least, most of the time for me. I always found Ray Dunn to be most cooperative and open in his dealings with me on safety and maintenance items. Another problem I reported Ray engineered out of existence. On final approach in rain the final flap setting would rob the hydraulic and stop the wipers. His solution was larger supply lines to the wipers and rerouting.
ED BETTS BOB SPRINGER Andy Mcllwraith
Ed tells Charlie and A.T. - "Twas a great convention and I hope you enjoyed it as well as I did.Russ Drosendahl and I got off to a rather inauspicious start when we first arrived in a snowstorm at PHI, but 15 miles west it was clear. Our return to PHL was CAVU but by the time the flight departed it was raining and the flight delayed over an hour. The editorial staff wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Capt. Betts for his substantial contribution to the success of our publication. Subscriptions continue to increase.
30
EDITOR'S DESK From the desk of Dick Beck; A.T. - Many thanks for your thoughtful note. So sorry to hear about Eddie Wells and Joe McCombs. Guess at our ages, when we get one pain cured, another ache appears. Since you said you've never been hospitalized nor hardly ever had a cold, you must have spent a long time picking out your parents! Incidentally, I recently read an article where a Professor Johnson, an animal nutrition scientist at Colorado State University, determined that a cow of average size puts out about 300 quarts of methane gas PER DAY. He calculated the total. annual world cow methane output to be 50 million metric tons! I have no idea how this compares with mule exhaust. In any case, it sure is one helluva lot of gas! After my two cataract operations, I hope I'll be able to see around corners and behind trees. Best to you and all of the guys, Dick [Dick had to cancel Hershey account surgery on his eyes] A note from Chuck Hasler; Thank you for all the nice publicity [Re TARPA TOURS] in the TOPICS. Pat says you put too many pictures of her in the book. See you in Hershey, Best regards. Betti Wind says; Well, I'm back from the bowling trip to Tampa. I bowled badly, but the trip was fun except for the fact my ears plugged up on landing. They're only now beginning to feel normal - not quite. Four of us drove to Ormond Beach in a rented car and spent from Sunday to Wednesday with my sister. My two brothers also live there, so it was sort of party time. Budd and Mel have a condo right on the edge of the ocean. My friends enjoyed the ocean and the pools. My sun and skin problem kept me indoors. I've ruled out that sort of thing so completely that it doesn't bother me anymore. The dip in the ocean would have been nice. One of the girls works for the phone company here. They faxed us 6 free passes to Disney World which the four of us, my sister and my sister-in-law used to spend the whole day at Epcot Center. I plan to give the mailing labels to the TARPA shirt girl today. They should be sent very soon. By the way, Tampa is surely not the same city we knew in "51! Remember, the airport was only a shack in the field then? Not now! We stayed at the Airport Ramada and found it to be a good place. Hope the tennis stuff is useable. Mickey wrote all the names and they seem legible . [The Winds and Humbles spent a year based at MacDill Field, Tampa] Parky says; I missed not being able to come to Hershey. [Granddaughter's marriage] Here is a little bit of filler humor you might use. More & more people are looking to Washington for leadership. Unfortunately, he died in 1799. I'm going to call Frank Busch and verify a comment about his flying to Florida with a Delta Captain being the pilot, but Frank doing all the flying with one eye and partially still crippled from his light stroke. He sounded great. Bill Dixon to Joe Brown; I had a little accident and much to my regret will not be able to attend the TARPA convention. June and I are both sorry about this, as we were really looking forward to the get-together and had planned to take 2 of the tours.
31
EDITOR'S DESK Bill Dixon continued; Also I was pleased at the thought of representing the TWA Seniors for Dorothy Rush. More than anything, I was anticipating seeing many of my old friends. (Even an ex-chief pilot has some friends!). Last Sunday, March 18, our daughter-in-law and her two children and our daughter and her 3 children were visiting us and I foolishly decided to join a last minute Frisbee game. In making a wild grab, I stumbled and fell flat on my face in the driveway. I ended up a bloody mess. My glasses were broken, one front tooth was broken completely off, my lips were badly lacerated and I broke my right wrist, plus assorted bruises. June and my daughter-in-law rushed me to a nearby First Care medical office and I was there about two hours being cleaned up, stitched up, X-Rayed and lastly, a cast was put on my right arm. I had to cancel my Hershey reservations and left a message on Vic Hassler's phone to cancel my tour and dinner reservations. Since it appears I will be elected president of the TWA Seniors Club in June, perhaps I will be able to attend one of your future board meetings. Now if I can just stay healthy until June. Kindest regards, Bill [Bill, June is already with you!, A.T.] From George Duvall; Dear A.T. - Bob Berle sent me the enclosed poem and I thought it quite appropiate and you might like to print it in the TARPA TOPICS. Joyce and I are planning to be at Hershey and will look forward to seeing you there. [Cramped for space this time, George, but will probably use it later. Spoke to you and that was about all at Hershey. I always come away from our reunions wondering why I didn't have time to visit more.] * * * * * * From the illustrious Gene Exum from Tennessee; Dear A.T. - The letter from you and Betty greatly appreciated. It really brought back some fond memories of our Newark base. Wouldn't the pilot group now like to have the freedoms we had as pilots and a management to back them up? I am afraid the management group now thinks if we can't fire him we are not doing our job. As for my health, I really am in good shape except for the blood clot in the left retinea which is permanent. The other problem was prostate. The good news I found out last Friday is no cancer, just infection, so am on the antibiotic schedule. Sue and I try to play golf 3 or 4 times a week and the rest of the time Sue works in real estate and I do some P.R. work for a small company in Florida. TWA overhaul base is my best customer. Your reference to all the ice we hauled one time brought back a lot of memories of my days at Newark. I really enjoy the TARPA magazine and worry that you and the other dedicated fellows will decide to pack it in. You really do a great job and I personally thank you for the time you spend on it. Betty is a super gal to put up with it. Sue and I belong to a country club called Melrose on Defuskie Island just off shore from Hilton Head and try to go down about 3 times a year so maybe we can get by your place sometime. It really would be nice if we could get our hands on our B fund before Carl does, wouldn't it? Many thanks for your letter and our best to both of you. As ever, Gene [The reference to ice is about the time I was flying co-pilot with Gene from Chicago back to Newark where we were based. I have never seen so much ice the whole trip. It would accumulate, we would slow down, then Capt. Exum would turn on the deicer boots and break it off. We had so much accumulated when we landed at Newark a whole big pile fell off. Don't remember who made the crash landing. 32
EDITOR'S DESK Parky again; Here's the latest news in today's Kansas City Star. It does look rough and the only good solution would be a new owner but the airline business this year is mighty rough with fuel costs up and loads down. It seems to me that for over 60 years we have been going through this stress. Some good times and then some times when we almost went bankrupt. It appears to me that unless we can find a buyer for the airline, we will reduce the airline and maybe go under if the employees don't take a cut. It was about that way when Hertz owned us and Jack Frye and Paul Richter wanted out - they went out to see Howard Hughes to see if they could persuade him to buy P.A.T. and Hughes said, "Why not buy TWA?'. He did and they stayed with the Company. Icahn has already sold PARS, then has several other companies spun off like the TWA printing shop which is now the TWA Printing Company and the airline has to buy all their printing from the Printing Company. I still love the Company and have sold more International business this year than ever before. I could also sell a lot of PHX, LAX and SFO business but you can't ask folks to fly to STL and turn around. I also like Southwest Airlines and recommend it to non-competitive routes. Now has 7,000 employees - are all union, and yet they are all "family" and making a profit. I don't know how their contracts compare to the rates on TWA. My trips have been great - the friendliness and courtesy of the pilots and cabin crews have been fine. [Parky, I don't know about pay rates, either, but after the reported 40% cut TWA's pilots took to help Icon capture TWA I don't think they are in the mood for further concessions. Editor] From Lars Lundstrom; Dear A.T. & Betty - May I say it was a great pleasure to finally have met you both. I enjoyed the convention very much, to have seen so many familiar faces, it was a treat, I had not seen Andy McIlwraith in 30 years. As I remarked to others, I thought Joe Grant won the beauty prize, for at 82 he looked just like the day I had last seen him, this having been before his retirement. My "automobiling" to and from Hershey went well, having ducked into Staunton on the way up, only to find 5½ inches of snow on my car the next morning. in closing I would like to say how much I enjoy your writing, your homespun humor both in person and written, and most of all, your dedication to TARPA and we belongers "out in the boonies". My congratulations to you both for a job well done and may I wish you well in the days ahead as "Kaptain Karl" deals his devious deck Sincerely - Lars * * * * * * J. T. is Happy down in Haines City; 'Twas nice seeing you and all the guys in Hershey. Was very sorry Joe Brown, Harry Jacobsen, Bart Anderegg, George Long and Phil Hollar were unable. They missed a good meet. The reason I am writing is to give special recognition to Russ Derickson for volunteering, if nominated, to do the TARPA Presidency one more time. Due to Joe Brown's surgery, (Joe had agreed to one more term), and the surgery Joe McCombs had before the Convention, it could have been a can of worms. I, for one, really appreciate, after all the work Russ has done for the guys in TARPA, volunteering yet another year of his very busy time. Some of us just do not have the patience, the experience, the persistance, the desire and the many talents it takes to keep an organization like TARPA growing and getting bigger and better all the time. To do this would be a piece of cake if all the Officers and BOD were highly paid positions - BUT -Volunteers? My hat is off to Russ Derickson and all the rest. 33
BITS ABOUT THE HERSHEY CONVENTION From Vic Hassler, Chairman; Dear A.T. - Enclosed is a list of all the people that attended the 1990 TARPA Convention. If you have time, please extend my personal thanks to your lovely wife, Betty, for her help at the registration desk. I also wish to express my deepest gratitude to my daughter, Ann Deitrich, in the TARPA magazine for her help in setting up the computer work, lots of free printing and helping me with all the articles that were sent into the TARPA TOPICS. She extended no less than 40 to 50 hours of her time making entries into the computer which laid all the groundwork to make the Convention the success that it was. The reason I ask you to do the above is because I am not a typist and thought you could attach the above to the special thanks to all Convention Chairmen. Hope you got to see the Strasburg railway and railroad museum on your way home. [I did, Vic, but on Sunday while Betty worked at the registration desk. Rode on the steam train which has been in existence since 1832 and really enjoyed the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum.] If all goes well, I will be leaving for ports south on April 20th and take a break from all of this convention work. I'll pay all the bills and write the rest of my resume's when I return. Nice seeing you again and working with you and I'll be ready to do another convention in about 20 years. * * * * * * Your editor can vouch for it being a most enjoyable get together at Hershey. Hershey Lodge made wonderful accomadations for such an occasion. Vic Hassler deserves much praise for running such a fine show. We arrived on the sixth. Next morning it was snowing heavy but cleared up shortly and the weather was nice for the rest of the time although rather cool. Our president, Joe Brown, was unavoidably detained having just undergone a by-pass operatin. First Vice President, Joe McCombs, came to act in Brown's stead even though he had problems of his own including the fact Miss Jean had just broken her ankle. After chairing the Board of Directors meeting on the seventh McCombs had to leave the next day as he wasn't feeling well so Russ Derickson, Past President, chaired the remainder of the meetings. Meetings starting at eight a.m. three mornings in a row made a very tight schedule for those of us on the Board. As we had visited Gettysburg and Hershey before, we only went on the Lancaster tour which was most enjoyable having a fantastic smorgasbord for lunch and a tour of the Amish country. It was quite a coincidence when our tour guide showed us the house TWA Captain and TARPA member,Gid Miller, was born and raised in. Will touch some highlights about the reunion as some will be covered elsewhere. Mike Ferraro, Vice President of the Retired Airline Pilots Association addressed our business meeting. Understand he will soon become President of RAPA. He also mentioned a RAPA sponsored tour on August 9 from Seattle to Vancouber for the famous Abbottsford Air Show which Betty and I have signed up for. Bob Thompson, Treasurer of our TWA Retired Pilots Foundation, spoke and his report is elsewhere. They met April 17 for election of officers so hope we get a report in time for this issue. I am sure you all remember Elvin Gooch, a ground school instructor for many years in TWA's Kansas City Training Department. Bill Kirschner, member of the TARPA Board of Directors, related an incident that happened in Gooch's class. It was the first afternoon class after most had lunched at Soapie's. Buck Buchanan and Black Dog Davis were in the class. Bill said Buchanan went to sleep and was snoring so loud Gooch asked Davis to wake him whereupon Black Dog said, "You wake him, you put him to sleep".
34
BITS ABOUT HERSHEY EVENT Kent Scott, Chairman of the TWA ALPA MEC, told us about all that is going on at TWA. This was of great interest to all in attendance. The situation must be frustrating especially to those who still fly the line. Mrs. Jerrilea Currigan, President of the TWA Clipped Wings Association spoke briefly. They will have a museum at the TWA Credit Union at Kansas City. Their 1991 convention will be held in K.C. Dr. Lynn Smaha then gave a most interesting talk that held everyone's attention. He is a pilot, FAA Medical Examiner and a noted cardiologist with the Guthrie Clinic and Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pennsylvania, just north of Williamsport. port. Using slides and bits of humor he told of the advances in aviation medicine, the effects of alcohol and the need to stay healthy. He has gotten many pilots back to flying after heart problems. Some of his recommendations were to stay active, exercise, control blood pressure, proper diet and weight control. Interesting to me, he said they had found smoking increases the stickiness of cholesterol thereby causing faster accumulation in the blood vessels. It would be a great thing to have a video tape of his whole presentation.. Bob Dedman told us a little about the TWA contract with Nippon Airways. We have 12 crews based in SFO, 5 747's and adding 2 more next year. This is a very lucrative contract for TWA. A list was read of those who had "Gone West" since last year's reunion and Willie Miller's name was accidentally read upon which Willie jumped up and loudly proclaimed that it was news to him. John Happy said he is happy in retirement and doesn't miss flying. Forgive me if I do not quote him exactly but he said he arose at 707, finished shaving at 727, sat down to breakfast at 747 and finished reading the paper at 1011. Wonder if happy hour starts at 404?
JACKIE BAKER
A.. T. HUMBLES - TARPA TOPICS EDITOR CHRIS & JIM ANDERSON
35
HERSHEY CONVENTION
CONVENTION CHAIRMAN WITH HIS REGISTRATION COMMITTEE Left to right; JOSIE NEALIS DON NEALIS KORKY YOUNGBLOOD VON DURHAM VIC HASSLER MARGE THRUSH ALICE MILLER
It was a most enjoyable occasion at Hershey for our TARPA convention. Vic much praise for running such a fine shcw and he gave credit Hassler deserves to his daughter and all his other helpers for their splendid assistance. Alice Miller headed up the registration desk. Hershey Lodge provided wonderful accomadations and we found their help very courteous, efficient and accomadating. Betty and A. T. Humbles arrived on the sixth. The next morning it was snowing heavy but cleared up and the weather was nice fcr the remainder of the time although rather cool. All tournaments went off okay though. Our president, Joe Brown, was unable to attend due to being in the hospital for a by-pass operation. Joe McCombs , First Vice President, came to act in Brown's stead even though he had medical problems of his own plus Miss Jean having just broken her ankle. McCombs had to leave as he wasn't feeling well so Russ Derickson , Past President, chaired the remainder of the meetings and banquet. Meetings starting at eight a.m. made a very tight schedule for those of us on the Beard of Directors.
Left to right; Delores Smith Bob Smith John Graver Diane Graver Once again, Bob Smith chaired the Shooters Tournament.
36
HERSHEY CONVENTION
ESTER & ROY BRISTER ROY CHAIRED THE GOLF TOURNAMENT
KATHY & FRED MORSE TOO BAD THIS ISN'T IN COLOR AS FRED HAS ON THE MOST BRILLIANT RFD SUIT !
VIC HASSLER & JOHN HAPPY John is the, official Convention Photographer. Your editor is really appreciative of his fine work. Some of the comments are Capt. Happy's own.
37
HERSHEY CONVENTION
MICKEY WIND CHAIRMAN OF TENNIS TOURNAMENT (That is Earl Heinrich looking into Mickey's ear.) Your editor and Milton Michael Wind spent 20 months together back in the Air Force during the Korean conflict. When we were based at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida, our fellow crewmen, on seeing us coming, would say, "Here comes Humbles and Mumbles, the Gold Dust Twins. Mickey is one fine pilot and gentleman and we think a lot of Mickey and Betti, our former TWA Link instructor at LaGuardia but that must go back too far for some of you young fellows.
Ev Green, Bartenders Ted & Larry and Chuck Hasler We were all so very disappointed that Katie Buchanan was unable to be at Hershey but hope we see her next year in Colorado Springs. Ev Green has always helped with the hospitality room, however, he performs a vital function for us all as the TARPA Convention Site Chairman, also. I guess Chuck Hasler was overseer of the hospitality bar this year and has always helped. He also, along with his lovely wife, Pat, heads up the TARPA TOURS which many have enjoyed. We wonder how many caught it last issue when I had pictures of Chuck and Pat and labelled him Vic. Probably no one but Chuck and Vic.
38
HERSHEY CONVENTION
Martha Dill, Ulie Derickson, Jim McIntyre, Russ Derickson & Charles Dill These celebrities include our heroine of the infamous TWA 845 highjacking, Ulie. McIntyre, receipient of the TARPA Award of Merit for his years of service in safety and accident investigation, Russ Derickson, our newly elected TARPA President, Past President of TARPA, longtime worker for his fellow pilots in ALPA and former chief pilot at SFO. And, TARPA Secretary/Treasurer Charlie Dill, long time worker in the TWA Seniors Club.
L to R Larry Fauci Bill Kirschner Bobbi Kirschner Ilse Dedman Bill is a valued member of the TARPA Board of Directors. Capt. Kirschner also has the distinction of being married to a TAR HEEL!
39
HERSHEY CONVENTION
7 April 1990 Cold Day in Hershey MERCEDES AND BILL BROWN Photos by J.T. Happy
8 April 1990 Hershey looking better. Tom, Dick, Harry & Moe. Where are the girls?
L to R JOE McCOMBS , TARPA FIRST VICE PRESIDENT John Emmerton Jane Blaney Ford Blaney
40
HERSHEY CONVENTION
NEUMAN RAMSEY TARPA INSURANCE CHAIRMAN
DR. LYNN SMAHA PILOT, CARDIOLOGIST AND FAA MEDICAL EXAMINER GAVE VERY INTERESTING TALK AT BUSINESS MEETING.
MIKE FERRARO VICE PRESIDENT OF THE RETIRED PILOTS ASSOCIATION
BOB SHERMAN TARPA RETIREMENT & INVESTMENT COMMITTE
41
HAL & DOTTIE MILLER HAL IS TARPA BOARD OF DIRECTOR AND RAPA DELAGATE
MARY SPARROW GIVING RUNDOWN ON COLORADO SPRINGS SEPT. 1991
RICK MALINARIO & JOHN CALLAMARO FOTOG FAUCI SAYS "looking for some Sambuca" WE SAY MAYBE GRAPPA?
42
BOB BILLIAN JEANNIE WHISENHUNT DON PETERS NANCY PETERS
RUSTY DAVIS JEAN DAVIS HELEN YOUNG JIM YOUNG MARJORIE GATTY TONY GATTY MARGERET AND SELAND BUSHY
SIM LOWE JACK BAKER ED GRUBER (Fotos by Fauci)
43
1990 TARPA CONVENTION -- HERSHEY, PA For this year's convention, we had 316 members in attendance, 295 of which attended the banquet on Monday, April 9 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. Three different tours, all filled with good fun and good food, had the following numbers of participants: Hershey, 141; Lancaster, 136; and Gettysburg, 92. THE WINNERS Golf : Chairman: Roy Brister Low Gross -- Glen Blevins; 2nd -- "Dub" Youngblood Low Net -- William Aman; 2nd -- Ford Blaney Calloway -- Dick Conway Closest to the Pin -- R. Lengel, Ford Blaney Tennis: Chairman:
Mickey Wind
Champions, Women -- Frances Rogers >>> Men -- Larry Fauci >>> Finalists, Women -- Joan Bertles Men -- Bud Loury Bridge: Chairman: Alice Strickler 1st place -- Kay Chichester 2nd place -- Nancy Stone Trap/Skeet Chairman:
Bob Smith
High Gun -- Bob Michel 98/100 High Trap -- Earl Heinrich 46/50 High Skeet -- (tie) John Happy 44/5C Bob Smith 44/50 Special thanks to all convention chairmen: Registration: Alice Miller Trap/Skeet: Bob Smith Tennis: Mickey Wind Bridge: Alice Strickler Hospitality Room: Chuch Hasler and Ev Green Golf: Roy Brister Transportation and Tours: Don and Josie Nealis And also, thanks to the following for their diligent efforts behind the registration desk: Von Durham, Margaret Thrush, Korky Youngblood, Betty Humbles, Dorothy Spencer, and Marge Luckey.
44
1990 TARPA CONVENTION, HERSHEY, PA
AMAN, MARGUERITE AMAN, WILLIAM ANDERSON, CHRIS ANDERSON, JIM * ATKINS, GWEN ATKINS, RICHARD BAINBRIDGE, BILL BAINBRIDGE, EVELYN BAKER, DONNA BAKER, JACK BECK, DIANE BECK, TOM BERTLES , JOAN BERTLES, RAYMOND * BETTINGER, CLAUDE * BETTINGER, SONNIE* BETTS, ED BILLIAN, ROBERT BLANEY, FORD BLANEY, JANE BLESCH, BARBARA BLESCH, BILL BLEVINS , GLEN P.LEVINS, JEANNE MARIE BORDEN , BOB BORDEN, JOAN BRISTER, ESTHER BRISTER, ROY BROME, DENT * 2, DAVE BROWN 2, JACKIE BROWN 3, ALLENE BROWN 3, BEN * BURTON, ROLAND BUSHY, MARGARET BUSHY, S.C. BYBEE, GINNIE BYBEE, JOHN * CALLAMARO, JOHN * CALLAMARO, PAT CAPIN, GUY CHICHESTER, KAY CHICHESTER, STAN CHRISTIANSEN, ROBERT CHRISTIANSEN, RUTH CLARKE, HAL * CONLEY, BILL CONLEY, PHYLLIS CONWAY, ANNEMARIE CONWAY, DICK CRUICKSHANK , MARGARET
CRUICKSHANK, RICHARD DALE, HENRY DALE, MARIE DAVIES, DAVID DAVIS, "RUSTY" RAY DAVIS, JEAN DAY, CAROL DAY, RUSS * DEDMAN, BOB DEDMAN, ILSE DERICKSON, RUSSELL DERICKSON, ULRIKE DICK, DEE DICK, RICHARD DILL, CHARLES DILL, MARTHA DORMAN, DON DORMAN, IRENE DREW, GEORGE DREW; MILLIE DROSENDAHL, RUSSELL DUFRESNE, JOANNE DUFRESNE, NORM DURHAM, VON DUVALL, GEORGE C. DUVALL, JOYCE DYER, CHIC DYER, THELMA EDWARDS. FRANK EDWARDS, JENNIE FMMERTON, DONNA EMMERTON, JOHN ESCOLA, ALICE ESCOLA, DICK EVANS, DIANA EVANS, FLOYD EAUCI, JUDY FAUCI, LARRY FAULDS, CHRIS FAULDS, DICK FERRARA, MICHAEL FLOURNOY, RICH GATTY, MAJORIE GATTY, TONY GEISERT, PAT GEISERT, ROY GLAZIER, FRANK GLAZIER, MARGE GOLDTHORPE, GOLDY GOLDTHORPE , JOUA GRANT, JOSEPH *
45
GRANT, MARGA GRAVER, DIANE GRAVER, JOHN GREEN, EVERETT GRUBER, CLEONE GRUBER, ED GUILLAN, DICK* GUILLAN, PEGGY HAGGARD, WAYNE HALL, HOWARD HALL, KATHIE HAPPY, J.T. HARKINS, ELLY HARKINS, JIM HASLER, CHUCK HASS, BETTY HASSLER, VIC * HATCHER, JOHN HATCHER, SALLY HAWKINS, WALTER HEINRICH, EARL HEINRICH, FRANCES HENDRICKSON, DORIS HENDRICKSON, JOHN HENDRIX, CLAIRE HENDRIX, JAMES HOFMEISTER, COLLEEN HOFMEISTER, HOWARD HUBBARD, LLOYD HUMBLES, A.T. * HUMBLES, BETTY HUTTENBERG, VERNE JACOBSON 2, MARVEL JACOBSON 2, WEE JARVIS, BETTY JARVIS, BOB JESPERSEN, HARLAN * JESPERSN, ROSE JONES, CAROL KIDD, JOHN KIDD, RAE K I E P E R, BOB * KEEPER, HELEN KIRSCHNER. BILL KIRSCHNER, BOBBI KORF, EARL KORF, GREG KRUMBACH, JEAN * KRUMBACH, OTTO LAMER, DON LAMER, JAN
LANCASTER, CHUCK LANCASTER, SHARON LANG, ANGELA LANG, BOB * LATTIMORE, BETTY LATTIMORE, JOHN LAURIN, EVELYN LAURIN, LES LEBRECHT, CHARLES LEBRECHT, JERRI LENGEL, ROGER * LEONARD, ART LEONARD, CELIA LIMA, EARL LIMA, ELEANOR LINGENFELSER, ESSIE LINGENFELSER, FRED LLOYD, BERNIE LOKEY , CHARLES * LOKEY, YOLANDA LORE, GENE * LORE, MIMI LORENTZ, ARTHUR LOURY, BUD LOWE, OLLIE LOWE, SIM LUCKEY , MARGE LUCKEY , SAM LUNDSTROM, LARS MADDEN, VINCENT * MAHLER, FRED MAHLER, GWEN McCLURE, EARLENE McCLURE, ROBERT McCOMBS, JOE * McILWRAITH , ANDY McILWRAITH, RUBYE McINTYRE, JIM McKENNEY, DOTTIE McKENNEY, RED McKENZIE, EVY McKENZIE, VERN MILLER 1, BETH MILLER 1, JACK MILLER 2, DOTTIE MILLER 2, HAL MILLER 3, DOROTHEE MILLER 3, WILLIAM MILLER 4, ALICE MILLER 4, DEAN MOLINARIO, RICK
MOLINARIO, SANDRA MORSE, FRED MORSE, KATHLEEN MOSER, JACK* MOSER, JEANNE MURCHAN, LARRY MURRAY, RICHARD* MYERS, IRENE MYERS, RUSSELL NEALIS, DON * NEALIS, JOSIE NELSON, DICK NELSON, JEAN OLSON, CAROL OLSON, OLE PAHL, MICKEY PAHL, SLIM PATRICK, DOROTHY PATRICK, PAT PETERS, DON PETERS, NANCY RAE, FRANCES RAE, ROGER RAMSEY, MICKEY RAMSEY, NEUMAN REED, OPAL* REED, VICTOR RICE, CHARLES RICE, DONNA * RICHTER, DAN * RICHTER, NANCY RODGERS, MEL RODGERS, NAYDENE ROGERS 2, CURTIS ROGERS 2, FRANCES ROOD. KLETUS ROOD, LO I S ROWE, ED ROWE, HELEN RUEGE, FRANK RUEGE, LOUISE SCHUMACHER, GENE SCHUMACHER, HENRI SHERMAN, ALICE SHERMAN, BOB SHIELDS, JACK SHIELDS, ROSE SHOALTS, A. D. SHOALTS, SHIRLEY SMITH 1, BOB SMITH 1, DIZ
SPARROW, CLIFF* SPARROW, MARY SPENCER, DOROTHY SPENCER, LYLE SPRINGER, BOB SPRINGER, VIRGINIA STACK, FRAN STACK, JOE STITZEL, HARRY STITZEL, RUTH STOCK, WALTER STONE, DICK STONE, NANCY STRICKLER, ALICE STRICKLER , CHAR! ES TANNER, CY TANNER, DUREE THOMPSON, BOB THOMPSON, MARJ THRUSH, MARGARET TISEO, CHUCK TISEO, TOM I TODD, CARL* TOWNER, BILL* TOWNER, TEDDIE TUTTLE, CHARLIE * TUTTLE, NANCY UNDERWOOD, G. P. UTGARD, BETTY UTGARD, EDWIN VAN ETTEN. ROY VAN G00R, JOHN * VAN GOOR, POLLY VANDE VELDE, ALBERT VANDE VELDE, MARY VOIGTS , BUSCH WAGAMAN, LES WAGAMAN, RUTH WESTON, HOWARD WESTON, SANDRA WHISENHUNT, JEANNIE WHITCOMB , FLORENCE WHITCOMB, JAMES WHITE ( 1) , CHARLES WHITE (1), ELLA WIDHOLM, BOB WIDHOLM, FAY WILLIAMS, DOROTHY WILLIAMS, TOM WIND, BETTI WIND, MICKEY WINTERSTEEN, BILL WINTERSTEEN, MAXINE WOLLENBERG, AL WOLLENBERG, EDNA WREN, BEA WREN, BILL YOUNG, HELEN
ROY VAN ETTEN RICH FLOURNOY WAYNE HAGGARD THE AGGREGATE YEARS OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE TO THEIR FELLOW PILOTS IN ALPA WORK WILL LONG BE REMEMBERED. GLAD I WAS ON THEIR SIDE OF THE TABLE!
OUR-ILLUSTRIOUS TARPA PHOTOGRAPHER, JOHN HAPPY LABELLED THIS "ALL THE BUMS FROM NEWARK" GUESS THAT EXCLUDES OUR THREE LADIES: GINNY BYBEE DONNA DAVIS SONNIE BETTINGER
OPAL REED VIC REED DICK NELSON JEAN NELSON WONDER IF FELLOW TAR HEEL, NELSON, HAS ANY COMMUNICATION PROBLEM UP THERE IN NEW ENGLAND?
47
TENNIS TOURNAMENT PARTICIPANTS Left to right: JOHN KIDD, TEX UTGARD, DICK STONE, JACK SHIELDS, LARRY FAUCI, BUD LOURY, JOAN BERTLES, JEANNIE WHISENHUNT, FRANCES ROGERS, CURTIS ROGERS, CLAUDE BETTINGER, SONNIE BETTINGER AND JOHN GRAVER. MISSING ARE RICHARD DICK WHO HAD TO LEAVE AFTER FIRST DAY AND THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND TOURNAMENT CHAIRMAN MICKEY WIND.
Above CAROL & RUSS DAY, our famous illustrator Left DIANA & FLOYD EVANS
48
HERSHEY CONVENTION
Left to right; Roy Geisert Pat Geisert Fred Morse Kathleen Morse Yolanda Lokey Chuck Lokey
JOHN LATTIMORE BETTY LATTIMORE WALT STOCK CHUCK TISEO
JIM & CLAIRE HENDRIX
(Photos by Happy)
49
THE TARPA
GRAPEVINE May 1990 We have just returned from Hershey after attending what we consider to be one of the best "Reunions" ever. VIC HASSLER did a fabulous job of planning this event and with the help of many faithful volunteers it appeared from here to go off without any glitches. The Hershey Tour and the Amish Country tour were most intersting (We didn't go to Gettysburg) and the food was out of this world. We'll start our diet tomorrow. My personal thanks to VIC and his helpers. in "Old Faithfuls" It was good to see many of the attendance, as well as many newcomers, particularly among the younger retirees who TARPA will need to keep this great organization going in the years to come. And it was good too to see so many who braved the trip from the West Coast. Now we look forward to 1991 in Colorado Springs! ********
R. M. Guillan 1852 Barnstable Rd. Clemmons, N. C. 27012 919-945-9979
In the February issue I asked for letters about "Where you were when the Earthquake hit."GEORGE DUVALL responded with the following account: "Well Joyce and I were in our new condominium in San Mateo as she had an operation late in September and delayed our return to Arizona until the middle We were due to leave Oct. 18th and I was of October. sitting at my desk in the den and Joyce was standing in the kitchen a 5:00 p.m. when the quake commenced. It only 30-40 seconds but I never saw walls shake as much as lasted they did then. The whole room moved about 3-4 feet back and is a reinforced concrete forth. Fortunately our place building and no damage resulted and the only thing lost was a glass plate which fell off the wall and broke. A few pictures fell off also and some canned goods in the kitchen closet fell to the floor but no damage. The lights went out and we were there. due to drive to Palo Alto for dinner with my wife's brother and his wife but the phone line was still check if we had working as they called us to experienced the quake. They had gas for cooking so no problem but driving there was a problem for the crowd from the ball game who came from the East Bay could not return over the Bay Bridge and came down I-101 and as traffic lights were out it was a mess. When we finally got on I-101 and got in the left lane we moved quite well but every exit was backed up for a ( Continued) 50
( Duvall Cont'd) mile or more as traffic lights were out and traffic jams were everywhere. We had no problems on the highway and other than having the lights out and eating by candle-light there was no problem. The lights came on again about 5:00 a.m. the next morning. It was quite an experience to go through but being in a well constructed building there was no danger." ******** E.J.(Bud) ELLIOTT sent me a nice that I don't publish it yet as he he still works three times a Airport Information Booth. Stop Airport.
note and also his Obituary but asked is not quite ready. He advises that month as a volunteer at the San Jose in and say hello if you are at the
******** JOHN POWK sent me the following which he said he dug out of an old file. It was even written on a Flight Operations Manual Transmittal dated May 1, 1973 I am the Co-pilot, I sit on the right; I am not important, just part of the flight. I never talk back less I have regrets, But have to remember what the pilot forgets. Make out the flight plan and study the weather, Pull up the gear and stand by to feather' Make out the forms and do the reporting, And fly the old crate when the Old man's a courtin'. I take the readings, adjust the power; Handle the flaps and call the tower. Tell him where we are on the darkest night, And do the bookwork without any lights. I call for my pilot and buy him Cokes, I always laugh at his corny jokes. And once in awhile when his landings are rusty I come through with, "Gawd, but its gusty." All in all I am a general stooge, As I sit on the right of the man I call Scrooge. I guess you think its past understanding, But maybe someday he'll give me a landing. ******** Remember HELEN BOLES from Pittsburg teletype. She is now a Sales Associate with Freeman, Foltz and Valicenti Realty, Inc in Mc Murray, PA. and is a Subscriber to the TOPICS. We wish her success in this new carreer. ********
51
From CHUCK TISEO: We live 18 miles from Key West and all of the Naval activities in the area. Being a member of the Navy League and Association of Naval Aviation, we are included in many of the activities. One day was spent with the 45th Fleet Adversary Squadron.(Enemy of the Fleet). Equal to Top Gun-Air Force. We had cockpit viewing and flight demonstrations with , F-14, F-16 and F-18 Aircraft. A Buffet with the and their wives at the Officer's Club followed.Frank Reuge and pilots I told how much flying time we had. They didn't think anybody could live so long. (We were never that young). Other activities have been a trip on a ship Hydrofoil and Hovercraft. In March 1989 I spent the day on the Carrier USS Lexington AVT-16. Departure was from Boca Chica Naval Air Station. The flight to the Carrier was in a Grumman C-2A, COD (Carrier Onboard Delivery). The Lexington was located 84 miles NW of Key West in the Gulf. The landing was a Tail-Hook (110 MPH to 0 in 2 seconds). Take-off catapult (0 to 140 MPH in 3 seconds). It is not what I call an Airline operation with 26 passengers facing aft. We observed Cadets from Pensacola doing their initial two touch and goes with four arrested landings and catapult take-offs. (Aircraft Rockwell International-T2C Buckeye). After lunch in the Officers Mess we catapulted back home. In Jan 1990, my wife,Tomi, also got a trip to the Lexington. After being a TWA DC-3 Hostess her comment was, "It sure wasn't a DC-3 landing and take-off, but it was a great experience". We now have two Tail-Hookers in the family. article about his first carrier landings. I Enjoyed Hank Gastrich's was as observer on the Lexington watching the Jets and all I could say was Holy S_t !!!!!! Best regards, Chuck Tiseo
CHUCK and TOMI at the Luncheon at the Hershey Hotel April 1990.
52
From JAY SCHMIDT: Dear R.M.: I swear (almost) that this story is true. I have started work on my obituary but it will take some time to finish. There sure are a lot of magnanimous words to choose from. My crash photo is a beaut tho'. I got it years ago out of a wallet I saw at Woolworths. I overheard this conversation recently in the Munich Gasthaus, Donisl. Two old Luftwaffe Aces were talking, Ach Du Leiber, Wolfgang, looking ze heir at this Photo von dem Boeing Vier hundert." Wolfgang looks. "That ist as gross as der Graft", he says,"it must take as many pilots as are in ein Omph Pa Pa Band to fly this grosser." His friend replys, "Nein, it takes only two." "only two," Wolfgang shouts. Mein Gut, Werner had more people than that just to feed the Monkeys. Vas if you are sprechen on der Ding-A-Linger, who watches that der Aus Puffers stay lit. Und who handles der Flappenstallers und drops der Groundsmackers und keepen ein Augen aus fer dem Spitfires und ein Augen mit der Uhren. Only mein old Wingman, Otto, von der erst gruppe can fly that good," Wolfgang states, "mit ein Blau Maxer also. Ist Otto flying the grosser, "Wolfgang asks his friend. "Nien" his friend replys, "this new flyer ist making most of der arbeiten, I think his name is Otto Pilot.---With that last remark I finished my Schnapps and left the Gasthaus. Auf Weidesehen, Jay Schmidt (If you think the above is hard to read, you should have tried typing it.) Thanks Jay!
Hey, Dispatch - You better get Bill Hoar on the radio. His old flight instructor, "Dirty Ed" Toner wants to talk to him about parking for retirees. And, ahh, be QUICK, OK?
( Dirty Ed says: I took Bill Hoar thru his 1st 30 hours in T-34s at Pensacola.)
53
FORD BLANEY had a few kind words to say about the TOPICS and the following letter:---"It will be 4 years on April 1,1990 since I retired as a ROPE. How time flies. Jane is still teaching but is on a 6 months sabbatical leave now. For many of the past years, we have been going to Rome for Christmas and New Years. This last Christmas we went to Greenbrier in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia - 300miles from Indiana, PA, where we live. The resort has 700 rooms and suites, 45 guest houses and 6500 acres of landscaped grounds including 54 holes of golf. Band music for dancing in the Chesapeake Room and in the Old White Club is scheduled every night. A financial seminar at 1330 recommended Coca Cola, NUCOR, TYBY,NCNB, Waste Management and Cracker Barrel Old Country Restaurants for 1990. Dance instruction at 1430. Fashion presentation at 1130. Movies every night. Bridge at 1400. On Dec. 24, blocks of ice appeared at the front entrance. They were carved into Santa and his reindeer. I have a picture of Jane sitting on Santas knee. Most years during the Christmas season, the ice melts rapidly in 50 degree weather. But not this year. When we left Indiana it was 10 degrees above and stayed cold during the visit. I didn't get to play any golf. Instead we took a sleigh ride through the property. We are going back to Greenbrier over Easter and I am scheduled to play the Old White Course and the one Jack Nicklaus redesigned. The Nutcracker ballet was presented by a theatre group from Beckley, W. Va. Barbershop singing and lectures on Charles Dickens were other forms of entertainment. In February we visited with the John Emmertons in Orlando and visited both coasts of Florida. In March we flew to San Jose and visited with Bill Wintersteen in Fresno. Jane is in Rome now with Donna Emmerton. The 7R is a wonderful fringe benefit. Since Hershey is only 185 away we will be driving there instead of flying PIT-STL and STL to Harrisburg. Until Hershey! Yours truly, Ford Blaney (dated March 17,1990) ******** Any day now some scientist is bound to issue a report showing that getting up in the morning is bad for your health. ******** A man who very bright.
correctly guesses a womans age may be smart, but he's not ********
Wisdom is knowing what to do, skill is knowing how to do it, and virtue is choosing not to.
54
From DON CAMERON: Here's some career tidbits you may be able to use at your discretion. As a kid who used to carve model airplanes out of solid balsa wood, I reflect with thankful appreciation to TWA and all of you who were involved in any way with my very enjoyable career. I always dreamed of someday being able to fly. Ironically, I had my first ride in an airplane in 1931 in a Curtis Condor (ex TWA Maintenance Foreman John Barrett at MDW said it could very well have been one of TWA's). We paid a "penny a pound" and anyone over 100 lbs paid $1.00. Do any of you old timers recall any promotion flights like this? We flew out of the old Curtis Reynolds Airport North of Chicago, which many of you know it to be reserve air N.A.S. Glenview since 1938 and is still a Naval facility....only 5 miles south of my home now. On one of my SFO layovers I was happy to have the opportunity to thank Paul Richter, via his widow, for the start of my flying career in 1943 unbeknown to him. I joined the Navy in Oct. '41 at NAS Glenview but sent to Great Lakes for "BOOT CAMP", then to NATTC Navy Pier) in training. Stayed at the "PIER" as an Chicago for aircraft mechanic instructor in line operations. In Feb. '43 Paul Richter had told one of our people in charge, and a friend of his (Charles Biscunis) to get some people lined up as he was on his way to Washington, DC to set up We were trained at LaGuardia in New York by a FLIGHT ENGINEER school. PAN AM. My first assignment as a F/E was in NAVAL AIR TRANSPORT SQUADRON TWO (VR-2) Alemeda, Calif. in July '43. I had a few training hops in a PBM-3D ( a twin engined Martin flying boat) with a couple of young Lieutenants, Dave Richwine and Frank Timoshek. There was also a Lt. Bob Knowles (not sure if he was the ex-TWA pilot the SKYLINER was trying to identify some time back. Dave Richwine might know),I flew a 14.8 hour trip on Sept. 11-12, 1945 Honolulu-Alemeda in a PB2Y-5R 4-engined Consolidated Flying Boat) with D.W.Tomlinson, COM NATS PAC. March 10,1945 flew a JATO Experimental demonstration hop in Oakland Bay in a PB2Y-3R with Comdr. Mesker, C.O. of VR-2 (much later, in 1954 when I started with TWA found him to be chief pilot at MKC). TWA's Jim Cagilery was a F/E in the MARS (JRM Aircraft) Detachment of VR-2. I believe Capt Sam Luckey(TWA) told me he was in VR-2 after I left in 1945. Capt. E.C. Wolf (TWA) said he had flown the XPB2Y-1 when he was in the Navy. I wonder if he knows it ended up in our squadron as a "touch and go" trainer, as it had a plushed up interior for VIPs and wasn't of much use as a cargo plane. It's ironic all these people (above) whom I'd known in the Navy in WWII, but never knew any were with TWA until I came aboard TWA as a in 1954/1955. Since Dave Richwine was asked to write a History of F/E Naval Air Transport Service, I would be reading it sometime. It would be interesting to see how many of our TWA people were in NAVAL AIR TRANSPORT (VR) in WWII, and who all had been in VR-2. PS If you've never flown in a flying boat in rough water, you have never had a rough takeoff or landing. Thanks for all your efforts; we enjoy the stories very much. (signed) Don Cameron F/E (ret)
55
HERSHEY 1990 Farmyard at The Amish Farm and House
Luncheon at The Hershey Hotel
The dessert table at The Hershey Hotel Luncheon Decisions, Decisions !
56
BOB LINDSEY of Redlands, CA. wrote me a nice note in which he also stated that "we are still interested in getting the "B" Plan funds into our name." He wanted to be put down as one who would like to have is extended to those pilots who retire the withdrawal option that today, since he retired in July 1985 and missed out on that privilege. Since this issue was again discussed at length at the business meeting, and comments may be printed elsewhere in this issue, I am forwarding his letter to BOB SHERMAN. ********
"Folks, since we're running a little behind, the pilot's going to do a couple of rolls to toss the salad."
TARPA President Derickson has asked me to continue doing the GRAPEVINE which I have agreed to do for the time being. I have also asked him to seek someone else to do it. So if anyone out there is interested in taking over this job please contact Russ or myself. Whether or not we continue the GRAPEVINE depends on YOU. We will start working on the August issue almost immediately so if you have anything to tell us about, send it in now. Don't procrastinate as I do. 57
COLORADO SPRINGS UPDATE FOR 1991 CONVENTION - Co-Chairman Cliff Sparrow COLORADO is one of the most beautiful states in the entire United States because of it ' s NATURAL beauty, starting with the Rocky Mountains with their majestic peaks jutting skyward coming into the center of the Northern border from Wyoming and extending right down through the middle of the state all of the way through the Southern border into New Mexico. The only way to get from East to West or vice versa is to cross them either through Passes or up over the top. Either way gives you some of the most magnificent scenery that you will ever see in your lifetime. We have between 250 and 300 days of sunshine in the Rockies with warm sunny days and cool evenings in September. Yes, the temperature can reach 85 degrees in September, but this is a very arid, dry area, so ladies, bring along lots of creams and lotions. Also, everyone; you are closer to the sun at 6100 ft., so strong sun screens are a must. Big hats are a common sight in this area. COLORADO SPRINGS is at the base of Pikes Peak on the Eastern slope, halfway between the northern and southern borders and is the 2nd largest city in the state with a population of 375,000 and is located 65 miles south of Denver. We have the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport which is served by eight major airlines, including TWA. At the present time, there are: 3 non-stop flights out of ST. Louis and one flight which stops in Denver with the same number returning. 5 flights into Denver out of ST. Louis and the same number returning. Rental Cars from $21.00 Daily and $119.00 Weekly and priced upwards depending upon size of car. - More on this later. The Convention Headquarters Hotel: - $65.00 per single; $68.00 per double The Sheraton Hotel South is a former four story motel with lots of parking space for Motor Homes, but at the present, there are only 3 hook-ups available to use because of shortage of power for same. Of course, by Sept. of 1991, there might The price is $35.00 per hook-up and, of course, first come, first served. be more. There is so much to see and do in Colorado, especially in the Colorado Springs area, that you should plan on spending, at least, 10 days within the state. Just a bus ride through the countryside is awe inspiring. More on this on the next page. Pikes Peak is 14,110 feet at the summit and can be reached by the excellent mountain road, the Cog Railway or the BARR Trail. Plans have already been made for a trip up the mountain by Cog Railway on September llth , a lunch and tour at the Air Force Academy. MORE NEXT ISSUE
58
MORE DETAILS IN AUGUST T.A.R.P.A. - COLORADO ROCKIES COLOR TOUR PROPOSAL IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE 1991 CONVENTION DATES:
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1991 - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1991 9 DAYS, 8 NIGHTS
COST:
VIA 47 PASSENGER MOTORCOACH & BASED ON A MINIMUM OF 35 PASSENGERS PER BUS $ 1350 PP to $1482 SINGLE $ 1024 PP to $1084 DOUBLE $ 932 PP to$ 978 TRIPLE
INCLUSIONS:
$200.00 deposit by October 1, 1990 ALL TAXES & PORTERAGE ARE INCLUDED ALSO
TRANSPORTATION VIA 47 PASSENGER " BIG WINDOW " MOTORCOACH VEHICLE IS AIR CONDITIONED, HEATED, IN VERY GOOD CONDITION WITH RESTROOM ON BOARD. KNOWLEDGEABLE, EXPERIENCED DRIVERS. A WELL TRAINED, KNOWLEDGEABLE, ENTHUSIASTIC TOUR GUIDE/ESCORT TO PROVIDE NARRATION OF TOUR AND TO COORDINATE ALL ARRANGEMENTS FOR LODGING, RESTAURANTS AND ATTRACTIONS.
LODGING:
MEALS:
For more information, call or write to: Mrs. Robi mueller 6960 E. Girard Ave. #303 Denver, Co., 80224 Tele: 1-303-757-1208 FULL AMERICAN BREAKFAST EACH MORNING IN THE HOTEL CHUCKWAGON LUNCH SERVED ON THE MESA AT MESA VERDE BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED LUNCHEON AT HISTORIC TELLER HOUSE-CENTRAL CITY DINNER UPON ARRIVAL IN DURANGO DINNER AT THE HISTORIC STRATER HOTEL - DURANGO DELICIOUS BOX LUNCH IN BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON DINNER AT LEISURE AT THE INN AT ASPEN DINNER AT PEPI GRAMSHAMERS - VAIL DINNER AT THE HISTORIC STANLEY HOTEL - ESTES PARK CATERED DINNER AT COORS. DELICIOUS & BEAUTIFULY PRESENTED SOUTHWESTERN AND AMERICAN ENTREES AND ACCOMPANIMENTS. COORS ALSO MAKES THEIR PRODUCT AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE EVENING. ALL TAXES AND GRATUITIES ARE INCLUDED FOR MEALS - LIQUOR IS NOT,EXCEPT AT COORS. 2 TO 3 1 1 OR 2 2 1
NIGHTS NIGHT NIGHTS NIGHTS NIGHT -
DURANGO ASPEN VAIL DENVER ESTES PARK
ATTRACTIONS: -ROYAL GORGE BRIDGE, WORLD ' S HIGHEST SUSPENSION BRIDGE, PLUS ONE OTHER RIDE OR ADMISSION TO AERIAL TRAM, INCLINE OR MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATION -ADMISSION TO MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK -SPECIAL GUIDE AT MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK -DURANGO AND SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD FARE -DIAMOND CIRCLE THEATER TICKETS AT THE STRATER HOTEL - DURANGO -BLACK CANYON ADMISSION - TELLER HOUSE & OPERA HOUSE TOUR - CENTRAL CITY -ADMISSION TO ROCKYMOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK - ADMISSION TO THE DENVER MINT - THE LAST WORKING FEDERAL MINT -COORS BREWERY WITH DINNER -FANTASTIC SCENERY ' MORE DETAILS IN AUGUST - $200.00 DEPOSIT MUST BE REC D BY OCTOBER 1, 1990
59
Hi A. T. - Here's a couple of pictures I thought you would like to see. We had a good time at the convention. Hope we can make the next one. Jim Harkins
JOHN HAPPY, KIP & JIM WHITCOMB
A.T. HUMBLES, DAN & NANCY RICHTER
60
A MIDNIGHT FLIGHT......... TO FORGET Run " to Columbus. Nearing Allentown, PA at 4,000 ft. they began to encounter a weather front moving east into their flight path. Herb contacted Air Traffic Control to obtain an instrument clearance and higher altitude, plus additional weather information regard en-coutr ing the front that they were about to
"
It is said that flying often consists of hours of unrelieved boredom punctuated by moments of stark terror, bad weather, mecha nical failure, fire or a host of other problems that can catch a pilot by surprise and turn what was originally expected to be a routine flight into an unforgettable For example, imagine sitting in adventure. the left seat of a 20 ton C-46E, the worlds largest WW II twin-engine airplane, that is flying at 4,000 ft. at midnight and instant ly losing complete elevator control. That is the stuff of which nightmares are made " . But, this is exactly what happened over 40 years ago to Herb Fisher, Curtiss-Wright Corporation Chief Engineering Test Pilot of the Airplane Division in Buffalo, N. Y. and Propeller Division at Caldwell-Wright Airport, now Essex County Airport, Fairfield, N. J. All of Herb ' s skill in flying the C-46 was going to be put to its ultimate test When after this fateful night in 1947. receiving a personal call from Curtiss Wright President, Guy W. Vaughan at 4:00 pm on a Friday afternoon that he needed Herb to ferry the C-46E he had just purchased from War Surplus to the Curtiss Wright plant in Columbus, Ohio that night. So a conversion to an executive transport could be accomplished that weekend. This particular airplane had been the property of the U.S. Government balanced controls, and had aerodynamic centrifugal fuel pumps and all the latest Curtiss reversible technology including pitch props which Curtiss Wright was then testing at Caldwell. Much later these props were to play an important part in the drama It was that was to unfold that evening. little after 4:00 pm when Herb made his call to his friends at the New York office of the CAA explaining the situation to obtain a Arrangements ferry permit for the flight. were made to have the permit picked up by the executive chauffeur, who in turn ran into a traffic jam and arrived at the CAA office after closing time, but Herb had made contingent plans that if the driver was late the permit was to be left with the elevator man. With all the delays encountered, the crew, which included Co-Pilot Bob Kusse and Flight Engineer Don Bond and Herb boarded the C-46 and finally left Caldwell at about 11:00 pm Friday night. They were departing Caldwell on what they thought was a " Milk Yankee Clipper Page 4
The mike still in his hand, it happened. Without warning the control column suddenly ' fell out of Herb s right hand and up against is is t e kin of the instrument panel. thing that can cause one to feel stark terror. Mysteriously, the C-46 kept flying straight and level for about 10 - 15 seconds as if nothing had happened. A normal reac tion probably would have been to grab the control column and pull it back, but such an action would have been prompted by panic. It was here that all of Herb ' s instincts, sharpened by a profound knowledge of the C46 and years of being a test pilot served him well. Herb had learned a long time ago that even though split seconds may be in volved, always try to mentally evaluate the emergency and immediately determine what you feel is a correct course of action and that could be nothing, at that moment, as this was the case. Herb tapped his co-pilot on the shoulder, who up to now was catnapping and just point ed to the control column. The co-pilot was suddenly awake and immediately grasped the The flight severity of the situation. Engineer probably wondered why these two test pilots had gotten him involved in this flight especially because this was not the C-46 he was normally assigned to as crew chief and first officer. Herb next informed Air Traffic Control of his predicament and told every one else to put their parachutes on. He also asked them to inform the ground/support personnel manager at Caldwell and all necessary Pro peller Division Management of the situation. Slowly Herb finally began to test the elevator control, lightly and very slowly he pulled back on the column until it was all the way back, but the planes attitude did not change, judicious use of the throttles was now the only thing keeping the plane He returned the column to somewhat level. its forward position up against the instru ment panel and then tried the elevator trim Slowly he rotated the wheel to full tab. nose up and then to full nose down position, 61
but still the plane exhibited no change in its horizontal flight attitude. It was obvious that somehow the elevator controls had become detached from the elevator. Maintaining a speed of 180 mph Herb opted for some more altitude just in case they had to bail out. He asked the flight engineer to move back from his station slowly, one step, to change the CG a few degrees nose up. This allowed the nose to rise a couple of degrees and a shallow climb to 6,000 ft. was made. Also at this time Herb began a slow, gentle, wide turn 180 degrees to turn back to the Caldwell area. During this time Herb by decreasing the power would lose approximately 1000 ft, then adding power would bring the aircraft back to it ' s origi nal altitude. As he now headed back toward Caldwell he also experimented with low and high velocities, various power settings and propeller RPM ' S, cowl and wing flap sett ings,landing gear extension and of course found that these changes had a pronounced effect on the CG. These tests were made in preparation for a forthcoming attempt for a By careful use safe approach and landing. of the engine controls a minimum airspeed of 140 - 150 knots could be maintained and a somewhat porpoising flight back to the Caldwell area followed. Evidently the elevators were trailing horizontally in the slip stream and only its large horizontal stabilizer allowed reasonable longitudinal control to be maintained. Herb looked at the control column laying against the in strument panel and wished he had some way of making a mechanical change to the horizo ntal stabilizer. Now to attempt to find out what had put them in this predicament, what came loose, and can they fix it in flight. The Flight Engineer removed his parachute and grabbed the fire axe that was in the cockpit, and slowly began to walk to the rear of the At the same time Herb was having plane. extreme difficulty keeping the C-46 on a somewhat even keel. Finally arriving at the rear he chopped a hole in the bulkhead and squeezed into the rear most station of the plane. But he discovered that no fix could be made up here, since the problem was horizontal stabilizers outboard in the If Herb had lost control at themselves. this time there would have been no way for Don to save himself. It was 2:00 am when President Guy Vaughan learned of Herb ' s situation and he immediat ely sent a message to Herb telling him to 62
take the plane out over an unpopulated area and bail out. Now none of the crew relished the idea of bailing out in the dead of night. Robert Earle, VP and General Manager of the Propeller Division then asked Herb " " Do you think you can get it down safely? " ' Herb s replied I think I can, if I have a very long and shallow approach and have my wheels within 6 inches of the runway and then activate my reversing propellers " . A landing at Caldwell airport was of course inadvisable, due to a necessity of an extremely shallow approach at high speed and no way to flare the aircraft, because of surrounding obstructions, etc.A decision was made to try an emergency landing on one of the long runways at Newark airport. Meanwh ile company officials had worked out a plan to increase the liability insurance on Fisher ' s C-46 while still in the air. In case it crashed into some populated area. This apparently was based on the experience of the two test pilots flying the C-46. Original plans called for them to remain airborne until dawn before attempting a landing, but the weather front was fast approaching and it was decided that the approach attempt had to be made at 4:00 AM Saturday morning. He notified Newark Tower Chief, Whitney Conrad, that an emergency existed and he would like to use runway 624 which was 7,000 feet long and happens to He indicated to be the active runway. Conrad he would be on an extra long approach of approximately 15 miles. Herb began his approach and decent, but it was now critical that the nose be kept well up especially when his glide slope or approach path reach ed the last 1,000 feet of altitude. This, of course, meant to keep the nose up, a forward velocity of 150 MPH had to be main tained which was about 50 MPH over the normal landing speed of the C-46. In reali ty the aircraft had to be flown at this higher speed than normal directly onto the runway. It was during the landing itself that those reversing props were to become so important to a safe landing, because they did two things. First, they removed 50% of Secondly, the wings lift when reversed. they will cause rapid deceleration of the planes forward speed. The higher the forward greater aerodynamic braking speed, the effect the propellers have. So, by revers ing the propellers at just the right moment at high speed would cause a deceleration that is sensational. (See A Midnight Flight page 7) Yankee Clipper Page 5
( A MIDNIGHT FLIGHT Con ' t from Page 5) When the C-46 wheels were between 6-12 inches above the runway Herb reversed the props and the wheels touched down, and the aircraft remained on the ground. In fact the total distance used in this landing roll was only 700 feet and that ' s what ' s known as aerodynamic braking. Not to say that the evening was just that easy, but it was a fact that Herb almost lost control of the aircraft five or six times that night, but due to Herb ' s extreme knowledge of the ship he knew what to do, and when to do it. Upon examining the plane, it was found that mechanics had forgotten to install two clevis pins after completing a maintenance Later testing showed that with inspection. these pins out it was possible to operate the spring loaded elevator control system 17 times, but on the 18th time the linkage would separate and completely disconnect the elevators. Herb has always wondered how many times the elevator column had been moved before take off that fateful night. Note: Herb Fisher was a member of the staff of the Curtiss-Wright Corporation for some 20 years and was Chief Production Test Pilot and in addition, Chief Experimental Test Pilot at the giant Curtiss Modification just center on the Buffalo airport. Herb had the opportunity of flying almost all types of Propeller and Jet aircr aft manufactured by our nations aircraft companies. During WW II, Herb was requested by the Air Transport Command and Curtiss to take a C-46 from Buffalo to the China-BurmaIndia theatre of war. His assignment was to assist pilots, engineering and operational personnel of Combat Cargo, Troop Carrier, Air Transport Command and Fighter Commands in the technique of flying and maintaining Herb Flew 96 the C-46 and P-40 fighter. missions from India to China and most all were accomplished during the worst possible weather conditions, so he could encounter severe icing and other serious phenomenon that might affect the performance of the C46 transport including questionable flight Herb also flew ten operational procedures. combat missions as a civilian with various fighter groups that he visited. During his stay in the CBI Herb visited General Claire After L. Chennault and the Flying Tigers. his 12 month stay in the CBI, he spent a couple of months in the Middle East, plus North and Central Africa demonstrating C46 ' s and P-40 ' s.
Upon his return to Buffalo, he was assigned the title of Senior Engineering Test Pilot by Mr. Burdette Wright, Vice-President and General Manager of Curtis. Herb transferred from the Airplane Division to the P opeller Division in Caldwell, N. J. in 1946 Some of Herb ' s test aircraft at the Propeller Division were a Curtiss C-46, a Douglas 4-engine C-54 transport, a Boeing B17, a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, a Grumman F-8-F Bearcat and President Truman ' s DC-6. Herb has accumulated over 7,000 hours in the C-46 transport and has more flying time in P-40 Warhawks and P-47 Thunderbolt ' s than any man in the world. The story you have just read, if he had not had Curtiss Electric Propellers install ed, his only alternative would have been to slide the C-46 in on its belly at Newark airport which would have resulted in some damage to the aircraft. Herb is now 81 and is still active in all his aviation activities and is a honored During member of the Yankee Air Force. Herb ' s long flying career of 62 years, he has accumulated 19,351 propeller and jet hours without an accident or violation. (Editors note: The st ory you have read is a compiled synopsis by William Bielauskas, Editor of the Yankee Clipper, from a story by renowned author and Smith sonian Institution contributor, Louis R. Eltscher. BB) Herbert O . Fisher 628 Mountain Road Smoke Rise Kinnelon NJ 07405
We are sure many of you will remember Dr. Herbert O. Fisher. Some of our Clipped Wings Club members know he was active in their support. The Butler, NJ, VFW Post named him CITIZEN OF THE YEAR for 1990. Herb and Harry Clark are active in the P-51 reunion and Air Museum. Both sent me some poop which is in this issue. Herb for many years was Engineering Test Pilot for Curtiss Wright and saw service all over the world in World War II. He flew 96 missions from India to China. He has test flown too many to name but some are the C-46, C-54, B-17, P-47, F-8-F, DC-6 and P-40. Has 19,351 accident free and violation free hours. Yankee Clipper Page 7 63
P -51 MUSTANG PILOTS ASSN . 81 PARK STREET WILMINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01887 508-658-9846
1988-1989 P-5I OFFICERS President COL. FRANK J. GRENON 81 Park Street Wilmington, MA 01887 508-658 . 98:6 Vice President A.P. "TED" TADJEWSKI 1217 Eastern Parkway Louisville, KY 40204 Secretary & News Editor ROBERT W. FOX 89 Liberty Street Middleton , MA 01949 NA-774 . 9301 Treasurer MRS. MARY GRENON Counselors BENJAMIN lII P. BORDEN BERT SWAIN Chairman of the Board Public Relations Director of' HERBERT O. FISHER 621 RiseMountain Road, Smoke Kinnelon , N. J . 07405 201-83 8 -2040 Board of Directors R. R . ANDERSON GEN. JAMES H. DOOLITTLE GEN. JAMES E. HILL DAVID LEE HILL CLAY LACY PAUL H. POBERENZY ROBB R. SATTERFIELD GEN. ROBERT L. SCOTT JR. SEN. BARRY M. GOLDWATER Major Gen. USAFR (Ret.) Advisory Board HON. JOHN G. BROSKY JOSEPH P. CELAURO HANNIBAL N. COX, JR. MRS. VI COWDEN HARVEY W. GIPPLE MRS. MARY LOU NEALE WILLIAM A. SCHMITZ P-5l Regional Vice-Presidents THOMAS X. GOUNARIS Region 1 JOHN G. CORLEY II Region II CHRISTIAN L. MARCH Region III DAVID W BROADUS Region IV HENRY G. CASTLE Region V MAURICE SUGDEN Region Vl LESTER R. MORROW Region V// D.D. SMITH Region V// I JOHN CRUMPW. Region IX RENE VANAND Region de France
TO: SUBJECT:
February 1990 AVIATION PUBLICATIONS & PRESS INSERTION FOR COMING EVENTS COLUMN OR MILITARY UNIT REUNIONS
The 10th Annual P-51 Mustang Pilots Reunid Oct. 26th to 28th, 1990, (CETEBRATING THE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST FLIGHT OF THIS FAMOUS WW 11 COMBAT AIRCRAFT). Command Headquarters Santa Maria Airport Hilton Hotel, 3455 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, California 93455Tel. 805-928-8000 (FAX 805-928-5251. Contact Ruth Kelly, Hotel Reservation Manager. FOR REUNION INFORMATION CONTACT: Captain Pete Hardiman, Reunion Chairman 3233 San Pedro Way Union City, California 94587 Tel. 415-487-2391 # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # There are thousands of pilots in the United States who have flown the P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft, and therefore, the P-51 Association would appreciate it if you would insert the above in the COMING EVENTS COLUMN for 1990 in your publication as a special item. There will be detailed press releases mailed later regarding this forthing P-51 Reunion in 1990 FOR PRESS INFORMATION CONTACT: Herbert O. Fisher, (A/SWA) Director Press & Public Relations, P-51 Mustang Pilots Assn., 628 Mountain Road, Smoke Rise, Kinnelon, NJ 07405. Tel. (201-838-2040). or FOR DETAILED REUNION AND MUSEUM OF FLIGHT INFORMATION-CONTAC Captain Harry F. Clark, TWA-Ret. Santa Maria Museum of Flight 2360 Lake Marie Drive Santa Maria, California 93 4 55 Tel. 805-934-3406
Associated Newsletter Edlior JEFFREY L. ETHELL Historian ANTHONY CHARDELLA
64
GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY OF THE P-51 MUSTANG OCTOBER 26, 27, and190 28, SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA Co-sponsored by:
Santa Maria Museum of Flight P-51 Mustang Pilots Association Santa Maria Public Airport District Rolls-Royce Plc.
Thursday, October 25, 1990
Optional Tour Hearst Castle Optional Golf &/or Tennis P-51 Pilots Association Board Meeting
Friday, October 26, 1990
Optional wine tasting & Solvang Optional Golf &/or Tennis Welcome reception
Saturday October 27, 1990
Breakfast Buffet & Program Airport Open House Warbird Fly-by, P-51 demonstration flight Vendors Santa Maria Style BBQ, Program, Dance (dress casual)
Sunday October 28, 1990
Breakfast Buffet & Program P-51 Pilots Association General Meeting P-51 Pilots Association Board Meeting
Monday October 29, 1990
Optional Tour: Vandenburg A.F.B. & La Purisma Mission
REGISTRATION FEES: $100 per person ($110 after September 15th) includes tickets to Welcome Reception, the two breakfast buffets, Airport Open House Activites, BBQ Dinner, Program, and Dancing to the music of the 40's and a P-51 Anniversary Pin. P.O. BOX 1024 - SANTA MARIA, CA 93456 (805) 922-9645 P-51 SPONSORSHIP You have the opportunity to help sponsor a P-51 during the Golden Anniversary. Sponsorships are available from $150-$4,000. Call (805) 922-9645.
P.O. Box 1024 • Santa Maria, CA 93456 65
.
805-922-9645
TO TARPA MEMBERS FROM HARRY MOKLER Gentlemen, As noted before, the response to my attempt to start a "health exchange" in the TOPICS and particularly to tabulate the By-pass/Angioplasty experiences of our membership has been disappointing. I think every single case had something to offer but it apparently did not incite enough interest to make the small effort. John Rhodes' letter missed the last TOPICS and he had just passed away. He never stopped fighting. Like the others, his letter deserves careful attention because he is leaving a clear message. Ignore it at your own peril. Note that Dr. Zipes, Professor of Medicine at Indiana University believes that basketball star, Hank Gather's, life could have been save by quick difibrillator action. I hope you will all find time to find out of your town carries a defribrillator on its emergency vehicles. [Harry goes on to say to your editor; I hope y'all had a good time at the annual gathering of the venerable eagles. We love going and we're definitely going next year unless some as yet unforeseen calamity arises. I'm sorry I missed that Dr. Blaha since I was the original instigator. I hope it was worthwhile. Yes, I think John Rhodes' letter should be included. It is sad. His expectations were so high after his recovery (remission). Maybe you want to ask the guys their opinions on buying the drinks after getting a hole-in-one. I heard from old friends in every corner of the country after "Dear Abby" included my note on the subject. Unfortunately, Abby dropped the rest of the note which said I did not have the proper coins for the machine so he had to pay for them. But my heart was in it, right? It would have been obvious that I am that I am a world class cheapskate. Ask DeCelles, he was the victim. I get sick every time I reflect on the Icahn/Lorenzo damage to the industry and so many families. I note that Lorenzo is a member of "Team 100", the small group that has each donated $100,000. to Bush's election. No wonder they rejected the National Medication Board's request for a Presidential Study Commission on the Eastern strike and vetoed the Congressional study. The people have got to revolt against the whole DC crowd.]
NOTICE We feel, as Harry Mokler does, there is a lot to be gained from sharing your experiences with your fellow TARPA members so why don't you sit down now and send Harry anything you may wish to contribute to him?
L to R DAVE KUHN Pat Patterson Roger Don RAE
66
John F. Rhodes 12372 Glacier Cir. Los Alamitos, Ca., 40720 10/1/89 Dear Harry, I have read with interest your letter concerning heart problems. This letter will provide all of the information concerning my particular experience in this area. You may use any or all of this inormation as you see fit. No restrictions! I retired from TWA on Aug. 15, 1981 to take an executive position This retirement was 5 mos. on a " start up " airline-undercapitulized. In April of 1981 I had my semi-annual FAA physical as well early. as my company physical. No apparent problems. "
twinge" On Oct. 31, 1981,a Saturday, I noticed upon getting up, a in my left shoulder-not a pain, but more a musculature twinge. I decided, when it didn ' t go away to check it out and went to Torrance The Emergency Room was full. Memorial Hospital in Torrance, Ca. The receptionist ask my complaint and I explained. I stated that I could come back next week when they were less busy. Two minutes later I was on a bed in the emergency room. Cardiologist, Dr. Steven M. Weinstein was on duty as a consultant that day. I was lucky! After 4 days of in-patient testing it was determined that I had not had a heart attack, but that one coronary artery was 90% closed, another 70% closed and a third had congenit" feeders " , whatever ally not formed but its function taken over by The By-Pass procedure was then recommended-in fact insistthey are. Company of Mary, in Torrance, The hospital was to be Little ed upon. and the surgeon to be Dr. John V. Reddington, a pioneer in By-Pass Both were good choices. surgery. Eight days after surgery, I was discharged with three heart grafts. I stopped at my office on the way home. I worked half days for 3 weeks and then full time. From 1944 thru 1963 I was a smoker. In 1963 Note: In 1963 I quit cold turkey and I 2 packs per day. didn ' t smoke again until 1975. At time of By-Pass was smoking 1 pack per day. Further, the last five years with TWA reflected a blood pressure of high normal 140 to 150 over 90. I stayed with Dr. Weinstein. I was on various medications and a Thalmium Treadmill every year. In April 1987 the treadmill indicated an abnormality. An angiogram disclosed major blockage in two of the three grafts inserted in 1981. These were determined to be in an area not accessible by angio plasty. So, another By-Pass. This time two would do. Same hospital, same Cardiologist, same Same dressing down for smoking. Recovery from this was surgeon. good but not as swift. Date July 7, 1987.
67
John Rhodes
10/1/89
Note: About six months after By-Pass I started getting nauseous about once per week and losing weight about 1 pound a month at start. Weight loss and nausea increased. Internist working on this but no determination. In January, this year a " cat-scan " disclosed intestine (colon) and liver involvement. An immediate operation was indicated and so done. One and a half feet of intestine was removed-cancer-the liver was inoperable. The surgeon and internist gave me four to six months to live. I started chemo therapy 30 days after surgery. No real adverse effects such as hair loss or extreme nausea, but uncomfortable, Yes! Weight loss, Yes! ' Down to 145 lbs in June. Now, I m 165 lbs feeling great and the doctors say it isn ' t improbable that I get a complete cure. The only reason I mention the cancer Harry, is that I am convinced that I had cancer during the second By-Pass. Maybe it contributed to the cause-who knows? At any rate, my blood pressure is now 120/70, no medication, eating well, weight 163. I would rate coronary surgery as mildly uncomfortable, but abdominal surgery as very painful. I would rate chemo therapy as not nearly as bad as its press. About angio plasty, I ' ve never had it, but I know more people personally who have died of it than By-Pass. My personal opinion on number of By-Passes and whether they are really necessary lies in your choice of doctors. One safety factor is the 2nd opinion, but I think the second opinion should be conducted by a physician who does not know the original recommending physician. I know one man who I met on a Friday who was scheduled for a quint-bypass on the following Friday. He went for a second opinion, placed on medication, is healthy as a horse and no By-Pass. I guess it happens. I hope it didn' t happen to me - I still have confidence in my doctors as I lucked into the best. Incidently, prior to 1981 I was never sick and had several colds since 1942 when I had an appendectomy. Hope you can figure it out, I can " t. Good luck in your study. If you need anything else or want me to talk to anyone, just ask. Very sincerely, John Rhodes It was very saddening to learn that Chuck Lokey, who was at the Hershey reunion, was killed by a drunken speeder less than a week later.
68
TARPA TOPICS Rt. 2 Box 152 Belhaven, NC 27 010 Dear A. T.; Don't know if this info is of any use to your collection of heart problems. (Was surprised to read Larry De Celles got on the list; I hope he's much better.) I didn't have any bypass surgery or artery problems, but the final upshot of my busting the Company physical in April '77 wasdue to aortic valve malfunction,and hot a "heart attack" as such. At RUSH-ST LUKE'S in Chica g o they determined I had scar tissue on the aortic valve, most probably the result of Rhumatic Fever in childhood. The Valve wasn't closing all the way, and whenit started to open then make another attempt to close--resulting in a variable rhythm. They didn't see any need for any drastic surgery at that time, just medication. (The doctor was surprised that I couldn't go back to work). Well, I got away with almost another ten years when finally had a JARVIC 7 type (mechanical) valve replacement in Jan. '87. I'm doing pretty we11, on a no salt add & low fat diet and swimming 1/2 mile three times a week. Reading of the history of all the medical repair jobs many of you have had, I thought I'd join the crowd. Years ago (in '54) had Laminectomy for 2 ruptured spinal discs; then in (79) (while TWA's Dr. Mahoney and I were waiting for the FAA to locate my records and make a decision whether I could return to work) had to get the femur for the right hip replaced with a steel spike and ball due to Arthritis. Since the left hip is starting to show signs of deterioration, I have to use a cane for balance, due to wearing a lift in the left shoe. Ever since the Arthritis in the right hip was determined by X-ray in '73, the doctor highly advised SWIMMING to put off the need for surgery as long as possible. So, I've been SWIMMING three times a week('as much as possible) ever since. Following the heart surgery, walking was not the best recourse for me( due to the hip condition), But the doctor was happy I was SWIMMING as he preferred it as it gives the upper chest muscles more exercise than walking. Many of the guys I swim with at the YMCA have had by-pass surgery, and all seem to be doing very well...even our scars are disappearing. At any rate, I'm probably doing as well as many of the retirees, as I've gotten great support from my wife, Jo and my family. We all can be thankful for every day----we may be a bunch of patched up derelicts, but are much better off than many others.. Thanks for doing such a good job, I enjoy TARPA TOPICS very much. CameronF/E-(t) 2041 Beechnut Rd. Northbrook, IL. 60062 PS; Since is my first attempt with the typewriter in a heck of a long time, pardon some of the typing errors, and edit it any way you want if you can use any of it.
69
Don
"RETIREMENT: HOWGOZIT?" One dictionary defines retirement: to withdraw, or go away or apart, to a place of abode, shelter, or seclusion; as from worldly matters, or the company of others. Each of us could describe retirement in our own terms with as many variations as we have members. Our reactions would range from devastating to delectable -- hoping the majority would reflect "an accepting attitude and adjustment to mandated retirement." Most of us have "managed" but not without a healthy measure of travail and tolerance by all -- families included. Theories abound for coping with the adversities of forced retirement. Some offer sound considerations, though no one has a utopian plan. For many, harmonious adjustment to a sedentary life style is a myth. After flying, forced grounding may be tougher than any forced landing. In looking at problem areas for personal adjustment, I tend to focus on: FAMILY -- added stress on the family ties is to be expected. Awareness helps lessen the impact. Courses in "conflict resolution" are available in community colleges and often are enlightening as well as entertaining joint ventures for couples. Tolerance, resiliency, and consideration for others can be learned. Not easily. FINANCES -- Conservatism may be a new Need to consider budgeting and estate experience. planning can provide a realistic sense of financial security. Earlier planning in most cases lessens drastic life style change. CAREER -- a new career is not unrealistic. One advantage to mandated retirement lies in advanced preparation for shifting gears to new interests. Even voluntarism serves to fulfill the need for being productive. Continuing education programs offer stimulation and social expansion with new acquaintances. For many, hobbies serve as effective constructive compromises for combatting boredom. If being a "couch potato" dominates a retirees career, beware of becoming vegetative (defined: to live in an inactive, passive, or unthinking way!). There are few, quick, pat answer solutions. However, awareness of stress impacting these areas should provide a forearmed defense for optimal adjustment and coping. Now, as a shrink, allow me to muse over some of the factors involved in making the best out of the hand dealt those who are finding it difficult to adapt to their retirement. Emotions may become more intense and a major problem. Depression, anxiety, fear, frustration, helpless or hopeless
70
feelings are intensified as consequences of aging, infirm health, and family or financial concerns. Agonizing over situations beyond our control is tantamount to "trying to push a car up a hill with a rope!" Spare the effort! Conflicts with losing causes only lead to frustration, anger, hostile feelings, alienation of others, and ultimately depression. Depression is viewed as anger turned inward -- against the self! IT'S NOT THE SITUATION, BUT OUR REACTION TO SITUATIONS, THAT EITHER WORSENS OR RESOLVES A PROBLEM! Ask any psychologist or psychiatrist how they would define ANXIETY and you will be impressed with the vagueness of the concept. The "shrink's handbook" defines anxiety as "a chronic, complex, emotional state with apprehension or dread as its most prominent component." I liken anxiety to "the itch you can't scratch!" The quickest relief for "bouts of anxiety" among my "anxietyridden white-knuckle aerophobics" is simply this: SMILE, BREATHE, AND RELAX! Results are amazing; the trick is to DO IT whenever a "general uneasiness" is sensed. Try it now -- works doesn't it? Frequently, anxiety is undetected. The uneasiness is vague, but it still impacts how we feel, think, or react. Anxiety differs from fear. Fear has an object; we know what we fear -- e.g. snakes, heights, crowds, dentists, making speeches etc. We have the option to AVOID the feared condition; escape from anxiety provoking situations is not as simple, but again, awareness may aid in managing ones reactions. So what's the handbook say about managing anxiety? Time for another axiom: ACTIVITY ABSORBS ANXIETY! A restless, uneasy, nervousness melts with a brisk walk, game of golf, or an outing with a change of scenery. Any benign activity or hobby should offer a distraction, providing some measure of relief, if only for the moment. How about STRESS? Again, tough to pinpoint or define, but a cookbook version of stress states: "Any stimulus that interferes with normal PHYSICAL, MENTAL, OR EMOTIONAL equilibrium of the person and impairing ones ability to function adequately." This definition focuses on the disruptive consequences of stress. Emotional tension is often a result of stress. I'm certain we have all endured PHYSICAL stress with a 16 hour on-duty flight schedule. MENTAL stress is evident when we try to compute when we'll be ready for call the next day. EMOTIONAL stress is apparent when our mood or behavior reflects anger, irritability, or sadness. Rarely is joy or pleasure expressed when under emotional strain. Techniques of stress management suggest: If PHYSICALLY stressed, cool it -- play couch potato to
71
recoup the depleted physical energy -- a beer or two, martini or two, glass of wine or two, but not more! One or two drinks are known for their "vasodilative effect" in reducing stress or tension. Ditch digging relieves emotional tension. Remember, Physically, the body pays a price activity absorbs anxiety! as a reaction to chronic emotional distress. Consistently, studies confirm 80% of complaints (or symptoms) brought to physicians are "life-style" induced. Remaining physically active is highly recommended. Changes in living habits are options for taking control of our lives, when sufficiently motivated to seek a desired Smoking cessation programs are but one example of a change. life-style change for health reasons. Not easy but well worth the effort when successful. MENTAL stress, like emotional stress, often produces a more confused state. Problem solving suffers. The treatment process becomes critical when organic changes are suspect. Simple forgetfulness may be examined to determine if the source is emotional (anxiety/depression) or symptomatic of a physical change with aging. Most concerns of Alzheimer's prove invalid with a psychological evaluation followed with a medical consult if uncertainty remains. Avenues for resolving emotional stress offer a variety of treatment options. Medication or counselling, or both, are effective. But for many, resistances to seeking help must be overcome. Psychiatrists provide management by use of medications Psychologists, not being physicians, are and psychotherapy. specialists in psychological testing and counselling or psychotherapy. Where medication is indicated, referrals are made to family physicians or psychiatrists for medical management. Medications for emotional disorders are classified as sedatives, stimulants, tranquilizers, or anti-depressants. When symptoms are properly diagnosed and medication is "on target," relief can be expected in short order with the vast array of sedatives, stimulants, or tranquilizers. Not so with anti-depressants, which are slower to act and frequently require a week or more to lift depressive effects. The myriad of mood altering medications are not without some risk of side effects. Prudent use is the watchword. Long-term usage should be avoided without frequent monitoring by a physician and family members. Counselling or psychotherapy takes many forms. Besides psychologists and psychiatrists, social workers, pastoral counselors (ministers), may provide relief from emotional distresses. Unfortunately, unqualified "psychotherapists" abound. Credentials should be verified. A best source for referring qualified therapists is the family doctor, minister, or local medical/psychological associations. University medical centers or community mental health
72
units are equally valid resources for consultation. A critical factor in seeking psychological help, moreso than medical care, involves a compatible match between the client and clinician. Mutual respect and confidence play a major role in a successful outcome when the emotions are explored (and exposed) as is the case in therapy. Traditional Freudian psychoanalysis is a laboring process, costly, and rarely any more effective (for Seniors) than a more directive and supportive counselling by a psychiatrist/psychologist, social worker, or comforting minister. Commiserating with friends is always a calculated risk! Statistics consistently reveal that men seek emotional help much less frequently than women -- they outnumber us 4 or 5 to one in seeking therapy; macho image, perchance? Is it fair to say we are less stressed out than our brides? Is it possible we are overstressing them in our retirement? Those friends I have maintained contact with have done reasonably well in their adjustment. Summarizing what has worked for many and a review of studies of retirement problems suggest the following considerations: 1) Maintain some measure of contact with flying or I teach a couple of related aviation interests. courses in aviation physiology and human factors at Central Missouri State University... fly the Porterfield I gave them... and do some career counselling (and hiring) of the students. 2) Related to above, mix your social contacts age-wise! Association with the younger set, and in all decades, is stimulating. Civic clubs have an ideal cross section age-wise. Vary the groups as to age Many enjoy continuing and common interests. education courses on a variety of topics. A new experience -- fun with academics! 3) Volunteer for a variety of community activities, but assertively limit any excessive demands of your time or resources. Minimal obligations with children or the infirm, if found rewarding, can allay boredom in some cases. Avoid depressing or morbid relations. 4) Consider separate interests from family/spouse in some measure to allow them space. Too much "underfoot" may become "underskin!" After a flying career, you need space as well. 5) If desired life style is sedentary, have a pet. Need for affection does not diminish with age. And, man's best friend is just that, by way of providing acceptance and affection in spite of shortcomings. Don't fear or resist attachment -- if one is lost,
73
get another! fulfilled.
Not all voids in living are as easily
6) Moderation in all things. The concept of WELLNESS is comprised of four factors to consider for healthy living: Namely, attention to exercise, nutrition, stress management and substance abuse bolster wellbeing. Books abound on the subject. A thumbnail sketch is: EXERCISE -- develop a capacity for some measure of "sustained physical effort!" Brisk walking (rather than jogging), swimming, aerobics, fun games (golf?) etc. for a minimum of 3-4 times a week where the heart rate doubles for 20 minutes or more. Dr. Kenneth Cooper's book is the bible for aerobics. Consult your physician first, of course. NUTRITION -- Calories DO count! The four basic foods of fruits/vegetables, dairy products, meats/fish/poultry, and grains, in a balanced diet should suffice nutritionally with little need for supplementation -- unless advised by your physician. With circulatory or weight problems, conserve on fats and salted foods. Do away with the frying pan in favor of broiling, baking, and boiling. Again, your local library provides abundant "hobbyist hints" on nutritional health matters. Dr. Max Berry, an octogenarian emeritus internist, suggests his 2X2X2 formula for his senior patients, which consists of 2 eggs, 2 aspirin, and 2 drinks daily, as desired. He sees little need for drastic change in diet habits for his patients having survived to senior citizen status. He is offended by a 25 year old dietitian cajoling his 65-70 year old patient to alter their lives. If a life style involved happy hours in moderation, why change? Dr. Berry views cholesterol counts over 200-250 while symptom-free of cardiovascular problems, as no problem! SUBSTANCE ABUSE -- for starters, avoid those substances ending in "ine" such as, amphetamine, nicotine, cocaine, morphine, atropine, and yes, even caffeine in excess of 3-4 cups of coffee daily. Granted, the media is constantly citing the "latest medical findings" on chemical substances, especially foodstuffs. Spurious studies denouncing long-term dietary practices are in vogue -- many of them invalid! The "ines" are largely stimulants to the central nervous system and subject to placing users at risk for dependence. Alcohol in moderation works for non-alcoholics. MODERATION does not apply to ANY illegal substance! STRESS MANAGEMENT -- a final axiom with two rules for coping with stress: 1) Don't sweat the small stuff.
74
2) It's ALL small stuff! If you can't FIGHT or FLEE, then FLOW! Shrugging the shoulders offers an effective means for a strategic retreat from inevitable defeat! Besides, shoulder shrugging is a form of exercise as well. A closing caveat about this "shrink talk" for those of you who have indulged it thus far. Often, many feel that all stress, anxiety, or fear, is bad! Not so! Consider, if we were free of emotions, what a drab world it would be. We experience living through the "sensitivity" of our senses; being sensitive, stimulates and alerts us to life's challenges; anxiety can heighten our performance (like when the Feds were on board); fear alerts us for protection from real danger -- being absolutely fearless, one might perish in a rampaging fire! Today, a new concept of "Holistic medicine" has evolved in which treatment is directed at a triumvirate of the whole person's needs -- physical, mental, and spiritual -- truly giving credence to the role of art in the science of healing. Practitioners of holistic methods have grown in popularity among the senior population, and rightfully so. Again, your library offers interesting insight. A century ago, William James, foremost American psychologist declared: "The greatest discovery of my time was that human beings could alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind." We all know the importance of "attitude flying" for a successful flight. Now, maybe we should consider "attitude living" as equally important for successful living. Happy Landings always! Walt Gunn Left to right; SHOTGUN GANG BOB SMITH TOP SKEET BOB MICHAELS TOP GUN EARL HEINRICH TOP TRAP DAVE DAVIS NEW SHOOTER 2nd. VICE PRESIDENT TARPA
75
Participate in Research on Aging and Aviation Expertise There Is growing controversy about the Age 60 retirement rule for professional pilots. At the heart of the matter Is how physical and mental abilities change with age, and whether any declines are minimized by factors such as knowledge, experience, and health. The government has called for research on aging and pilot skills to help resolve the controversy. We are conducting a federally funded project that investigates the role of expertise and aging in communication. By participating, you will help provide some of the empirical facts needed to understand the effects of aging and knowledge on pilot skills. We will examine how expertise and aging influence the ability to understand and remember texts such as instructions. According to previous research, this ability gradually declines with age. However, it is possible that knowing a lot about the topic of the text will help compensate for these declines. Retired and active pilots will read texts presented on a computer. These texts will be about aviation and general topics. The study Is being conducted at Decision Systems, located In Los Altos, California. It will last between 2 1 /2 and 3 hours (divided into two sessions). You will be paid $ 10 per hour for your participation. All results will be kept confidential. For more information, and to schedule for the study, please call Dr. Daniel Morrow or Ms. Patsy Alfieri at Decision Systems: (415) 949-1789. Dear Capt. Humbles: I'm conducting research about the effects of aviation expertise and aging on pilots' skills and abilities. So far, members of RUPA and ALPA who live in the Bay Area have been participating in the study. Bob Sherman recently participated and suggested I get the word out about the study to TWA retired pilots. On his advice, I am sending you a description of the study. It would be a great help if you could include it in your newsletter. I work with Dr. Von Leirer at Decision Systems, a research outfit in Los Altos, CA. We've already done several studies on aging and pilot performance through Stanford University. The present project at Decision Systems is funded by the National Institute on Aging. They're very interested in research on possible trade-offs between aging and expertise on human performance. Feel free to change the enclosed announcement in any way to make it suitable for your newsletter. Also, please call me if you have any questions about the project. Sincerely, Dan Morrow, Ph.D. DECISION SYSTEMS P.O. Box 6489 Stanford, CA 94305 (415) 323 1105
76
Herb Becker Flight Instructor Progress Check Pilot
EMBRY -RIDDLE
AERONAUT/CAL UNIVERSITY
Prescott Campus
3200 Willow Creek Road Prescott, AZ 86301 April 17, 1990
(602) 778-6843 (602) 776-0508
It's 0130 and I hope the typing doesn't wake up Ruth. -- A week ago today I had surgery for prostate and hernia. I'm making a very gc recovery, but my sleep pattern is a bit out of sync. So, what to do? I've been in my favorite chair with Tarpa Topics and the membership list. Came across the letter of Joe McCombs dated 12/15/86 and welcoming me to the group. Along with John Jomo I am always identified as NE, although Earl Korf is labeled NAV. The Ex-TWA navigators have formed, and are nurturing, a group Named Retired Professional Navigators. Some of these men will be learning about, and joining, TARPA. I would think they, too, would prefer the NAV label. Now that we have the Smith-Corona up to cruise, let's reminisce a bit. I'm sorry that our paths didn't cross at TWA. My tenure was from 12/18/44 to 10/1/62. During that time I flew copilot on the -3,-4 and the Connie. On return from furlough in 1946, I elected to go the navigator route. In 1947 we were based in Rome and, until the doppler/loran approval I operated out of Idlewild/Kennedy with some rather primitive tools for many crossings and flights as far as Colombo. Since TWA I;ve also had many adventures. The first was as pilot/ navigator on a DC-4 for Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in research trips around the world. In 1964 I served as "Flight Navigation Officer" with Lufthansa on their big Boeings and 720 on the North Atlantic operation. I left DLH (doubling my pay) and served as NAV with UAL '65 to '73. That was innumerable trips to Hawaii, but also 38 trips on the Vietnam operation. That was the high-light of my career. United gave me a chance for a pilot seat, but I took my severance/retirement. Happening to live in Las Vegas at that time, I supported us for seven years working the casinos. In 1980 the LAS SUN ran a classified for flight instructors here at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. We have a booming operation with 10 Piper Seminole twins, 3 Cessna 182 RGs and 32 172s. Incidentally, during my time here I've taught several students who were sons of TARPA Members. A. T ., please make me a "NAV" in the next membership list. I will look forward to our paths crossing down the road. -- I worked with many of the members and really enjoy the fruits of the efforts you, Dick G., and so many others contribute. Thanks and best wishes,
77
NICOTIANA SANDERAE (Tobacco Flower) The flowering tobacco plant is grown for its deliciously scented blossoms. They release their perfume only at dusk and by moonlight they're in full glory. In the late 16th century, Jean Nicot, an agent of the King of France, brought the seeds from Tobago and called the flower "Tobacco". He took it to Paris where it was named "Nicotiana" in his honor. J. T. Happy passed on the following sent to him by Marge Handy which she had clipped out of the International Herald Tribune in the Personals; CAUCASIAN MALE, in the twilight of life (75) still needs mistress more than nurse. Retired airline captain, divorced, non-smoking, occasional cocktail, university educated, naval officer during World War II. Intelligence, hard work, sacrifice and the country we live in has made it possible for him to come from poverty to a life without want. Living in a small house "down on the farm"organic farm of 300 acres with cows, chickens and own milk, cream, cheese, butter, eggs, fruit and garden. Proud (but humble), overwhelmed by beauty and complexity of the world around him. Old body but young mind and heart offers love, companionship and financial security (in or out of marriage) to intelligent,non-smoking, healthy "All American Girl" (18 - 60 yrs.). It's your mind as well as your body that matters; child or children O.K. (or we make one IF YOU WANT). No prejudice your social background, race or religion; but I am an agnostic. If you are a "poor little rich girl" - O.K. - if a "poor little poor girl" - that's also O.K! You should want to share my joys and sorrows, living "down on the farm" in clean air, clean water, wide open spaces, garden, milk, cook, clean, can and sew, but still sophisticated enough to enjoy occasional visits to New York, London, Paris, Rome and Vienna - and GO FIRST CLASS. Who would like to be my FAIR LADY? Send photo. Write: Box Holder, P.O. Box 809, Cleveland, Oklahoma 74020 USA. [Your editor doesn't find Capt. Box Holder in our TARPA directory so must not be one of our members. I might advise any interested ladies reading this that the enviable position might already be filled as it was in the December issue of that paper!]
Left to right; Pat Callamaro Joe Grant Barbara Molinario Bobbi Kirschner Standing Dave Brown Jackie Brown
Jose, the ring maker, has them mersmerized, Photographer Larry Fauci says.
78
Parky says, "If you're looking for a filler, you might like this. My bank had a series of seminars and this was read at all of them". ODE TO THE CATASTROPHIC COVERAGE ACT Listen citizens and you shall hear, The story of a law passed just last year. Amid cheers and glee from the D.C. crowd, They'd improved Medicare and they were proud! But from across this nation came tons of mail, Saying, "This law stinks - Congress has failed!" At first, they stood firm and answered, "You senic -s are wrong!" But the complaints didn't diminish, They only grew more strong, Crying, "These premiums are evil, being hateful and cruel!" "Don't tell us they're not taxes, do you take us for fools?" a So Congress reconsidered and g ve the law some more thought, And decided to change it, 'cause those seniors vote. But the House and the Senate just couldn't agree, Whether to scrap it all or leave some of it be. So they argued and debated, and we just had to wait, For a decision from Congress on the doomed law's fate. But the last thing they did before they adjourned, Was to repeal the whole thing and so now we return, To Medicare, the way it used to be, And they hope that we will all forget the whole catastrophe! By Dianne Cassity
"Stop hiding your eyes during takeoff."
"HIT ANY KEY TO CONTINUE
EDITOR'S DESK Parky was going to bring to Hershey information and order blanks for the TWA Identity checks but had to cancel. In case the order blank on our Recommendations and Suggestions page doesn't print out well here is the information; Send in 1. A check in payment of the order. 2. A voided sample check. 3. A deposit slip with all information to be printed on checks. 4. Indicate starting number. 200 checks are $12.00, 400 checks are $21.00. For faster delivery add $3.00 for first class mail. Address is; Identity Check Printers Box 149-D Park Ridge, IL 60068-8012 ENLISTING NEW TARPA MEMBERS We always carry an application blank in the back of TARPA TOPICS. If you know some one eligible to join why not invite him to join and give them an application? Those of you still flying the line carry an application with you in case you run into an eligible friend. How about those of you on the MEC posting an application on the ALPA bulletin board at the airport? Take it from one with experience, it is a real cone of silence as far as TWA is concerned when you retire and this is the vehicle that enables us to maintain some contact and bond. AVIATION CADET ALUMNI ASSOCIATION The Aviation Cadet Alumni Association was initiated by the late Ralph Parker (43-H Napier) to provide ex-cadets the current addresses of their former classmates. Retired officers Harry Bradshaw and Bob White are continuing this no-dues, nonprofit endeavor as a tribute to their fellow birdmen. Former pilot cadets are invited to submit their Flight Class and Primary, Basic and Advanced schools. Approximately 16,000 names are now available by Flight Class to those participants who send a stamped envelope to either of the below. Both maintain identical information to guard against loss. Active participation will be welcomed. Under no circumstances will commercial use be made of this information. Robert C. White Harry C. Bradshaw 54 Seton Trail RFD * 1 Ormond Beach, FL 32074 Newmarket, NH 03857 POSTAL RATES INCREASE You have all heard the first class stamp is proposed to go to 30c . Your editor has found this is only the tip of the iceberg. Before when the first class stamp has been increased all other rates are increased by usually a larger percentage. TARPA used to pay a yearly fee for our bulk mailing permit of $30., then it went to $40., then $50 and is now $60 and, if the U.S. Postal Service (?) is true to form, this will be increased. While we don't have much foreign mailing this has increased tremendously. Please do yourself and us all a favor and write your Congressmen protesting this further increase. They will probably say it is a seperate business but they created this monster and should have oversight and if they don't they should destroy this monster. They waste millions on expensive seminars around the country. Paul Harvey said at a seminar in Phoenix they ran up a $12,000.00 bar bill. No matter how you look at it, this is wasting taxpayers' money. READERS' INPUT Let us have your contribution to your news magazine. There is a form in the back to send to our Grapevine Editor, Dick Guillan.
80
RECOMMENDATIONS, SUGGESTIONS & INFORMATION At the Hershey Convention Betti Wind displayed some shirts with the TARPA insignia on them which a friend of hers manufactures. They are nice full cut shirts and attractive and we bought some. Betti will relay your orders. Prices include postage and handling charges. Sweat Shirts - red or white, any size $15 Staff Shirts - (tennis, golf) red or white $15 any size $6.50 Tee Shirts - red or white, any size Send check with correct mailing address, color and size to; BETTI WIND P.O. Box 309 Meshoppen, PA 18630 * * * * * * For a tax deductible contribution to THE TWA RETIRED PILOTS FOUNDATION you may send your check to; Capt. Robert R.Thompson, Treasurer 807 W. Hintz Rd. Arlington Heights, IL 60004 * * * * * * The 3184th Bomb Group will hold its 12th bi-annual reunion in Wichita, Kansas, Oct. 11-14, 1990. For information or to join (dues are $15 per year write; 384th Bomb Group Inc. P.O. Box 1021-A Rahway, NJ 07065
81
NEW MEMBERS
( R)
( R)
(R)
ABBOTT, SAMUEL M. F/E
( SUE)
( A)
AMUNDSEN, DAVID A.
8811 S.E. 15th PLACE
DANVILLE CA 94526
BELLEVUE WA 98004
415-837-9532
206-454-2110
ANDERSON, A.C.
NAV
( CHARLOTTE)
(R)
ATKINS, RICHARD E. CAPT (GWENDOLYN)
2147 CRANE CANYON RD.
RFD #1 BOX #183
SANTA ROSA CA 95404
EDGERTON MO 64444
707-584-3534
816-227-3580
CALLAHAN, PHILIP R.
CAPT.
( MARGARET)
(A)
CALLAMARO, JOHN R,
732 HILLVUEW ROAD
( R)
MALVERN PA 19355
BLAIRSTOWN NJ 07825
215-644-2786
201-362-8725
ERICKSON, WALLY CAPT
( CONNIE)
( A)
6500 VIA COLINITA
OVERLAND PARK KS 66214
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CA 90274
913-492-4576
213-831-8814
(S)
( A)
FLAHERTY, MAGGIE S,
HALFWAY MO 65663
SANTA ROSA CA 95405
417-445-2653
707-538-1951
FLIGGE, DON W.
MRS.
4732 STONE HEDGE DRIVE
CAPT (YVONNE)
(A)GREENE, R. NATHAN F/O (ELLEN)
RR #1 BOX 388
P.O. BOX 34002
SMITHVILLE MO 64089
SHAWNEE MISSION KS 66214
816-532-0533
913-492-6283
)
(A) HAIR, WILLIAM H. CAPT (GINNY
( R)
FARLEY, ROBERT CAPT (SHIRLEY)
1 0412 GARNETT
(R) FAUSETT, NORMAN L. CAPT (KAY)
( A)
CAPT (PATRICIA)
P.O. BOX #103
Rte. 2 BOX 189B
( R)
CAPT (SHARON)
29 MEESE CIRCLE
(S)
HUSAK, PAUL MR.
6225 GREENBRIER DR.
HC 30, BOX 786
HUNTINGTON BEACH CA 92648
PRESCOTT AZ
714-960-4995
602-778-0336
KLUMB, EUGENE J.
FIE
BERENICE
) R)
( VIRGINIA)
86301
LENGEL, ROGER CAPT (CONNIE)
26 EVA PATH
475 CLIFF STREET
COMMACK NY 11725
HONESDALE PA 18431
516-543-8626
717-253-5165
MARTIN, HOLLIS W.
CAPT (ANN)
( A)
MOLINARIO, RICHARD T.
CAPT (SANDRA P.)
B-17 NORTHSHORE DRIVE
436 N. WINNEBAGO DRIVE
LAKE LOTAWANA MO 64063
LAKE WINNEBAGO MO 64034
816-578-5433
816-537-6942
NISHTI, MICHAEL, Jr .
CAPT
) SALLY)
( S)
PECK, EDWARD MR.
10 CLINTON CT., SO.
ROUTE #2, BOX # 225-A
PALM COAST FL 32137
WADDY KY 40076
904-446-2643
82 502-829-5133
(A)
(R)
(R)
(R)
(R)
(A)
PELLETIER, LOUIS "LOU" CAPT (AUDREY)
(R) PULLMAN, DONALD E. CAPT (SANDI)
13800 N.W. 72nd St.
P.O. BOX 1185
PARKVILLE MO 64152
SOUTHAMPTON NY 11969
816-891-3485
516-283-0109
SENDELBACH, EDWARD C. CAPT
(R)
SPASIANO, LOUIS F. CAPT (JAN)
306 ROBERTS
642 CALLS DEL NORTE
PLAINFIELD IL 60544
CAMARILLO CA 93010
815-436-2046
805-484-1827
SPENCE, SEBORN J.
"
JOE " CAPT.
(JOAN)
(R)
SULLIVAN, GORDON T FIE (MARGARET)
3646 GREEN VISTA DRIVE
6159 SECLUDED LANE
ENCINO, CA 91436
GLADSTONE MO 64118-5126
818-783-2885
816-452-4222
TAYLOR, BRYAN W. CAPT (BETTY)
(R)
WILSON, W. R .
"
BILL " CAPT
HCR 69, BOX 368
612
SUNRISE BEACH MO 65079
TIBURON CA 94920
314-374-6796
415-435-2271
WOLFE, B. E.
(A)
CAPT (HELEN)
WRIGHT, JOHN B. CAPT (MARGE)
8724 B. WELDON AE
5984 MOON CREST DR.
SCOTTSDALE AZ 85251
TUCSON AZ 85718
602-994-0035
602-577-1642
(R)
GUTHRIE, MARK H. CAPT
BROWN, WILLIAM CAPT DECEASED
9 LOS RANCHITOS
79 BARRY AVE..
CARMEL VALLEY CA 93924
RIDGEFIELD CT 06877
408-659-2976
203-438-4364
(R) KEATING , GEORGE A.
(A)
NAV (ANNE)
TANTAU, WILLIAM M. CAPT (SALLY)
909 GRBENBRIAR LANE
1311 SPRING ST. 1 I
SPRINGFIELD PA 19064-3918
CALISTOGA CA 94515 7 07-942 30
215-543-3731
83
(JOAN)
RIDGE ROAD