SPEC/AL CONVENTION "AT SEA" SECTION many, many photos. GRAPEYiNE by John Happy FEATURESTORIES by "Black Dog" Davis, Walt Gunn "Goldy" Goldthorpe & others
THE ACTIVE RETIRED PILOTS ASSOCIATION OF TWA NOVEMBER 1993
TOPICS, THE MAGAZINE OF THE ACTIVE RETIRED PILOTS ASSOCIATION OF TWA* FEATURE ARTICLES
DEPARTMENTS:
TARPA BUSINESS
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
Board/Convention Minutes, Ad Fund Contribution, DAP Status, Etc. 8
CONVENTION "AT SEA" Various 1st Hand& Reports Photos Galore.
Dick Davis, &c-Treas.
EDITOR'S DESK
A CHARTER TO REMEMBER
Chuck MacNab
6
TARPA TOURS 100
ESCAPE FROM MAUI "
4
27
96
by Walt Gunn
3
SECRETARY-TREAS. REPORT
LOOKING BACK ON TWA by bob Sherman
Dave Davies, Pres.
by Chuck & Pat Hasler
43
GRAPEVINE "
by Charlie black Dog Davis 105
"SAILOR" by "Goldy" Goldthorpe
53
FLOWN WEST
75
TIMELY TOPICS
83
TOPICS MAILBOX
115
NEW MEMBERS
125
ADDRESS CHANGES
126
112
"OLE #1" Retired UAL Captain E. Hamiton Lee is 101 Article is Courtesy of RUPA.
by John Happy
114
Editor's note: Regular features such as "EAGLES & FRIENDS" were not included in this issue because of space limitation. They'll be back in February.
All inquiries concerning this publication should be addressed to: Editor, TARPA TOPICS 1865 Denny Royal Lane Wentzville, MO 63385
COV ER: The Cruise ship Sovereign of the Seas in port at St. Thomas, V irgin Islands, during the 1993 TA RPA Convention cruise. (Photo, Bob Sherman) TARPA TOPICS
TOPICS is an official publication of TARPA*, a nonprofit corporation. Editor bears no responsibility for content use or accuracy.
NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 1
TARPATOPICS Published quarterly by the ACTIVE RETIRED PILOTS ASSOCIATION OF TWA DEDICATED TO THE PIONEERS OF TODAY'S TRANS WORLD AIRLINES WHOSE VISION, EFFORT AND PERSEVERANCE MADE IT ALL POSSIBLE, WE EXPRESS OUR SINCERE GRATITUDE. EDITOR Charles E. MacNab 1865 Penny Royal Lane Wentzville, MO 63385 (314) 327-1999
GRAPEVINE EDITOR John T. Happy Nine East Lake Drive Haines City, FL 33844-9320 (813) 439-2223 HISTORIAN & CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Edward G. Betts 960 Las Lomas Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (310) 454-1068 TARPA is incorporated as a non-profit corporation under the non-profit corporation laws 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. OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS, 1993 / 1994 PRESIDENT 233 S. E. Rogue River Hwy, Grants Pass, OR 97527 FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT 521 W. Citracado Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025-6412 SECOND VICE PRESIDENT 1201 Phelps Ave., San Jose, CA 95117-2941 SECRETARY/TREASURER 449 Santa Fe Drive, #200, Encinitas, CA 92024 SENIOR DIRECTOR 848 Coventry Street, Boca Raton, F1 33487 DIRECTOR P. O. Box 3596, Stateline, NV 89449 DIRECTOR 1622 W. Canterbury Ct., Arlington Heights, IL 60004 EX-PRESIDENT 8 Belleview Blvd., Apt. 207, Belleair FL 34616
DAVID M. DAVIES (503) 476-5378 CARL M. SCHMIDT (619) 745-2241 ROBERT C. SHERMAN (408) 246-7754 RICHARD A. DAVIS (619) 436-9060 HARRY A. JACOBSEN (407) 997-0468 WILLIAM A. KIRSCHNER (702) 588-4223 FRED G. ARENAS (708) 39 813 L JOHN P. DON AN (813)
NOTHING REPLACES GOOD JUDGEMENT ON THE FIRING LINE,
TARPA TOPICS
NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 2
The Active Retired Pilots Association of TWA
DAVID M. DAVIES 233 S. E. Rogue River Highway Grants Pass, Oregon 97527 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE October 1993 The 1993 Convention was a TIDAL WAVE of success. The Landlubbers became Salts, the Salts became Saltier and no one was keel hauled altho there was a contingent of Marines who were approaching that point by saddling us with their rendition? of whatever, (TWO NITES in a row)..nuff already. I would like to thank the membership for electing me your president. I think I speak for all the members in extending Jack Donlan, our outgoing president a most hearty thank you for coming on board and steering us through the trial and tribulations of the "B" plan quagmire. Jack, enjoy your well earned retirement. The Board reluctantly accepted two resignations besides Jack's. A. T . Humbles has elected to step down as Editor of TARPA TOPICS. We shall genuinely miss his masterful hand providing us with the link to the past and that ever present marvelous humor. Thanks A. T. and Betty. May God bless. Al Mundo an active pilot Board of Director also is taking some time off. Al has been working non stop on retirement and investment programs for eons and pleads for some very well deserved rest. He and Bob Sherman have devoted many hours to the cause of our retirement program. Thanks Al & Jeanne TARPA is very fortunate to have members take up the cause and Chuck MacNab is assuming the position of editor of the Topics, while the Board of Director position is being taken over by Fred Arenas. Those attending the 1993 convention proclaimed the event a smashing success, and voted to have another. We conducted a poll and found almost 100% strongly in favor, two felt the boat was too big and one thought there was too much drinking. All of these ideas are probably right on the mark. What a time we had! Hats off to Chuck and Pat Hasler for a super time. There was considerable opposition (by the cruise line) to many of the requests that were made and necessary for our convention to be what it should be and Chuck and Pat persevered. BRAVO! The first business meeting guest speaker Joe Montanaro gave a complete report on the "B" plan program, its makeup, how it is administered, how to use it, and its cost to us. Its a good plan. Several of our members have had analyses done and proclaim the plan the best bang for your bucks. The one complaint voiced had to do with the delay in receiving a check for what ever reason. Joe promised to look into the problem. The second business meeting our guest speaker, Senior Vice-President Flight Ops Capt. Larry Hecker, brought us up to date, relating the present status of the Company, its intentions, how they plan to accomplish their goals, what the results have been from the changes made so far (very impressive plusses) and ended by emphasizing we are not out of the woods, there is still a great deal of work to do. The winter of 1994 will tell the tale. I would like to suggest the TARPA members pitch in and use the power of the 1500 members we have to boost the sales. One passenger a month from each of us will make a significant contribution to the cash flow. Let's do it.... Increasing membership in Tarpa is a goal we have undertaken and Bob Sherman is heading up that project. LET'S ALL MEET IN ST. LOUIS, MO IN '94 Best Regards, Dave
TARPA TOPICS
NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 3
Richard A. Davis 449 Santa Fe Dr., #200 Encinitas, CA, 92024
SECRETARY / TREASURER REPORT This is the slow time of year for your Secretary / Treasurer. At least it seems so compared to when I starting out cold back in March. Dick Guillan had patiently explained everything to me and when I returned home I found I had forgotten almost all of it. At that time, the mail box was full every day with late dues arriving, UPS arrived with files, computer disks for the IBM , (I was used to the Apple ), and I had to do everything two or three times to get it right. At the same time the TARPA TOPICS was due at the printers, and A. T . needed mailing labels. It did take care of my idle time. Summer consisted of processing new members, entering changes of address for what seems to be a band of gypsies. Hard to believe how much our group moves around. Incidently, I almost never get new phone numbers. Financially the organization is in good shape. There is approximately $60,000.00 in the treasury. Our costs, like everything else, are creeping up, but not very fast. We spend about $30,000.00 every year on the TOPICS and the DIRECTORY. Postage is a very large percentage of our expenses. The principal is slowly being eroded, but now that the threat of legal actions concerning the retirement situation has abated, we no longer need a large reserve. There are plans afoot for a membership drive among the "over 50 working group", ( Associate Members ). Unless something entirely unforseen happens, I see no need for any change in the dues structure for several more years. The convention at sea was a nice break - no mail - no computer - a time to relax ! Any member that has a computer and subscribes to MCI Mail can reach me. The address is "TARPA."
Hang in there ! !
Richard A. Davis
TARPA TOPICS
NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 4
• EDITOR'S DESK • In the last issue, I promised I would give you some "technical" insights into how we are publishing TOPICS. If this "tech stuff" makes your eyes glaze over and your stomach feel like it's back at sea, then pass on to the next section. I understand. But, if you want to grease the way of entry for your "stuff," cut down on our expenses some, and have clearer and brighter smiles and grins in your pictures, then perhaps you will bear with me.
---TECH INFO--DEADLINE: Material must be received by the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication. We mail TOPICS on or about the 1st of FEB., MAY, AUG., and NOV. Keep in mind that material arriving after the deadline may still be suitable for a subsequent publication. So, if it isn't time sensitive, send it anyway. SEND ORIGINALS: Photocopies of printed material from newspapers or typing is OK. Photocopies of photos that may accompany these materials or photocopies of photographs in general are very difficult to reprint. As a result you see photographs in TOPICS which look very black and white, like surrealistic artwork. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, SEND THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE, AND/ OR PHOTOGRAPHS. This gives us the best shot at a quality reproduction and requires less time in preparation for printing. Please don't be discouraged by these requirements, send your material anyway. Just try to send the original stuff if you can, especially photographs. Material printed on dot matrix printers can be difficult to handle. Especially if your printer needs a new ribbon, is not a 24 pin printer or just turns out very light print. Any material, such as photocopies of dot matrix printouts, where one part of the page is darker or lighter than another part of the page, is most difficult to handle. Try to avoid this if you can. DESKTOP ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING: Past issues of TOPICS were created using the "cut-and-paste" method of layout. We still use this method in some sections but, when we can, we use electronic publishing techniques because it gives us much better control over the material and enables us to create a more interesting layout. Electronic publishing techniques require the formatting of pages so that the text " flows " around photographs and illustrations. I use an electronic scanner and optical character recognition software to enter typed material into a desktop publishing program on my computer. The scanner has difficulty reading dot matrix type because there are small white spaces in between the dots that make up the characters. Each time the scanner fails to recognize a character it produces an error. If I cannot scan a document without too many errors, the document is sent out to be re-typed and that eats on the budget. You can get around the dot matrix print problem by having someone print out your file on a laser printer. Text produced on a typewriter is OK as long as the characters are fairly crisp. continued, next page. TARPA TOPICS
NOVEMBER 1993
PACE 6
EDITOR'S DESK (continued)
PHOTOGRAPHS: Black and white photographs are the easiest for the printer to handle but new printing technology has now made it almost as easy to reproduce color photographs. So send either. We can handle them.
This issue covers the Annual Convention held at sea. I have tried to pick a representative sampling of all the material that was sent for publication. My apologies to those who sent material which we were unable to include but the constraints of space and budget are always a consideration. You may see your material in a subsequent issue. Thank you for the compliments on our first issue of TOPICS. It's always " motivating" for the editor and contributors to receive kind words about our work. Most people seemed to like the idea of having a table of contents and special "feature" articles or sections. We will continue that practice. As each issue progresses, we will do our best to use newer features now available in desktop publishing. I am always reviewing the work that others are doing with a mind to increasing readability and interest in the publication. In addition to scanning the "well funded" and commercial areas of publishing for ideas, I have communicated with several other retired pilot editors over the past few months and that has yielded some interesting material which I'm sure you will notice from time to time. We are changing printers with this issue in order to maintain a higher level of quality. You may have noticed a few printing glitches in the last issue. While no printer can guarantee 100% error free performance, we do believe we can achieve a higher standard and still stay within our budget. Once again, this publication will only be as good as the material we receive. Don't let my explanation of the "tech stuff' discourage you from sending whatever you feel may be of interest. We will do our best to print it if we can. Articles and stories from the past, old and new photos of you, old and new exploits, your feelings about what goes on in the world. Send anything you feel your fellow TARPA members might be interested in. I'd especially like to get some recollections about those who have "GONE WEST" so we can all remember them as they were in some of their finest times. Thanks for the many contributions. Keep 'em coming.
TARPA TOPICS
NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 7
TARPA THE ACTIVE RETIRED PILOTS ASSOCIATION OF TWA Somewhere at Sea aboard the "Sovereign of the Seas
September 12, 1993 Board Meeting Minutes Meeting called to order at 0930 EDT, President Donlan presiding. Board members in attendance were, Donlan, President ; 1st VP Davies ; 2nd VP Sherman ; S/T Davis ; Sr. Director Humbles ; Assoc. Member Kirschner ; Committee Chairmen Hasler and Green. Guests - TPRF S/T Thompson ; Schmidt. President Donlan outlined the proposed agenda for the Convention. The Secretary / Treasurer submitted his reports, as did all committee members present. It was proposed and passed that all dues would be $25.00, and the possibility of including a "franked " return envelope in the TOPICS was to be explored. A membership drive among the working crew members over 50 years of age was proposed by Sherman, and is to be pursued. Green gave the `94 convention report. To be held at the Adams Mark Hotel, St Louis , September 10-11-12, 1994. Thompson gave The TPRF report. A $5,000.00 donation to the " TWA PILOTS ADVERTISING FUND" was approved. Respectfully submitted by Richard A. Davis,
cc:
Secretary / Treasurer.
Board of Directors
TARPA TOPICS
NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 8
TARPA THE ACTIVE RETIRED PILOTS ASSOCIATION O F TWA Somewhere at Sea aboard the "Sovereign of the Seas" September 13, 1993 Convention Minutes: Convention called to order at 0930 EDT, President Donlan presiding. Motion made by Phillips, seconded by Beighlie to approve the minutes of the previous convention. 1. A. T. Humbles recognized for his service as editor in the preceding years. 2. Dick Guillan recognized for his service as Secretary-Treasurer 3. Dave Davies gave a report on the man of the year award, (None) and the efforts to complete the plaque in STL. Original pilot wings needed. 4. Bob Sherman gave an historical report on the "B" plan 5. Dick Davis gave the treasurers report. ( Attached ) 6. Chris Clark gave a report on the "Save a Connie" project, and the Martin 404. 7. Joe Montanaro gave a report on the DAP Plan, and would be available for questions after the meeting. Meeting recessed at 1135...........Reconvened at 0930, September 16, 1993 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Bill Kirschner gave a report on the Nippon Cargo Contract. Ev Green gave a report on the 1994 convention. Will be at STL at the Adams Mark Hotel, September 10-11-12, 1994. (Date has since been changed to Sept. 8, 9, 10, 11, 1994) Bob Thompson reported on the state of the "TWA Pilots Retirement Foundation, Inc." Chuck Hasler thanked those who attended the convention. Jack Donlan read the "Gone West" list. Larry Hecker, VP Operations, TWA, spoke about the state of the company. Hal Miller mentioned the long term care insurance available thru Berkeley. Bob Thompson presented the slate of officers. ( Attached) The following were elected. President First Vice President Second Vice President Secretary / Treasurer Senior Director Director Director
David M. Davies Carl M. Schmidt Robert C. Sherman Richard A. Davis Harry A. Jacobson Fernando G Arenas William A Kirschner
Meeting adjourned at 1110
TARPA TOPICS
NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 9
TO:
TARPA MEMBERS ATTENDING THE ANNUAL CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER 1993.
FROM:
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
SUBJECT:
NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS TO SERVE FROM THE DAY AFTER ADJOURNMENT OF THE 1993 CONVENTION TO THE CONCLUSION OF THE 1994 CONVENTION
RESOLUTION: WHEREAS the Nominating Committee has met and agreed on nominees for officers and directors, and WHEREAS the Nominating Committee has personally contacted each candidate and determined their willingness to serve. THEREFORE the Nominating Committee presents to the 1993 Convention the following list of nominees for the Officers and Directors, to serve from the conclusion of the 1993 Convention until the conclusion of the 1994 Convention. FOR: President................................... David M. Davies First Vice President.................. Carl M. Schmidt Second Vice President.............. Robert C. Sherman Secretary/Treasurer .................. Richard A. Davis Senior Director ......................... Harry A. Jacobsen Director .................................... Fernando G. Arenas Director.................................... William A. Kirschner
Respectfully submitted, NOMINATING COMMITTEE, Robert R. Thompson Wesley L. Jacobson Curtis E. Rogers
TARPA TOPICS
NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 1 0
TARPA CONTRIBUTES $5000 TO THE TWA PILOTS ADVERTISING FUND Below is Bob Sherman's report on the TARPA Convention "at sea" in September, along with a photograph of Bob, on behalf of TARPA, presenting a $5000 check to TWA MEC Chairman Bill Compton. (Also, see other sections of this issue for more by Bob Sherman.) Bill's letter of thanks to TARPA for "...the generous and unexpected contribution..." is included on the next page...Ed. TARPA WENT TO SEA IN SEPTEMBER OF 1993, A n overview of the September 11-18 convention, individual - reports and other items will befound elsewhere ... R.; C. Sherman The Sovereign of the Sea, less than 8 years old, a 74,000 ton ship, 880 feet long with a beam of 106 feet (much larger than the carriers our Navy & Marine pilot members operated from some years ago), sailed from Port Miami Saturday afternoon September 11, 1993. All 1,141 passenger cabins were occupied, 2400 people, including 237 from TARPA, plus 800 crew and staff. While enroute to St. Thomas, a Board of Directors meeting was held on Sunday, and the first business meeting on Monday. The officers gave their reports and several actions were taken, including a $5,000. donation to the TWA Pilots Advertising Fund. On Monday Joe Montanaro covered the Directed Account Plan, including the automated telephone system of Benefits Express, (the Record Keeper for the DAP), in great detail, with a slide presentation to clarify the main points. In addition to a question and answer session, Joe answered questions for the next several days, even while on a shore excursion. He and his wife, left Wednesday afternoon while in San Juan, and Larry Hecker boarded with his wife Clare. Larry was a TWA pilot from 11/2/53 - 1/1/82; then became V. P . Fit. Opns. WAL; later, Dep. Dir. FAA. He is a long time TARPA member. Now he's back with TWA as Sr. Vice Pres. Fit. Opns. He gave us a briefing, with slides, on the recent improvements of TWA in many areas, and the plans for 1994; a critical year for TWA. Other reports were given and the annual election of officers was held. Meanwhile, sandwiched between three multi-course meals, a buffet, and a hospitality room each day, were many ship activities including an after dinner stage show. As a result of much research and careful planning, and $10. from each couple, two horses were purchased at auction. Each was rigorously trained by our two experts, Ritchie Beighlie and Dick Davis, while jockey's Bobbi Kirschner and Dorothee Miller were groomed to ride them. Of course we won, raking in $21.75 for each $10. invested; 117.5% over 4 days is an annual rate of 10,722% .. who needs the DAP. 2400 people disembarked Saturday morning, six tons heavier than a week earlier, some richer, some poorer, but all were happy.
Reported by Bob Sherman TARPA TOPICS
NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 1 1
September 21, 1993
The Active Retired Pilots Association of TWA C/O Robert C. Sherman 1201 Phelps Avenue San Jose, CA 95117 Dear Bob: I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you and TARPA for the generous and unexpected contribution of $5,000 to the TWA Pilots Advertising Fund. As you may know, our billboard campaign continues and we are exploring other markets and methods to help spread the word about our new "owner-operated" company. During September, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) held their Annual Convention in St. Louis. Our billboard was placed in a prominent location so that the over 3,000 travel agents visiting St. Louis would see our message. With the assistance of TWA's Marketing Department, our radio ad is now promoted in 17 major markets across the U.S. All TWA employees are working together to revitalize our Company. And now, with the funding from some of the former TWA employees, we can continue our efforts to regain valuable market share and market presence in the industry. Thank you again for your participation, your contribution, and your support. Sincerely.
William F. Compton Master Chairman TWA MEC WFC/MS/sh
Bob Sherman presenting $5000 check to TWA MEC Chairman Bill Compton,
Cuffed from the ALPA Bulletin Board: Edited slightly ..... R. C . Sherman. Speaking of retired pilots, 401K / DAP Chairman, Joe Montanaro, gave a briefing to the TARPA folks a while back. They, in turn presented Joe with a check for $5,000.00 to go into the TWA Pilot's Advertising Fund. Most of the members of TARPA (The Active Retired Pilots Association of TWA) left TWA when pride was still a very real part of being a TWA pilot. Many did not experience the shame of working under Icahn. During the last ten years or so, I have often envied their "Esprit de Corps" and the memories they have of an airline run by a man then known as "The Black Knight" whom many considered to be a tyrant ... but at least he was their tyrant. (It is probably very hard for the new folks to believe that there ever was a time when Flight Ops. ruled the airline.) The essence of ALPA is that it is a legacy. No matter what you do or why you do it, it impacts those who follow, and these TARPA guys are the reason that present day ALPA has the foundation upon which we build our Safety, Professional Standards and Aero Medical Committees. Their gifts to those of us who followed have been many ... and now this .. a Five Thousand Dollar donation to help save our jobs. Thanks guys. (See the computer and code-a-phone message to Council 24 Int'l . from their Chairman, Capt. Thomas Kosta, included in Bob's piece "looking Back on TWA" .... see contents page for location .... Ed ) TARPA TOPICS
NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 13
TARPA RETURNS TO ST. LOUIS CONVENTION 1994 SEPTEMBER 8, 9, 10, 11 At our 1994 TARPA Convention we hope to be celebrating the good fortune of having TWA as a survivor in the difficult business of International Air Transportation. There is a new spirit at TWA and great plans for the future but everyone agrees that you, the TARPA members, had a significant part in building the foundation and the traditions upon which continuing success is based. One hopes that we can all be as a family again after some most difficult years. Captain Larry Hecker, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, indicated to the TARPA Executive Board that he hopes to be our host at a social event at the new Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial Training Center which is located at Lambert Field, St. Louis. In conjunction with this event we are attempting to arrange a tour of the "SAVE A CONNIE" Super Constellation and Martin 404. In addition, we are trying to arrange tours of a Douglas DC-2 and a Ford Trimotor. These proud birds, together with the men who flew them, at a place where they so often stopped should be a once in a lifetime experience. By next year St. Louis, our largest domestic and international hub, will also be home to the TWA Corporate Headquarters. We intend to take full advantage of all the opportunities to make TARPA Convention 1994 a gala event and a real homecoming. We are not overlooking standard TARPA events such as golf, tennis, skeet, bridge and hospitality facilities. Plans are underway for these and other events along with visits to local attractions. Future issues of TARPA TOPICS will provide detailed information along with reservation forms, etc. Our hotel, the Adams Mark, is an outstanding facility, just across the street from the fabulous stainless steel arch and it is within a block or two of shops, restaurants and museums. We have riverboat gambling with a new boat opening almost every week. The hotel can be reached from the airport by the new Metrolink light rail system. This is the most economical transportation available. It should be a great convention. Ya'll come! Meet me in St. Looie!
1994 Convention Chairman
TARPA TOPICS
NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 1 4
Dear Chuck:
A NEWSFLASH FROM THE SITE SELECTION CHAIRMAN!! John and Patti Gratz have agreed to host the STL '94 TARPA convention September 8, 9, 10 and 11. They have launched preparations and are expecting a record turnout. Look else- where in this issue for further information. For '95 and beyond: We have, on Jessica's computer, convention data on Palm Springs, Phoenix / Scottsdale and Chandler / San Marcos, San Jose, Reno, Las Vegas and Orlando. We will advertise for hotel proposals at San Francisco and Seattle soon. Hilton Head, South Carolina and Kansas City have been suggested and we will investigate those cities. If anyone has a suggestion for a future site, let us know. We will be making our recommendations to the board early in '94 for the September '95 convention. Some of our criteria for a site to be considered: (1) TWA service plus other airlines on which we are eligible for reduced rates; (2) First class facilities able to accommodate 500-600, plus banquet and meeting room space; (3) Room rate $65 to $85 per night; (4) Weather factors good for September, relatively low crime, good police control and, of course, other positive factors. After the fabulous cruise convention that Chuck and Pat Hasler put on for us, I am getting suggestions for another. They negotiated that fantastic location for our hospitality room. The disco lounge opening on to the rear (stern) deck is going to be hard to equal. Thanks to all who helped. Special thanks to Katie Buchanan for hostessing and all the bartenders. The all- lady bartending team on Thursday was a nice touch. Best regards to all. Ev Green
TARPA TOPICS
NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 1 5
D AP REPORT FOR TARPA TOPICS by Joe Montanaro The following is a summary of information that I had the privilege to present at the 1993 Fall Tarpa Convention. I would like to thank all of you. Irene and I enjoyed meeting everyone and appreciated your hospitality. DAP PARTICIPANT UPDATE * Approximately 295 Million Dollars of retiree assets were in the DAP on October 1st, 1992. There were approximately 1475 Retirees. During the transition: *475 selected a single sum distribution (80 million) *150 selected a fixed or variable annuity (20 million) *800 remained in the DAP (195 million) DAP / B PLAN PERFORMANCE (approx through Sep) 1993 MAY JAN FEB MAR APR JUN B-PLAN DAP MODERATE S&P 500
JUL
AUG
SEP
1.42% 0.88 2.52 -0.64 --
--
0.84
1.36
2.11 -2.42
2.12
0.73
0.43
3.19
0.68
2.68
0.29 -0.40
3.79
0.73
1993 YEAR TO DATE B-PLAN / DAP Moderate Portfolio 11.8% (60-65% Equities/ 35-40% Fixed Income) 7.6% S & P 500 (100 % Equities)
SEE TABLE ENTITLED
"MODERATE PORTFOLIO" LOCATED AT THE END OF THIS REPORT.
TARPA TOPICS
NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 16
DAP INVESTMENT FUNDS and PORTFOLIOS JULY Fixed Income Fund Conser Equity Fund Equity Index Fund Growth Stock Fund International Fund Aggress Growth Fund Conser MODEL Portfolio Moderate MODEL Portfolio Aggress MODEL Portfolio
0.45 % 0.24 -0.28 -0.25 2.83 0.45 -0.54 0.43 0.25
Performance ** AUGUST SEPTEMBER 1.06 % 3.90 3.89 3.88 6.41 4.41 2.26 3.19 3.70
0.60 % -0.07 0.19 0.51 - 0.21 3.70 0.50 0.68 0.94
3 MONTH 2.13 % 4.08 3.79 4.15 9.19 8.76 2.22 4.33 4.94
**These are approx returns and may not reflect your experience because of transfers and starting dates. BENEFITS EXPRESS Toll Free 1-800-828-8100 Company Identification is ALWAYS 6662 (not your payroll number) followed by # sign. No Pin Number Access/Rotary (708) 883-0471 Telephone Service Center (Live Operators) Statistics # of calls August 1949 or 89/day average w/call length 3.15 min # of calls Sept 1597 or 76/day average w/call length 3.11 min If you forget your PIN Number or want to speak directly to a Benefits Express Representative call (708) 883-0471 during working hours 8-5 CST Mon-Fri. You can not transact any business without a valid PIN and a completed signature authorization form on file. The operator can send you a new PIN to your address of record. ADDRESS CHANGE: If you change your permanent address with Benefits Express you must also change it with TWA Benefits or the change will only be good for a short period and TWA will reset it to your old address.
TARPA TOPICS
NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 17
AGE 70 1/2 MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION If you have reached the age of 70 1/2 during 1993 you must start a minimum distribution from the DAP by April 1st 1994. If you were already at least 70 1/2 on January 1,1993 the minimum distribution law applies to you and your DAP Balance. You will receive more information on this prior to the end of the year. Check with your tax person for personalized details. The procedure in general involves using your DAP and other IRA Balances as of the first of the year and dividing by your life expectancy from a IRS Table to determine your minimum distribution for the following year. This rule did not affect the old B Plan monthly installment but must be complied with under the DAP. MONTHLY INSTALLMENTS The record keeper takes the installment amount from your account on the last business day of the month. The Trustee (Boston Safe) is notified on the next business day. They will issue a check or electronic transfer within 2-3 business days. The whole process could take a week considering weekends and holidays so you can plan on monthly checks by the 10th. INSTALLMENT CHANGES The DAP is not a checking account .It is a retirement plan with all the protection and requirements of ERISA. That means if you elect to change your installment or take a distribution you must have a notarized signature that confirms your request. The plan is being administered to comply with the law and protect all participants and spouses. Please address any comments to : Captain J. A . Montanaro ALPA 3221 McKelvey Road Suite 200 Bridgeton, MO 63044-2551
TARPA TOPICS
NOVEMBER 1993
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TO ALL TARPA PILOTS October 1, 1993 Subject: TWA Pilot Retirement Foundation Dear fellow pilots: It has been quite sometime since the foundation communicated with pilots of TARPA on a general basis and while most of the membership is aware of our Purpose, perhaps a review will serve to reacquaint the Foundation with the TARPA membership. Established in 1982, the Foundation is a tax exempt charitable corporation whose purpose is to provide certain Trans World Airline Cockpit Crew Members, who have retired under any of the Provisions of the TWA Pilot or Flight Engineer Retirement Plans, monetary assistance on a charitable basis as may be deemed necessary to enable them to meet and offset to some degree the effects of inflation and to maintain a reasonable minimum standard of living consistent with their individual circumstances. Additionally, the Foundation at the discretion of its Board of Trustees, may provide assistance as outlined above to certain widows and surviving children of deceased TWA Pilots as identified above. The funding for the Foundation is primarily from active pilots on payroll deduction and retired pilots contributions. Since inception in 1982, the Foundation has aided seven pilots and two widows. With an average monthly benefit of $475.00, we project disbursements of approximately $28,500 in 1993 for five current recipients. As you are aware 1992 was a critical year for TWA. A great many active pilots bailed out as the company's fate was in the hands of the creditors and the PBGC. This reduced the amount of monies received from the actives to $8,848.48 in 1992. The role that the actives have played has steadily declined in recent years in response to several factors such as retirements, pay cuts and new-hire pilots struggling with furloughs and the "B" scale. Fortunately, the TARPA pilots came through with a total of $10,810.00 in contributions for 1992. Interest from the ALPA credit union (at 4.25%) amounted to $7,092.67. As can be seen TARPA has become the foundations largest contributor, a fact for which we are most grateful.
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NOVEMBER 1993
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Thanks to the fine support of TARPA a forecast reduction in our "nest egg" (the principal in the ALPA Credit Union) did not occur in 1992. However the forecast for 1993 is less optimistic, thus this appeal. Contributions may be sent directly to any Trustee, payable to the "TWA Pilots Retirement Foundation, Inc." Finally, if the foundation is to achieve its mission, the Trustees encourage all TARPA members to contact us if they become aware of anyone they believe is eligible for assistance.
U Fred Arenas, Jr. President TWA Pilots Retirement Foundation, Inc.
Foundation Trustees President Capt. Fred Arenas, 1622 W. Canterbury Ct., Arlington Hts., IL 60004, (708)398-1331 Vice-President Capt. Harry Jacobsen, 848 Coventry St., Boca Raton, FL 33487, (307)259-9718 Secretary/Treasurer Capt. Robert R. Thompson, 807 W. Hintz Rd., Arlington Hts., IL, (708)259-9718 Trustee Capt. Robert D. Essaf, 1095 Carteret Rd., Bridgewater, NJ 08807 (201)526-0217 Trustee Capt. Donald C. Ulrich, 15 Circle Drive, Algonguin, IL, 60102, (708)658-7581
TARPA TOPICS
NOVEMBER 1993
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THE TWA PILOTS RETIREMENT FOUNDATION, INC. REPORT TO 1993 TARPA CONVENTION SEPTEMBER 1993 - AT SEA
Ladies and Gentlemen: The TWA Pilots Retirement Foundation was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the State of Florida, in 1982 (Charter 762206). The objective of the Foundation shall be to provide certain Trans World Airlines cockpit crew members, who retired under any provisions of the TWA Pilot or Flight Engineer Retirement Plans, monetary assistance on a charitable basis as may be deemed necessary to enable them to meet and offset, to some degree, the effects of inflation and to maintain a reasonable minimum standard of living consistent with their individual circumstances. Additionally, the Foundation may provide assistance to certain widows and surviving children of deceased TWA pilots. The Foundation derives its monies for operation from, basically, four sources: 1. PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS 75 contributors beginning 1992 65 contributors end of 1992 Total Contributions $8,848.85 2. DIRECT CONTRIBUTIONS retired pilots and spouses 93 contributors in 1992 Total Contributions $10,810.00 3. TARPA Memorials $875.00 Misc. (T-Shirt, Center Piece sales) $223.960 4. ALPA CREDIT UNTON ACCOUNT DIVIDENDS Total dividends 1992 - $7,092.677 Presently paying 4.25% Our total revenues for 1992 were - $27,850.48 Our total expenditures for 1992 were - $26,161.25 Increase To Account Balance - $ 1,689.230
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NOVEMBER 1993
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Since incorporation in 1982, the Foundation has aided 7 pilots and 2 widows. The total benefits paid through 1992, have been $234,200. The total projected benefits to be paid through 1993 will be $260,150. The average monthly benefit to the recipients is $475.00. I am happy to report that my forecast, made at the last Convention, of a reduction in our "nest egg" (the principal in our ALPA Credit Union Account) did not occur in 1992. In fact, we had a $1,689.23 gain from the total of year end 1991. This, of course, was due to the response from TARPA Members who were alerted to the problem at the 1992 Convention and the articles appearing in TARPA TOPICS. However, I, once again, am projecting a loss of $2,500 to our "nest egg" by the end of 1993. The interest generated by our "nest egg" is able to support less of the benefits and the payroll deduction program is bringing in less each year. The only way to avoid continued erosion of our "nest egg" is to again appeal to TARPA Members to support the Foundation. All contributions are tax deductible and should be made to: THE TWA PILOTS RETIREMENT FOUNDATION and mailed to: Robert R. Thompson, Secretary/Treasurer 807 W. Hintz Road Arlington Heights, IL 60004 The Trustees encourage all TARPA Members to contact us if they have knowledge of any person they believe to be eligible for benefits. Respectfully submitted,
Robert R. Thompson, Secretary/Treasurer The TWA Pilots Retirement Foundation, Inc . RRT:jaa Attachments
TARPA TOPICS
NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 23
1993(PROJECTED) TWA PILOTS RETIREMENT FOUNDATION
Beginning Balance (ALPA Credit Union)
$132,022.00
1993 Dividends (ALPA Credit Union)
$
5,610.00
$ $ $
7,920.00 4,500.00 2,500.00
1993 Contributions
Payroll Deductions Direct TARPA
1993 Disbursements
Recipients State Registration/Resident Agent Fees
$ 22,800.00 $ 212.00
Ending Balance (ALPA Credit Union)
$129,540.00
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NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 24
Richard A. Davis 449 Santa Fe Dr., #200 Encinitas Ca. 92024
September 6, 1993
Dear Dick, Would like to let all of the TWA ACTIVE AND RETIRED EMPLOYEEs know 37 San Diego Members of the National TWA Seniors plus several pilots outside the San Diego area donated enough money to put up 3, 12ft by 25ft, Billboards around San Diego. These signs went up July 21, 1993 for one month. We are still trying to raise money for 5 more BILLBOARDS. The signs cost 5500 a piece. The panels that go on the BILLBOARDS have been paid for. These signs read TWA in big red letters. Below the letters, THE MOST COMFORTABLE WAY TO FLY shows up really well on the 12 ft by 25 ft BILLBOARD. We have signed a contract for one sign that's going up in Oct. 1993, in a great location, on the way to Lindbergh Field. I hope other TWA groups around the United States will want to join in on the excitement that's taking place within the TWA ORGANIZATION. 1 have enclosed pictures of the 3 signs. Maybe you could put one of them in TARPA TOPICS to show that TWA RETIRED EMPLOYEES are still dedicated to TWA. Respectfully yours, Bill Cox (TARPA member) Public RELATIONS FOR S. D. CHAPTER (Seniors) 13083 Wimberly Sq. #98 San Diego, Ca. 92128 PS. If anyone would like help put up another BILLBOARD in San Diego you could send your money made payable to: Bill Cox, 13083 Wimberly Sq. #98, San Diego, Ca. 92128 .....Thanks, Dick.
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NOVEMBER 1993
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TARPA 1993 CONVENTION "AT SEA" special section Editor's comment: There were so many pictures sent and so many reports furnished that choosing among them was a real challenge. In addition, John Happy included very broad coverage in his November edition of ''Grapevine", Dick Davis, Bob Sherman, Bob & Faye Widholm, Vicki & Carl Schmidt, Bill Kirschner, Jack Shields, Mary Ann & Bob Matney, Anita Walker, Dottie & Hal Miller, Jim Harkins, Chuck & Pat Hasler, Ev & Jessica Green,& many more sent great photos of the good time that was had by all. Even former Pres. Jack Donlan took time out of his busy schedule to send on some good "stuff." In reviewing the material for this section, it became apparent that more reports would be truly "overkill" and so my apologies to those who sent material that we didn't publish. We may use some in the next issue, depending on available time and space. I am grateful to all who responded to the call for material and, of course, to our stalwart regular contributors. Many thanks to all who responded.
Dave Davies & Jack Donlan... "New & Old"
Dick Davies..."Horse trainer extrodinaire & Bobbi Kirschner... "expert jockey"
A. T . Humbles ... convention speaker
TARPA CONVENTION AT SEA IN '93 A . T . Humbles This was without a doubt the most enjoyable reunion ever for us in that the cruise was delightful and we had time to really visit with our many friends. So sorry so many of you missed it for many reasons and, especially, those who missed it due to illnesses. We drove down to Ormond Beach, Florida, stopping by our son Frank's on the way down. We spent a night with Mickey and Betti Wind. We four spent 20 months back in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. The Winds live in a beautiful place right on the ocean. We all then rode in Mickey's new Cadillac that Saturday to board the Norwegian Holiday Cruise Line ship named the Sovereign of the Seas. While in sight of the ship we still drove several miles making various approaches until we finally arrived dockside. This ship is the largest of cruise ships carrying nearly 3000 persons including the crew. The ship was so big and stable you had to look out at the water to realize you weren't just in some big luxurious hotel. One day I looked out the stern to see a huge thunderstorm that I didn't even know we had penetrated. It was a long cruise to our first stop at St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. Our party of six including Betty and me, Slim and Mickey Pahl and Bill and Evelyn Bainbridge sailed on a small sail boat to Buck Island where we snorkeled. Joe Montenaro boarded at Miami and gave us a most informative briefing on our DAP. Obviously, Joe and others have done a fine job for us and his grasp of all aspects was most impressive to me. He left the cruise at St. Thomas. Larry Hecker, Senior Vice President, Flight Operations, Trans World Airlines, and his charming wife, Clare, boarded our ship at St. Thomas. Larry brought us up to date on what is happening on TWA and it was very encouraging. It was nice to hear of the cooperation and coordination he has with our ALPA reps. Next stop was San Juan, Puerto Rico, where many toured, however, Betty and I had been there many times visiting with friends who flew for ex Pan Am pilot Charlie Blair's Antille Airboats. Incidentally, Charlie Blair and his wife, Maureen O'Hara, flew back from Dublin once with me and we had a long chat. Maureen and Victor Borge owned Antilles Airboats. After retiring Charlie was killed in one of his airboats, the Gruman Goose. Next we anchored off Cocabay Island in the Bahamas. Holiday Cruise lines owns this little island exclusively. Tender boats took us ashore where they have buildings in the tropical motif Barbecue ribs ' plus a full fare was served on shore. We snorkeled and I have never seen so many beautifully colored tropical fish. On board our horse came in first jockeyed by that lovely Tar Heel, Bobbi Kirschner, reaping a nice profit for us all. The ship's crew treated us royally and our hospitality room was a huge lounge. Remember way back sometimes we were belly to belly in small rooms and spilling over into the halls? Katie Buchanan did her usual fine job and it was nice to note even our ladies helped tend bar. They had a large gambling casino and Betty Humbles did her best to enrichen their coffers. Food was excellent beyond description; about anything you wanted for breakfast, lunch and dinner having several choices of appetizers such as shrimp, lobster, choice of two soups, choice of salads and four entrees. Everything we TARPA TOPICS
NOVEMBER 1993
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TARPA 1993 CONVENTION "AT SEA
,
cont'd.
had was absolutely delicious and I know we all gained weight. After all, when it is already paid for you tend to eat your money's worth. By now aren't you sorry you didn't go with us? At our last evening in the hospitality room speeches were made. I was not forewarned I would be called on so didn't even have time to scribble something on the back of an envelope. Anyway, here is what I think I said or wished I had. I wish to thank all those who have called, dropped notes and talked to me on board thanking me for my TARPA work. I did enjoy it although it was some work. I'm sure Chuck MacNab will carry on in fine fashion. Have really enjoyed this cruise being able to visit with so many I never had time to do at our shorter reunions. I see people who started flying with me here and people I started flying with. My frrst trips on TWA in 1945 were with Slim Pahl on the Army contract C47's out of Grandview to Albuquerque transporting soldiers on their way home. Slim was a fine pilot and gentleman and so helpful. Back in the Air Force when we decided to fly somewhere we just up and flew there. I would first give Slim my Company position report and after he approved it I would transmit it to the Company. Christopher Jack Clark's report on the Save-A-Connie program and the restoration of a Martin bought back memories. (Notice the Jack? Francis Hylton was on board and she told me she and Leonard had known C. J . since he was a kid and they had always called him Jack so he told me he would answer to either name.) Some of we B-17 pilots were put on the Strato-Liners back in 1945 and I had a trip with Russ Dick, one of the best pilots and finest gentlemen I've ever known. He seemed to take a liking to this poor country boy and asked if I would like to fly with him. Of course, I said yes. This was back when co-pilots did not bid their flights. I flew with Russ a few months then one time we were on a Connie flight from LaGuardia to Midway to Kansas City with Jack Frye on board. Due to Chicago being below limits we boded at Fort Wayne. It was extremely cold that day and we were parked in a remote place on the field so Russ left me with the plane and passengers with instructions to run up the engines every 30 minutes to warm the passengers and keep the engines limbered while he went to the other side of the airport to confer with the dispatcher over the phone. Mr. Frye came to the cockpit and spent a long time with us. During this time it was time for us to run up the engines and Jack Frye was in the left seat. When I read parking brake on the checklist he couldn't find it. Old tactful A. T. said, "You mean you designed this airplane and don't know where the parking brake is?" He replied, "Hell, I only furnished the specs, I didn't care where they put the parking brake handle." I was going with one of the hostesses on the flight and she said Jack Frye asked her if he could take her to dinner when we arrived in Kansas City and she told him no she was dating the first officer. Guess that is the reason I never made it into management. In closing I am thankful for such a full and rewarding career and the many friends I have made. Quite often I see or read of some general or other high official who I knew or worked with personally and it is a good feeling. One example; General Jimmy Doolittle, who I have always admired, used to come over and play volleyball with us in England. Sometimes when I say my prayers I thank the Lord for wending my life working at such an enjoyable job as flying. I wish good health and happiness to you and a safe trip home. In closing, little old Newark was well represented by John Bybee, Vern Davies, Rick Davis, Jose (the ring maker), Grant, Jim Harkins, Bob Kieper, Don Minske, Don Nealis, Gordon Phail and I. Yawl take care, hear? The End TARPA TOPICS
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TARPA 1993 CONVENTION "AT SEA",
cont'd.
LIST OF CONVENTION NAMES BAINBRIDGE, BILL/EVELYN BAKER,JACK/DONNA BARRIAL, HAL/FERN BECK, TOM/DIANNE BEIGHLIE, RICHIE/SHIRLEY BETTINI, BABE/GENIE BLANEY, FORD/JANE BORGMIER, GEORGE/TRUDY BOWEN, RUSS/GAY BRISTER, ROY/ESTER BURKHALTER, BURK/MARTHA BYBEE, JOHN/GINNY CACACE, CY/MINNIE CAMP, BILLIE/OSTRAM, SHIRLEY CAPIN, GUY/PAT CHICHESTER, STAN/KATHERINE CHRISTIANSEN, BOB/RUTH CLARK, CHRIS/CAROLE COCHRAN, JIM/RUTHE COLBURN, DICK/GEORGIA DAVIES, VERN/VIVIAN DAVIES, DAVE/LOU DAVIS, RICK/MARCIA DAVIS, RAY/JEAN DAVIS, DALE/JOAN DeVEUVE, JIM/BOBBIE DONLAN, JACK/BARB ELSNER, OMERBERTHA EMMERTON, JOHN/DONNA FETHERMAN, BETTY/WILLIAMS, JEAN FISCHER, MEL/MARJORIE GRANT, JOSE/MARGA GREEN, EV/JESSICA GRUBER, ED/CLEONE HALLSTED, DICK/JEAN HAPPY, JOHN/BETTE HARKINS, JIM/ELLY HASLER, CHUCK/PAT HASLER, GEORGE/JOANNE HECKER, LARRY/CLARE HELMAN, DAVID/GORIN, BELLE HIPPE, KEN/NELL TARPA TOPICS
HOFMEISTER, HOWARD/COLLEEN HOLLAR, PHIL/JOYCE HUBBARD, LLOYD/MARGARET HUMBLES, A.T./BETTY HYLTON, FRANCISBROSTEDT, ELSA INGLIS, IDUS/JEANNE IVES, LARRY/CONNIE KIDD, JOHN/RAE KIEPER, BOB/HELEN KIRSCHNER, BILIJBOBBI KOUGHAN, JOHN/JEAN KROSCHEL, TOM/CAROL LAMER, DON/JANICE LAURIN, LES LEONARD, ART/CELIA LINDSEY, BOB/DORICE LONGWISH,SUCHON/GOODWIN, MARCIA LUCKEY, SAM/MARJ MAJOR, BOB/MURPHY MARTIN, KERON/MISURALE, THERESA MATNEY, BOB/MARY ANN McCOLLUM, JACKIE/NEUMAN, GEORGE MEYERHOLTZ, DAVE/BETTY MILFORD, BOB/RUTH MILLER, ROYLEE/KATHLEEN MILLER, HAL/DORIS MILLER, WILLIE/DOROTHEE MINSKE, DON/JUNE MONTANRRO, JOE/IRENE MOORHEAD, BUNKY/BARBARA MUNDO, AL/JEANNE MURCHAN, LARRY/ BETTY MYERS, RUSS/IRENE NEALIS, DON/JO SIE NELSON, DICK/IRANCES NELSON, STU/ARLENE NEUMANN, ART/RUTH NOREM, JIM/GINNY PHAL, SLIM/MICKEY PAKULSKI, JOHN/CONCEPCION PETERS, DON/NANCY PHAIL, GORDON/LEE, DIXIE NOVEMBER 1993
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TARPA 1993 CONVENTION In SEA ,
contd.
NAMES CONTINUED
PHILLIPS, DEAN/BOBBE PIERSON, LEE/BONNIE POLK, BILL/GALE RAGER, TERRY/BETTY RODEBERG, RODEY/LOO RODGERS, MEL/NAYDENE ROOD, KLETE/LOIS ROSEBERRY, BOB/PAT SCHEMEL, GERRY/PEGGY SCHMIDT, RAY/RUTH SCHMIDT, CARL/VICKIE SCHULZ, DAN/CURENTON,PAT SCHUMACHER, GENE/HANK SHERMAN, BOB/ALICE SHIELDS, JACK/ROSE SIMPKINS, ROY/RITA SMITH, TOM/NANCY SOULE, JOHN/GISELA STACK, JOE/MARY STANTON, JIM/.MARLYN THOMPSON, BOB/MARJ THOMPSON, VAN/JEAN TOWNSEND, BILL/ALVA TREPAS, RON/HENDRIKS, KATE TUNDER, JOE/KALITA TYNAN, CRAIG/MARLYN VALENTINE, HELEN/GERLACH, NONA WALKER, ANITA/BUCHANAN, KATIE WATERHOUSE, PUCK/LOIS WIDHOLM, BOB/FAY WILSON, BILL/JOAN WIND, MICKEY/BETTI WRIGHT, LEWIS/ALICE YOUNG, BEN/DIDI
TARPA TOPICS
AIRCRAFT AXIOMS •
Dimensions will always be expressed in the least usable term. Velocity, for example, will be expressed in furlongs per fortnight.
•
A transistor protected by a fast-acting fuse will protect the fuse by blowing first.
•
After the last of 40 mounting screws has been removed from an access cover, it will be discovered that the wrong access cover has been removed.
•
After an access cover has been secured by 80 mounting screws, it will be discovered that the gasket has been omitted.
•
After an instrument has been assembled, extra parts will be found on the bench.
•
If a test installation functions perfectly, all subsequent production units will malfunction.
•
Parts that positively cannot be assembled in improper order will be.
•
Installation and operating instructions shipped with the device will be promptly discarded by the receiving department.
•
If more than one person is responsible for a miscalculation, no one will be at fault.
•
When the airplane you are on is late, the one you want to transfer to is on time.
•
Any tool, when dropped, will accessible area of the aircraft.
•
If you put away a tool that you're certain you're finished with, you'll need it instantly.
•
And, once you're home: The chance of a slice of bread falling with the buttered side down is directly proportional to the cost of the carpet.
NOVEMBER 1993
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fall
into
the least
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NOVEMBER 1993
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TWA Horse Syndicate Report Somewhere at Sea In an effort to show the company colors to a broad segment of travelers, eighty-four (84) TWA convention attendees anted up $10.00 a couple and bought, at auction, two fine thorough-bred nags to enter in the "Sovereign of the Seas" sweepstakes. Ritchie Beighlie was assigned the position of bidder for the group, a position he pursued with gusto. With the bids rising in $10.00 increments, he soon found himself bidding against Cy Cacace who was on the upper deck waving to his many friends. Each wave was duly accepted by the auctioneer. Still smiling, Cy was finally tackled and we obtained horse Number 1 (one) for a mere $250.00. The next pony, Number 6 cost us $330.00 after spirited bidding among the ships passengers. ( Cy Cacace was kept under strict control on this one) All the bid money was to be awarded to the winning owners on Thursdays poolside race. Swarms of volunteers gathered in the "Anything Goes" lounge, to properly decorate our investment. Glitter, feathers, colored paper, even a set of swept wings were added. The horses - #1 was named "Captain, #6 was named "Connie" - were proudly displayed in the ships dining room, and in various saloons for two days to whip the betting publics enthusiasm to frenzied heights. Two famous jockeys were named - Dorothee Miller for "Pilot", and Bobbie Kirschner for "Connie" All the excess funds were bet on #1 and #6 in each of the four races. And then it was POST TIME for the owners sweepstakes. A huge crowd of loyal TWA folk gathered at the rail, cheering wildly. Cy was turned loose for this, as the bidding was over and his support was needed. Banners, T-shirts, TWA hats — talk about showing the colors A bucket of credit cards was placed at the finish line in front of #6, with shopping privileges after the race. Bobbie never even used the whip, as her horse was a filly, and understood incentives like that. Total winnings was $1808.00, as we hit three out of four on the side bets. Some of the money went to support the "Hospitality Room" but the vast majority wound up in the "Pilots Retirement Foundation, Inc" The race chairman, Dick Davis, his assistant Ritchie Beiglie, and both horses were then put to pasture.
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NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 3 3
Dear Chuck; We just returned from the TARPA convention aboard the Sovereign Of The Seas cruise ship, it ranks as one of the best conventions Vicki and I have ever attended. The view from the hospitality room was spectacular, unlike a hotel room, and you could step out on deck whenever you wished to expand the view. The number of cocktail parties given by the cruise line and the travel agent presented a problem of scheduling. The weather even cooperated as it was beautiful, and there was no end to the good food. The shore tours were great, but the stop at St. Thomas was hard on the credit card, I took in the submarine ride at St. Thomas, we descended as much as 80 ft while driving under water, this gave us a whole new look of the under water part of our world. Sorry that so many members were unable to enjoy this great convention. Enclosed is a photo of some people at a party of "The Wagon Angels" R V group, that are TARPA members that were on the trip. The party was held in the "stable" of horse trainer Rick Davis, I don't know if it was the great training or the good food the horse received, or the jockey, or a combination of, but whatever it was it worked as the horse won the owners sweep-stakes. Many thanks to Pat and Chuck Hassler for a GREAT job.
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NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 34
TARP TAT A R PA GOES TO SEA IN ' 93 AHHHHH....GOOD NEWS EVERYONE....the "B" Plan is saved....Our TARPA Convention was a huge success and right in the middle of the "Hurricane Season" too. The seas got up to about two feet one time, but we cut right through it on the 880 foot Sovereign of the Seas. We had a total count of 236 in our TARPA Group and it was just great. In fact, there were an additional 2,014 other passengers plus a crew of 800 that had "TWA" ringing in their ears night and day. Our "Cruise Director" was complaining that there was a lot of scratching at his door one night. He said he thought it was one of those TWA people....but upon investigation, it wasn't, so he let her out ....... It seems like there was an Anniversary or Birthday Celebration every night in the dining room too. We all got a little suspicious when our trusty President, Jack Donlon, had two birthdays during the same week tho'....Let's not forget the "fashion show' that we enjoyed on the formal nights. BOY, the ladies were beautiful and even most of the fellas were in formal attire. O'course we were mistaken for waiters and bus-boys and if only I hadn't worn my cummerbund backwards, I would've been mistaken as a crew member. Now for some special "Highlights". Mr. Joe Montenaro and his lovely wife Irene, joined us on the cruise from Miami to San Juan. Joe, as you all know, did such a magnificent job on our DAP Plan and his presentation was terrific. Mr. Larry Hecker and his lovely wife, Clare, then joined us in San Juan ...... no doubt to tell us that all those things we hear about him just aren't true. Well now....this should be titled "HAPPINESS IS". because...with all those pilots reminiscing with Larry about the "Olden Days", he was often caught muttering "Up Gear"...Flaps Ten and all that "other pilot talk". His presentation was also terrific ....... and nobody slipped off to dreamland either.... Not to be outdone by the "Ship's Captain", some crazy Nor-weejun, the TARPA group had their very own Captain's Cocktail Party. There was none other than Captain Chuck Hasler and his Exec, Captain Ev Green to greet us in their finest decor .... yes, the 4 stripes (somewhat tarnished) on their shoulders and all of us being photographed by Jessica Green. We heard there may have been a mutiny and all of us were going to be left on that small island, Coco Bay .... Another highlight, to be sure....the horse races. Eighty Four guys n' gals contributed 10 razz-ma-bucs each for a total of $840 to purchase two of the horses at auction. Beautifully decorated in TWA colors, they were carried all over the ship. Talk about a "cheering section", we had all the ship's passengers rootin' and tootin' for us too.
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NOVEMBER 1993
PAGE 3 5
TARPA 1993 CONVENTION "AT SEA",
cont'd.
Page 2 AND..... " THEY'RE OFF"..... CAPTAIN, #1 AND CONNIE, #6 got off to a good start, but it was our jockey, Bobbi Kirschner, who brought in #6 for a WINNER in the Owners big Stake Race. The purse, by the way, was a little over 1,800 bucks so $1.53 of our loot went to the bar kitty and the remaining 20 bucks each were dropped in a box destined for the TWA Pilots Retirement Foundation. Rich Beighlie was in charge of the box and has anyone seen him lately....? What's left..... Oh Yes..... Bingo! For a moment there I thought we had a few minutes of free time, but when the jack-pot Bingo Game reached about 5,000 smackers, it got our attention. Yes, TARPA had a winner who split the pot with 7 others and they didn't even have to go around yelling, "I've Got B 0" ....... We really missed all of you that "Missed the Boat", but it brings to mind an incident on our departure from San Juan. We were told to be aboard by 1:00 PM and the L 0 U D horn could even be heard in Peoria. At exactly 2:00 PM our trusty Captain shouted, "Cast Off" ..... You guessed it..... we were about 8 feet from the dock and here comes two screamin' damsels in distress, hair flying and shopping bags in tow.... If one could have captured their shocked, panic and terror stricken expressions on film, you would have won the pulitzer prize. YES, it was a happy ending because when our ship came about and pointed seaward, our steely eyed Captain put 'er in idle, allowing the "Pilot Captain" to disembark and signaling the outboard rig to bring the girls aboard. How's that for a thriller?..... then he put the "pedal to the medal" and we were on our way. So am I..... and Best Wishes to All.
HAGAR THE HORRIBLE
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TARPA 1993 CONVENTION "AT SEA",
TARPA TOPICS
cont'd.
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9/27/1993 Dear Chuck, Just a short note on the cruise. The whole week went off without a hitch. The trip was beautifully organized by Chuck and Pat Hasler with their volunteers. Royal Caribbean treated us very well. We had great seating for meals and, of course, the food and service were superb. They gave us a very large "disco" for our very own "Hospitality Room." It worked out great. We also used the disco for our business meetings on Monday and Thursday mornings. Joe Montanaro gave a full DAP/401(K) presentation on Monday and was available to everyone with questions. On Thursday Larry Hecker gave a "How-goes-it" on TWA. It was well done and some of it was very encouraging. One of the true high points of the cruise was the horse race. We bought two of the six horses and one of ours won the race. We, as a group, picked up $1,800. The horse was decorated in red and white TWA colors and was named "Connie." We had a couple hundred people cheering for the horse - the other people probably thought everyone aboard worked for TWA. Incidentally, most of the money was donated to the Pilots Retirement Foundation and that should help them through another year without invading their nest egg. And speaking of money, the TARPA Board of Directors voted a $5,000 contribution to the TWA PILOTS advertising fund which is promoting the New TWA. Considering the service we in TARPA got from the ALPA people during the bankruptcy negotiations, it was very appropriate that we help out. Our interests went through the entire negotiation intact and believe me that was not a gift from the retirement fairy. My only regret is that we didn't have better numbers in attendance. Next year the convention will be in St. Louis which should draw a larger crowd. By the way, my in-laws came on the cruise with us - guess they still can't get used to the idea of their daughter hanging out unchaperoned with an airline pilot. Here's another tid-bit of good news: John Gratz has agreed to coordinate the STL convention. Nobody throws a better party than John so it will be loud and wonderful. Be sure to sign up. After two years as president I'm out of here. It was an active and interesting two years, but with the good help always available in TARPA, it was fairly stress free. Now it's Dave Davies turn. He cleans up real nice and has a good tux so he should be ready for anything. He's a good man for the job.
Jack Donlan cc: D. Davies
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BY CHUCK &
PAT HASLER
1993 CONVENTION REPORT OUR 1993 TARPA CONVENTION IS NOW HISTORY. To those of you who were unable to attend I can only say you missed a really great time. Initially, Pres. Jack Donlan came up with a new concept for the convention location-slogan, WE ARE GOING TO SEA IN '93", AND THAT WE DID! Some 258 TARPA members, spouses & friends boarded the Royal Caribbean Lines "SOVEREIGN of the SEAS " in Miami, Sept. 11 for a 7 day convention / cruise . Under sunny skies & a sea nearly smooth as glass, we sailed to such ports as St. Thomas, V.I . & San Juan, Puerto Rico with a final day at Coco Cay, Bahamas to snorkel, swim or walk the soft white sandy beaches, enjoy a B.B.Q. lunch, & even to buy some last minute T-shirts & local palm woven hats. Some lethargic souls even stayed on board to soak up sun, read a book or swim in the luxury of their own pool & dine in their "own" private restaurant, since the ship virtually was nearly deserted of other passengers out there frolicking in that turquoise inlet. The "SOVEREIGN" was a large ship with so many windows that there was nearly always a sea-view. It was mostly done in whites, with bamboo C . palms about, & conveyed a true sea-island scene as we sailed past Cuba & Haiti. Our TARPA group had solely TARPA activities as well as those of the ship, & joining other passengers. Two business meetings were held featuring guest speakers Capt. Larry Hecker ( TWA's new Sr. V/P Operations) & Capt. Joe Montanaro (TWO MEC's DAP Transition Committee Chairman). Both meetings were informative & are covered in write-ups by Capt. Bob Sherman elsewhere in this issue. We were appreciative of their taking time out from their very busy lives to share company & DAP information with us. Election of new officers was also held C. results will be reported elsewhere by our (still) Sec./Tres. Rick Davis. TARPA TOPICS
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THE HEART OF THE CONVENTION "OUR HOSPITALITY ROOM" was open as usual each afternoon, kindness of Hospitality Rm. Mgrs. Ev & , Jess Green & our hostess & , bar mgr. Katie Buchanan & her able asst. Terry Flager. Katie's report giving credit to all who helped her out appears elsewhere in this issue. The room was a pretty posh huge room named " ANYTHING GOES LOUNGE" (it was used later at night for the ship's Disco) with plush seats C glass tables, views of the water C sliding glass doors out to the aft deck. Many of us stood out there, glasses in hand as we cruised out of Miami on the beginning of our "Great Escape". Many of us stood out there on other evenings also, watching sunset C renewing past friendships. We also had two great cocktail parties, in the same room, courtesy of the cruise line &, our interliner agency "VENTURES". Another night the whole ship was invited to the Capt. Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party, which meant standing in a very long line to enter his domain &' have the ship's hostess introduce you &' then have the honor of extending handshakes & having your picture taken with him (the ship photographer's pictures were for sale the next day). The Capts. gathering required formal attire, & he was resplendent in white dinner jacket etc. It was nearly time for dinner when we finally gained entrance to that slow receiving line. So in the spirit of fun, we decided to have our own surprise "longer lasting" "Captain's Welcome Aboard Party for TARPA " in our Hospitality Rm. the following evening. When we put the announcement up on the TARPA bulletin board we did not say what Capt.! So Ev Green & myself put on our white dinner jackets & pinned our TWA Capt's. stripes on our shoulders. As the evening dress was informal we donned our walking shorts. We also made new name tags designating Ev as the operating Capt. & myself as the social Capt. We opened the doors at 5PM & with Katie Buchanan greeting the party-revelers at the door &, also keeping them in check &' in-line since some were heard to mutter "What not another - - - - - - - Capt's. receiving line! Pat acted as hostess to introduce the guests to the two Capt's. who then shook hands with the guests & posed for pictures. The ship's photographer was late so Jess Green filled in until her arrival & took about one third of the pictures. Jess graciously gave her pictures away after having them developed aboard. Ev remarked that she could have sold them& paid for her dresses that she modeled in the fashion show. Jess joined Pat in introducing the two Capts. when the Ships photographer showed up. Everyone went along with the gag & we had several more hrs. of fun. Someone will probably send in some pictures of the Capt's. welcome aboard party for TARPA so now you will know what they are all about. The Horse Race Event was "OUTSTANDING"! Our horse race chairmen, Rick Davis & Ritchie Beighlie sold shares to our people at $ 10/couple & collected around $848. They then bought two horses at the auction on Sunday after the ship's afternoon horse races, on which there is para-mutual betting. There are six horses involved & all the horses are taken by their owners after the auction & decorated for the big "SOVEREIGN DERBY" to be held on Thursday. The reason TARPA TOPICS
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there are six horses (#1 thru #6) is that the horses are advanced toward the finish line by turning over a large cage containing 3 dice (dice have 6 numbers, #1 thru #6) 6 the first horse to cross the finish line because of it's number coming up the most times wins the race. The prize for winning the big SOVEREIGN DERBY is all the monies that was collected at the auction. R great big thanks to those that were hidden in the background such as Bonnie & Lee Pierson who spent a lot of hrs. pasting those decorations on our horses & Nell Hippe who ran around getting everyone organized to attend the big race. Shirley Beighlie, Marcia Davis & crew really decorated those two thoroughbreds all in TWA red & white colors with large TWA letters on each side! Bobbi Kirschner & Dorthee Miller were our jockey's, racing against the other four horses purchased by other horse racingenthusiasts on the ship. Our cheer leaders, Didi Young, Cleone Gruber, Connie lves , Rita Simpkins & Marga Grant, all dressed in red & white, kept our large group (almost everyone was there) "up, up & away" under our BIG TARPA BANNER hanging from the balcony above the pool area where the races were held. Thanks to all you hard & diligent workers, & a bit of luck WE WON! Number 6, CAPTAIN "ridden by" Bobbin Kirschner came in 1st in the Ship's feature race the "SOVEREIGN DERBY". Thanks to you all for time & effort-WELL DONE! All of us owners more than doubled our money & most donated it right back to the TWA pilots retirement foundation. We had a lot of winners: Bill Kirschner came in first in skeet, Cleone & Ed Gruber C' Trudy & George Borgmier were winners at bridge. There was no golf or tennis due to general consensus because of the heat & humidity. So many of our group won big at Bingo & Slot machines that it was unbelievable. The Ship held a Masquerade Parade one night. We had flappers, clowns "any thing" costumes etc. Thanks Betty Wind & Dorthee Miller who brought fun to our hospitality room with their costumes. Marilyn Stanton won the Ship's prize dressed as a ships bathroom complete with seat , lid & paper rolls. TARPA was outstandingly visible as a group of WINNERS! Our fashion show was held in a beautiful rm. (THE MUSIC MAN LOUNGE) light & airy, again with sea-view all around. The clothes from the ship's boutiques were great. I (Pat) want to thank all our great models: Nell & Ken Hippe, Mickey & Slim Pahl, Jess Green, Jeanne Inglis, Jane Blaney, Anita Walker & Celia Leonard. Sorry you injured your knee, Fay Widholm & couldn't walk & model, but you did a great job helping me do hooks & tucking lables in the model's sleeves & hems. Sees Candies & the ASU interliner Travel Guide gave gift certificates for our door prizes. Looking back, Pat says it was "A Dream" & now back to the reality of cooking & looking at the right hand side of menus when dining out. We got so used to ordering anything & everything since all that expensive & delicious food & service was included in our "Ship ticket's price". It was easy to walk or swim off the pounds but many of us let the pounds gather from all that luxurious bounty of teas, midnight "Boofays" & alfresco breakfast & lunch options, as well as breakfast in-bed & so on & on. TARPA TOPICS
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Instead of the Big Banquet, that we usually have, on the last night of our conventions, we had 7 Big Banquets (one every night). Many took advantage of these banquets to celebrate birthdays & anniversaries & the dinner hrs. were filled with candle lighted cakes songs from table mates , the ships waiters all those sitting all around them. We also want to thank : Russ Day for his fabulous art work, our loyal volunteer bartenders (we had a lot of women this year), John Pakulski & Jack & Jean Koughan for toting the boxes in their cars, that we had sent to them UPS , to the Hotel & Ship, Nell , Ken Hippe, Joan Bill Wilson, Jack & Jean Koughan, Ev & Jess Green For stuffing envelopes putting the name tags together, Marj . Sam Luckey, Bob ' Fay Widholm, Klete Lois Rood, Betti Wind, Betty Humbles for running the registration desk. R special thanks to Ev Jess Green who we could not have done without, they were everywhere always seemed to appear just when we needed help the most. And to all of you we've neglected to mention! Our only excuse is "old age" , I guess; which we realized all too well when boarding a jitney from St. Thomas to the Ship, & a young couple in front on the bus jumped up & moved to the rear, so Chuck Pat, who were some 40 yrs. their seniors, could sit down more easily. Age has its merits, but forgetfulness isn't one of them! Thank you all for dropping all that cash in the TARPA tip cans into the hospitality rm., as it sure helped to balance the budget. The generosity of checks from both our own Members America Credit Union & from Berkely Ins. Group (Tim Crowley) were greatly appreciated also helped balance the budget. And again, special thanks to Capts. Larry Hecker . Joe Montanaro and wives Clare & Irene for joining our convention "93". Thanks also to Jack Donlan (now past pres.) for a job well done & congratulations to Dave Davies, the new TARPS President. Jack expressed appreciation for the time & effort of A. T . Humbles for all the yrs. as Bob Sherman, AI Mundo, "TARPA TOPICS" Editor all the board members whose endless work contributes to the success of TARPA & Its membership. There was a special time at one business meeting to remember our fellow pilots who have "Flown West". We had hospitality rm. toasts to members who had found it necessary to cancel their convention reservations due to sudden ill health & to wish them speedy recoveries & best wishes. Judy Thompson had asked that their deposit money go to TARPA for our hospitality rm. expenses 0 to toast her departed husband "Capt. Lew Thompson" but unfortunately the deposit belonged to "Royal Caribbean Cruise Line", not TARPA . However, Judy we had many special toasts in memory of "Capt. Lew Thompson" on behalf of his fellow TARPA members! Dave Davies took a written survey from every couple. One question was, what did you like the least about the cruise/convention. I only looked at a few answers, but one person answered the question, "Stu Nelson's Marine Corps At Sea Choral Group" whose members consisted of Russ Bowen, Chuck Hasler, AI Mundo, Stu Nelson, John Soule, Ron Trepas, Bill Wilson lady mar ne, Betti Wind. TARPA TOPICS
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As we said before we probably left some Marine out, sorry . Another person answered that he did not like the shopping at the port shops however his wife enjoyed it very much, We are really happy that those were the worst complaints (that we heard about). We both appreciated the positive comments , happy faces of our group, . want to acknowledge that it was the GROUP ITSELF which created a sense of fun, togetherness enjoyment of this 1993 convention. Some of the descriptive words (like decor, frolicking etc.) are strictly Pat's. Also there will be other reports on the convention, but this is the way we saw it. We love you all Chuck ' Pat Hasler NOTE FROM CHUCK: There is no way that this convention would have been so much fun . so well organized without all the hard work planning of the "Other Half" -TARPA 1993 CONVENTION CO-CHAIRPERSON-PAT HASLER! NOTE FROM PAT: I love you too Chuck, but don't ever surprise me with a co-chairpersonship again please!
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THE TARPA TOPICS GRAPEVINE
Hoping that all of the over 250 folks that made the Tarpa goes to Sea in '93 have at least partially recovered, most of this Grapevine will be the way I remember it. Of course as you know, the Hospitality Room in the " Anything Goes Lounge" ( Aptly named ) was something out of this world. I truly believe that at any one time , every one on the cruise/convention was in that room at one time. Therefore it will understandably be very hard for me to remember all that happened for the whole seven days and nights. I expect some notes and pictures before the deadline for this issue ( 5th of Oct. for me, 10th for our Editor Chuck MacNab ). All the material after that will be in the February TOPICS. My bride and I drove down from Haines City with stops in Orlando and Melbourne , continuing down infamous I-95 and did not get stopped for a drug check or anything even though I have a little sports car. Took us 3.5 hours and we hit the dock (pier #5 MIA) at 1330. By 1400 we were in our room and touring the boat (ship). She is really a large Hotel in a hull. The Sovereign of the Seas is relatively new. 72,000 tons and holding 2400 passengers and over 800 crew. She averaged 17 knots most of time. We arrived at the TWA TARPA registration desk at 1400 and all of the dinner table selections were gone but two. Would you believe ? This TARPA group are a bunch of chow hounds. Good thing they had 'round the clock Buffets. The luggage was delivered to the staterooms and in the Registration area between 1530 and 1630 and after waiting 15 or so minutes after sailing time (1700) we pulled right out of the dock area. It was a beautiful day.... and we were on our way, for a first ever TARPA Convention at SEA.
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Grapevine, November, 1993, Con't. Convention Cruise, Day One............. At Sea. After a great get together at the hospitality room on Saturday after sailing (in fact some of us missed the sailing on deck) there was a bingo between dinner seatings and of course the casino. They must start those one armed bandits out at about 95/05 at day one and work them to 80/20 on day seven. Dinner was at 2030 for our group every evening and we had a whole section just for us. the food was very good and the service was excellent. When you finished one course the next arrived, no wait. How do they do that for 1200 people every night ? The Water glass was never empty. ! ! Sat. night there was a Welcome Aboard Show with a guy named Jimmy Wallis. We were rolling on the floor. If you ever see his act advertised, don't miss it ! All evening there was dancing and entertainment in the Music Man Lounge, the Finian's Rainbow Lounge, the Schooner Piano Bar the Anything Goes Lounge and of course Poolside Deck. Bette and I put our " Sea Bands" on and slept for 100 hours. Day Two__ At Sea Before you all think all we did was inhabit the Hospitality Room (only open from 1700 to 1800/2000) there are also eleven ships (boats ) bars on board, scattered on fourteen decks, so you were never far from refreshment. The Royal Caribbean Line makes it easy for you to enjoy also as they issue you a "Cruise Card" on your choice of Credit cards. Then you can forget real money while on board. Everything goes on the "Cruise Card" and if you like the 'Le Add-it' ion at the end of the trip just sign the tab and be on your way. Ifs 1029 Nautical Miles to St Thomas so it was relax and enjoy for two days arriving in St T. at 0730 the 14th Tuesday. Poolside there was a steel band morning and afternoon with pool games including bellyflopper contests. None of our folks entered although we could have won the belly contest if we didn't have to go in the pool. After our Hospitality Room closed the Captain hosted a Captains Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party before dinner. ( How come we didn't do that on the Airline ?). Most of the time the dress was casual, shorts and sport shirts for guys and gals. There were two formal evenings at dinner, with tuxes and some dinner jackets but most just wore suits and ties. The Ladies really looked GREAT. Dinner on the 12 Sun., was super as usual. There was a "Wave Revue " in the Follies Lounge after dinner and was as good as anything you see in Las Vegas.
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Grapevine, November, 1993, Con't. Convention Cruise Day Three. 13th Mon..... At Sea...towards St. Thomas. After either a sit down breakfast or a Buffet, we had a Business Meeting in the "Anything Goes Lounge" which we were very familiar with by now.
Talk about a laid back Board of Directors ! ! ! ! !
Captain Joe Montanaro TWA MEC DAP Chairman...Q & A
What a way to hold a TARPA Meeting.. ! i !
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Grapevine, November, 1993, Con't. Convention Cruise, Con't Day Three, Con't. After a very informative Meeting and the presentation of Capt. Joe Montanaro on the DAP replacement of the "B" Plan , The folks all disbanned to the various activities on board. A Shopping talk on the V.I and P.I by one heck of a good looking Port Lecturer, who could talk anyone into buying stuff they will never need. and what to look out for. There was a sign up for a passenger talent show, exercise on the Sport Deck, ping pong, Music by the Steel Band on the pool Deck with a " Mr. Legs Contest" and a dance class and Aquadynamics get together at the forward pool. (there are TWO pools on board). Then there was brunch and/or lunch a blackjack tournament, bingo, line dance class, Steel Band music by the pool, Dinner at 2230 , another SUPER Celebrity Show in the Follies Lounge. and Lord please let us get some sleep. Of course after OUR bedtime there were all kinds of Bar entertainment, dance and shows into the wee times of the morning. I WOULDN"T KNOW. Day Four, (Tues.) We docked at St. Thomas long before anyone (me) was up..
The Ladies were ready however, with Charge Cards and Lists and custom limits memorized. Go for it Gals. I'll take 4 Bacardies.
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Grapevine. November, 1993, Cont. Day Four, Tues. Cont. The Golfers took off for Mahogany Run, there was a St Thomas Island tour, there were Snorkeling tours, Champagne catamaran tours, Scuba Diving if you were qualified, Helicopter flights, submarine underwater tours, St Johns beach and Island tours, including glass bottom boat (ship) tours, and a Kontiki Party Raft. (a Bunch of drunks).
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Grapervine, November, 1993, Con't. Convention Cruise, Cont. Day Four, Cont. Of course when we left St. Thomas there was a couple that missed the sailing time and had to be brought out to the ship (boat ) while we waited in the harbour for them to be boarded. After we sailed from St. Thomas, and gathered in the Hospitality Room, there was a Special Party sponsored by the Venture and the Ship including hot & cold hors d'ouveres . Day Five, Wed. We Docked at San Juan at 2230 that evening. There were shore parties and Night Club tours into the early morning hours , but some survived to go shopping the next morning before sailing time at 1430 that afternoon. Wednesday was a cool day for relaxing and shopping and getting ready for the sail to CoCo Cay. in the Bahamas. Day Six, Thurs ..... At Sea.... Final Business Meeting was held in the morning with an address by Captain Larry Hecker, Senior Vice-President, Flight Operations and the elections of TARPA Officers for the coming year. Below: David Davies our new President and Lucille "Lou"
Above: Retiring TARPA President Jack Donlan
Above: Larry Hecker TWA Senior V.P Flight Operations
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Grapevine, November, 1993, Con't. Day Six...........At Sea...Con't...... There was a Fashion Show arranged by Pat Hasler using our own folks as models. Some shown below. The Guys were super also.
In the afternoon on the pool deck horse racing was held. There were two TWA horses entered. No.1 and No. 6. Everyone had been placing bets on the horses (six entered in eight races ). Our No. one horse won one race and the No. six horse won two ! ! TWA wiped them out that day. Some folks made some serious money. Ritchie Beighlie and Rick Davis were two of the many TARPA folks that contributed time to decorating and running the races for the TWA entries.
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Grapevine, November, 1993, Con't. Convention Cruise...Con't Day Six.....still at Sea.... The skeet shooters got to join others on the fantail and bang away at those elusive clay birds. The TARPA group formed a unit on two different days and got in 20 rounds each. Below is a picture of those B— Shooters namely; Bill Kirschner, J. T . Happy, John Kidd, Bob Rosenberry, Dave Davies and Lloyd Hubbard, where are you Dale "Dog Easy" Davis..?..(not pictured) in the Hospitality Room...?
There was a cooking show, some more bingo with a very large final prize but unfortunately split by seven winners. The passenger talent show was at 17:00 and after another fabulous dinner, there was a Variety Show in the Follies Lounge then dancing and entertainment with a late night Comedy Show with that nut Jimmy Wallis. Please Lord let me get some sleep, this is supposed to be a holiday from which I will never recover. Sack time finally comes and tomorrow at 10:00 we will arrive at CoCoCay in the Bahamas for a full day of outdoor fun on the beach and over the coral reefs.
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Grapevine, November, 1993, Con't. Convention Cruise....Con't. Day Seven.... CoCoCay, Bahamas.. There was a ferry that operated about every half hour from the ship (boat) to the Island as the Sovereign of the Seas drew too much water to dock close in and anchored about half a mile off shore. The Island of CoCoCay is owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and is used as an alternate now as the original Port on the Itinery was Haiti. Not a Place we would want to go right now. I personally think the choice should be made permanent. The weather was perfect, the sea was calm, the breeze was just right and I am sure there were a lot of people with sunburns the next day. Last day so who cares. There was snorkeling, sailboating , and a B-B-Q with all you could eat. The TARPA group did their share to make sure there was nothing left over to feed the fish. It was a day that is all you would expect on a Caribbean Island any time of the year. We sailed at 1700 for the final leg to Miami 122 Nautical Miles. On the way to Miami we had one more evening in the Hospitality Room, with fairwell speeches and wishes for a great 1994. This was a very different and well attended Convention, and one that some suggested we do every four or five years. It would not always have to be seven days, It could be four or five. Although we could make it a month and it would be alright with me...........except that I don't buy green bananas anymore. There is no way we could thank Pat and Chuck Hasler for a great idea and a fantastic Convention regardless of how we tried. When you just think of how they talked the Cruise Line into the Hospitality Room for our exclusive use with eleven bars on the ship (boat), it would seem to take 100 years of talks. The Crew on the ship were just fantastic. The waiters, the busboys, the cruise Director Gregory Maxwell and his staff to say nothing of all the Activities Personnel, ( and Brenda). We have had many Conventions in the past and we always wondered how we could ever top them. But each one seems to have it's own special flavor and personality. Boy are we lucky to have the folks that volunteer to sponsor a Convention. We need to give some kind of recognition to the people who do this . For now and the past.
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Grapevine, November, 1993, Con't. Convention Cruise...Con't.
Day Eight......... Arrive Miami..0830 (actually 07:30 ) Our luggage was put out in front of the stateroom before midnight the night before our arrival in Miami, so by the time we checked out and had a Buffet breakfast the bags were on the dock. They did not keep them together so it took some looking to find them all. The folks going on by air had their bags automatically transferred to the Airport...(lots-a-luck ). Our hats are off to Pat and Chuck Hasler for one heck of a Convention. , and of course all the volunteers that helped make it go. Without them it could never be done. Random pictures follow, and I am sure there will be more for the February TOPICS....
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Grapevine, November, 1993, Con't. Convention Cruise Pictures.
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Grapevine, November, 1993, Con't Convention Pictures.
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Grapevine, November, 1993, Con't.
ARNE BELGUM & IRENE..FOLSOM CA. / CARSON CITY, NV Just got this info. tor the Grapevine Editor from Arne relating a flight he had with me from JFK to MUC through FRA and back. As I recall we had a ball over and back. Arne had his wife Irene along, they had friends in Munich I believe. It was my last trip on TWA so it was also memorable for me too. At FRA we were delayed for over an hour for T.O. account a World Airways DC-10 blew a whole bunch of tires and we had to wait while they checked the runways. (The DC-10 had a habit of doing that from time to time in those days.) Arne retired at 55 as a L1011 International Capt. and was in a Hydro-Culture business for awhile. Now retired from that and looking for other trouble to get into. (Ed. note to Arne : Yes we are still Hot Air Ballooning sometimes with the Rosie '0 Grady group in Orlando) BILL MERRIGAN....MARYVILLE, MO This living alone gets a little monotonous at times but we are surviving and life goes on. The weather has been bad. Haven't played golf in over two weeks, because the golf course just won't dry out. I think we have had 30 " of rain in July. I'm on high ground so the flooding around here has passed me by. Have been trying to decide what to do next winter. The last one was not very nice here. I have a daughter in Ft. Lauderdale, moving to Weston in a couple of months and will probably spend Christmas there , but don't know about the rest of the winter. I need a Studio Apt. or something similar for next January/ February. Somewhere I can play golf without having to buy the course. You know two or three times a week. and maybe even a membership if reasonable. I think I have to get out of this climate next winter. I am also checking on Tucson Az. Ed Note: Ok all you TARPA Floridians If you know of some thing that Bill may be interested in give him a call. I sent him a package on Central Fla. with some of the greens fees etc. I think he wants to stay away from the Tourist areas and crazy crowds and prices. Give a hand.
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Grapevine, November, 9193, Con't.
j
ED LANKENAU...&...PATRICIA, MELBOURNE, FL.
Ed has finally gotten back on International flying to Berlin but says Reserve will never improve and still sux. (Doesn't mention that it beats working.) Of course he says it's hard to believe that he is now one of those old pharts but keeps getting reminded of it by his' F/O's. Are we having fun yet ? Ed inclosed a copy of a US Air jumpseat (ACM) form that Pilots of other airlines can use to ACM on US Air. One of the priority codes shows " A2 Retired US Air Pilots ". Must conform to FAR's so how come TWA does not accept TWA Retired Pilots in Space Available Cockpit seats ? After the working folks of course. Also Ed has allowed as how he would look forward to working with/for TARPA at some time in the future. (Ed note: Super Ed. TARPA needs new blood all the time with new energy and new ideas. Otherwise we go down the tubes ....Right..?) Thanks for the letter Ed.
L. M. "LEE" BUTLER & JEANNE, PRESCOTT, AZ. Funny thing happened to me recently. I got a phone call from Dick Faulds, he said he was in Prescott for a Tennis Tournament, the Prescott Senior Open. I told him I was going into it in the 65-70 age division. He said he knew as he had seen the draw and our team would play his team in the first round. Small world.. ! ! ! Dick and I hit some practice balls on Thurs. then on Friday we played at 1615. I told him to bring his wife Chris and we would all have some refreshments after the match. Little did I know it would be such a close match. Dick and his partner won the first set 7-6. After many good points and many long games, we were 6-6. I looked at my watch and it was 1830. I suggested to my partner "lets not go three sets its past the cocktail hour". So being the gentlemen we were we lost 8-6 in the tie breaker. We all went to our house , which is very near the Prescott Racquet Club and had some suds with much laughter and anguish, reviewing the points of the match. As Ever,,,,,,,,,,Lee Butler. Ed. Note: A likely story Lee...You got beat didn't you ???
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Grapevine, November, 1993, Con't. JOHN HALE & BEVERLY, HALESITE, NY On the way to the bank yesterday, I remembered an incident from years ago. On the homeward drive from JFK after a Cairo trip, I spotted some lowpriced gasoline seven miles from home, pulled in and topped off the tank. To my consternation, I then realized I had only two bucks American. The rest was in Egyptian pounds. I explained to the station owner that I had just returned from at trip to Egypt, I lived a short distance away and I would leave my TWA ID as security until I could get home for some American cash. He saw the Egyptian money and asked " Is that real ?" I assured him it was. " Would you figure the gas bill in Egyptian pounds ?" I could and did. After I paid up , the station assistant came up to me and said "Do you know what you just did? You bought gas on Long Island, using Egyptian money, from a Jewish owner," Another time when I hadn't driven to the airport (big snowstorm) I was riding a cab from JFK to the Long Island Railroad station in Jamaica. I was in Uniform and the cabbie asked where I had come in from. "Tel Aviv." "Do you have any Israeli money on you ?" I did. " Three Israeli pounds and we're square." I settled happily. At the time the exchange rate was three pounds to a buck. Regards to all, John Hale PS Ed: Does the fact that you live in "Halesite" have anything to do with your Name........ Hale ???
BOB CHRISTIANSEN & RUTH, WEST ISLIP, NY After the Convention we returned home after a week looking at Marco Island, Naples and Sarasota. We also visited friends in New Smyrna Beach Fl. Inclosed are some pictures of the Cruise that I hope you can use. The Cruise was great and we really enjoyed ourselves. All the best to all, Bob and Ruth
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Grapevine, November, 1993, Con't TOM ANDERSON, RANCHO MIRAGE, CA Returned from Cincinnati not long ago and everything is the same.( Ed. Note: Tom and I grew up in Cincy, not together, he is MUCH older than I am.). All is fine here , Tennis or Golf everyday and the weather is now starting to really get good so expect to PLAY a lot more. The reason for this note is that Al Lusk underwent a very serious operation recently that affected his ear, eye nerves etc. He is home now and doing much better. A letter of encouragement or a card would help his recovery without a doubt. Al Lusk, 912 Suderio Ct. Camarillo Ca. 93010 Thanks and all the Best to All, Tommy Anderson *********************************************** ATTENTION: Navy, Marine Corps & Coast Guard Aviators PHX area Association of Naval Aviation has chartered a new PHX area chapter named The Arizona Roadrunner Squadron. Great opportunity for Naval Aviators and those interested in Naval Aviation, to meet about 8 times a year. For information please call CO Sam Storey, NW Airlines 602-451-4921 Capt. Dan Peterson TWA/TARPA 602-998-2368 res. 602-948-9400 off.
Waiter No. 1 "We're going to get away early tonight." No. 2 " How do you know ?" No. 1 " When I cleared the head table I picked up four pages of some-body's speech."
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Grapevine, November, 1993, Con't. JACK & BETH MILLER, FRANKLIN SQUARE, NY Hi Guys, Sorry we missed seeing everyone on the TARPA Convention Cruise----heard it was a great party. We hope to make Wickenburg See you there, it really is fun. Beth and Jack Ed. Note: Beth included the Ogden Nash poem about trains and planes, and the TAT "Plane Talk" paper printed in St. Louis July, 1929. (A step back in history for sure , especially some of the telegrams)............Thanks Beth
GOLDIE & JULIA GOLDTHORPE, LEVITTOWN, NY I understand George Steinbrenner may move his ball team across the Hudson. I'll bet if you were to ask our friend A. T. a native of North Carolina and former Newark based Captain about that, he'd say there are too many Yankees in Jersey already. ( Just kidding A. T. The South will rise again, hopefully up out of our T W A A t l a n t a Hub ! ! ! ). Best Regards, "Goldy" ****************************************************************** The Grapevine received the following letters ; One from Gene Gifford, (Connie) over in Palm City Fl. and Upper Saddle River NJ. Unfortunately it was to advertise the Ocean Villa Resort Complex on Hutchinson Island Fl between Port St Lucie and Stuart. The TOPICS does not do Advertising, however it does mention places and things that may be of benefit to the members. The gentleman's name is Arnold D. Gardner and he used to be the Head Master of the American School in Rome and he and Gene talked about TWA and the fact that he knew most of the personnel in Operations and many Pilots. He said the dispatchers used to send a car for him when he arrived . Early 707 and Connie Pilots might remember. (407/489-0300)
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Grapevine, November, 1993, Con't. Letters....... From Mr. Robert Routh about P. Richard Cushing's passing away that was noted by Bob Parker in the May issue page 18. As A. T. mentioned, Dick Cushing was not mentioned in the "Flown West" section because that section is for TARPA members and their families. Mr. Routh says he used to work with Dick in the New York training Center and shared a commuter pad with other instructors and Pilots. Mr. Routh is teaching at Embry- Riddle Aero. Univ. in Daytona Beach and studying Aviation Law. NOTICE : Information wanted ! ! Are any of you folks members of Compusery the Computer data bank and electronic mail drop ??? If you are and would like to talk or keep n touch with other TARPA members, send your ID Number to either Chuck MacNab and/or me J T Happy and they will be listed in the TOPICS..........Mine is 76337,167. You can also get other members No. s from Compusery . ************************** Please don't forget the TWA Pilots Retirement Foundation and send in some of that extra golf and tennis winnings to Capt Robt. R. Thompson 807 W. Hintz Road, Arlington Heights, I1.60102. Its tax deductable too. **************************
Send your TAX DEDUCTABLE greenbacks to: SAVE-A-CONNIE INC. (SAC) PO Box 9144, Kansas City, Mo. 64168 816/421-3401 It costs $2.00/Gal. for 500 Gallons/hour or $1000.00/Hr. and that does not include parts, Insurance and all that other good stuff. DO IT !!!!!
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Grapevine, November, 1993, Con't.
GEORGE C. DUVALL 1027 Sierra Hermosa Drive • P.O. Box 726 Litchfield Park, Arizona • 85340-0726 • USA
July 23, 1993 Dear John: I have been in California for the summer and hope to sell the condo here as it is too much to take care off since I lost Joyce but with the market here very bad the prospects of selling it are almost nil. I have kept busy though and when British Airways made the offer to TWA personnel I could not resist the chance to fly in the Concorde so immediately out in my request to fly to London and return. I had a reservation for day light flights on July 19th and back on July 22nd. On the eastbound flight I was pleased to see three other TWA couples on the flight. They were Captain Dick Siano and his wife, Captain Rowdy Abbott and his wife Sherry and Flight Engineer Emil Schoonejans and his wife. We left New York at 0900 on July 19th. and was told we reached an altitude of 56,000 feet and a speed of 1350 mph. We landed in London 3:45 hr. after takeoff after holding for ten minutes at London. About 15 min. after takeoff which is made at 250 mph they started serving cocktails and that was followed with food which took about 2 1/2 hours so there is very little time left for other activities. The cockpit door is left open and visitors are welcome to take a look. On the return flight yesterday the flight departed at 1030 and I was told we reached 58,000 feet and a speed of 1350 mph. We landed at JFK 3:30 hr. after the takeoff. From what I have heard many TWA'ers have taken advantage of their fine offer and at least I have now flown in one. I would estimate that they had a load of about 60-70 % on each flight. I expect to return to Arizona about October 1st. and look forward to seeing some of you at Wickenburg. Right cordially,
****************************************************** Congressmen work hard, always flying back and forth to their districts. Of course, they don't mind airplanes as much as most people; along with the seat cushion, they can use their check-books as flotation devices.
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Grapevine, November, 1993, Con't. THE UNWINGED ONES Ogden Nash I do not travel on planes. I travel on trains. Once in a while on trains I see people who travel on planes. Every once in a while I am surrounded By people whose planes have been grounded. I'm enthralled by their air-minded snobbery, Their exclusive hobnobbery, And I swear to, before any notary, The cliches of their coterie. They feel that they must explain How they happen to be on a train, For even in drawing room A They seem to feel declasse. So they sit with portentous faces Cluthching their attache cases. As the scotches they rapidly drain which they could not have got on the plane. They grumble and fume about how They'd have been in Miami by now. They frowningly glance at their watches And order more scotches. By the time they are passing through Rahway They should be in Paris or Norway. And they strongly imply that perhaps Since they're late, the world may collapse. Then, as station merges with station They complain of the noise and vibration, These outcasts of aviation. Sometimes on trains I'm surrounded By people whose planes have been grounded. That's the only trouble with trains; When it fogs, when it smogs, when it rains, You get people from planes.
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An antelope and a lion entered a diner and took a booth near the window. When th waiter came over, the antelope said " I'll take a bowl of hay and an order of radishes." The waiter pointed to the lion and said " And what will your friend be having ?" " Nothing replied the antelope ." " Why not ? Isn't he hungry ?" The antelope shook his head in disbelief and said " Hey, if he was hungry, would be sitting here ?"
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Grapevine, November, 1993, Con't.
J. T. McClure
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Grapevine, November, 1993, Con't.___________________________ Remember folks when you get this November issue of the TOPICS your membership card will be included. That does not mean you are paid up, it only saves time and money . Dues are due for 1994, 01 01 January, 1994. Why not send it in NOW while you have the Card in your hand and before you forget it or it gets on the bottom of the pile . THANKS !
IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM G. "BILL" BARRETT February 3, 1916 - September 26, 1993 I made the last call recently on Captain William G. Barrett. A host of others shared the moment. It was fitting. Bill left his mark on lots of people. Mine occurred in the 60's. I was barely out of 'Martins' and Bill was pretty senior for my co-pilot runs - but his love for family and home often put him on 'out and back' junior stuff (consisting of a last leg with three power settings, take off, meto and 'I have the Gas'). Bill was a delight on the ground and airborne. Usually, those who are best able to instill and influence seem to be unaware of that process. He would surely have laughed at the concept of himself as a role model! I believe that early on Bill Barrett decided who he was and kept it simple and direct. Bill Barrett was what he did! Everyone was treated the same (even co-pilots) - flying was easy and life wasn't all that hard either! In the co-pilot little black book on Captains' 'numbers' Bill Barrett was very smart: very cool lots of fun gives a leg! He wouldn't have learned much from the "new" management cockpit mantra. Some of my best 'recalls' on Bill are on campus. He thrived on flight ops banter - As departure time approached, he would sum up the posturing and opinionating that passed for aviator conversation, with the irreverent and always witty two liner. This would, with finality, sum up the current state of mankind in general and/or TWA in particular. The twinkle in Bill's eye must have been in his designer genes; there is a lot of that going around in the family. The shoulder end of these rites of passage is not easily bearable - like walking into the surf with some solace before the flinch at the next wave. For myriad friends, kin and especially Bill's grand army of grandchildren, the individual realization of grief will proportion itself, wrapped inside the shared legacy that is Bill Barrett. West C. Jacobs
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William George Barrett, Sr., 77, St. Charles and Fontana, Wis., died Sunday, Sept. 26, at his St. Charles home. He was born Feb. 3, 1916, in Chicago, the son of John and Nellie (Kelleher) Barrett. He retired as a Captain from TWA after 34 years in 1974. Mr. Barrett was an instructor for Navy pilots at the St. Charles Municipal Airport from 1941 to 1942 and in 1958 he served as a member of the Airport Investigating Committee to Washington to have the airport returned to the City of St. Charles. He was a member of TARPA - Retired Pilots, the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, the Airline Pilot Association, Model A Restorers and Antique Aircraft Owners. He was an active member of St. Patrick's Church in St. Charles where he served on St. Patrick's School Development Committee. He also was active in St. Benedict's Church in Fontana. He was a resident of St. Charles for more than 49 years. Mr. Barrett is survived by his wife of 49 years, Evelyn M. Barrett; five daughters, Margaret L. (Michael) Butcher of Sun Prairie, Wis., Kathleen A. (John) Cavanaugh of Omaha, Neb., Barbara E. (William) Plachinski of Spotswood, N.J., Mary Patricia (Phillip) Teague of Nashville, and Sheila M. (Keniel) Wippich of Batavia; three sons, John E.
(Patricia) Barrett of Geneva, Peter H. Barrett of Fairfax, Calif., and William G. (Lilly) Barrett, Jr., of Geneva; 20 grandchildren; a brother, Richard A. (Margaret). Barrett of Park Ridge; six sisters, Elizabeth B. McMahon of River Forest, Josephine Cullen Of Oak Park, Frances Barrett of River Forest, Jane Vavrock of Glen Ellyn, Mary E. Mulholland of Hinsdale and Margaret N. (Michael) Collins of Clarendon Hills. Funeral mass was held Wednesday, Sept. 29, at St. Patrick's Church with the Rev. Timothy J. Seigel celebrant. Burial was in Resurection Cemetery in Geneva. Arrangements were by the Norris Funeral Home in St. Charles. Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Patrick's Church, 405 Cedar St., St. Charles, IL 60174 or the Fox Valley Hospice, 113 E. Wilson St., Batavia, IL 60510. TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 76
CAPTAIN ROBERT L. DELANO October 31, 1930 - July 13, 1993 Early retirement at 55 seemed like a good move at the time because even though Bob's income would be reduced, the automobile accident in 1977 had left him with a steel and plastic hip and a lot of pain. He went to the training center and flew the L-1011 simulator when he could no longer carry a suitcase. As it turns out, early retirement gave him seven years of golf and was indeed a good decision. The many pilots who came to his memorial service in July told me that Bob was a natural pilot, "one of the best" so many of them said. But then he was very good at almost everything he did because he put his heart and soul into it. Golf was his favorite, though. He played every day, rain or shine, in weather so cold or so wet or so hot that no one in his right mind would want to play golf. But he and his buddies did. He loved good food and forced me to become a very creative cook. He loved good wine and left me a wine cellar full of old cabernets and ports. He loved music and left me a collection of Barbara Streisand, Tony Bennett, Jay McShann, and Count Basie to name only a few of his favorites. And although I was the country music and opera fan in the house, I would often find him sitting in the living room listening to Willie Nelson or Pavorotti because he appreciated almost every kind of music (except rap, our son Chris could never share that particular sound with his dad.) He would have loved his memorial service because I put it together with him in my heart. Don Hoagland played the blues trumpet during the service and ended it with an upbeat rendition of " When the Saints Go Marching In" so that everyone one could leave with a smile. A bagpiper played "Going Home" and "Amazing Grace" because Bob was proud of his Scotch and Irish heritage. He had made two trips to Scotland, Great Britain and Ireland to play fourteen historic golf courses of the British Open - such renowned courses as St Andrews, Royal Troon, Turnberry, and Muirfield. He was dad to his four children Bob, Laurie, Susan and Christopher (who is a senior at MU). And he was papa to his four grandchildren-Robert, Joseph, Rachel, and Kathryn. And he was husband and friend to me. I miss him at three o'clock each afternoon when he usually came home from the golf course and replayed his game hole by hole for me. I miss him at dinnertime when I eat a sandwich instead of a meal. I miss him at night, and first thing in the morning. I'll miss him at Chris's graduation in May and at Bob Jr.'s wedding in November. But I have a feeling that he will be there in spirit with us for those two occasions if he can be. Anyone who has flown with him will remember that he loved to talk about things like politics (he watched Rush Limbaugh and laughed when he was too sick to do anything else at the end) and religion. Our church had a brand new pastor this summer who spent a lot of time with Bob— helping him through the realization that he was terminally ill with lung cancer. I am sure that the Reverend Greg Mansfield has never encountered anyone quite like Bob DeLano, but he was a great comfort to Bob-making him laugh, letting him cry, giving him strength to face his last storm, maybe showing him a hole in that squall line to aim for. I thank his friends who come up at airports and introduce themselves to me. To the crew TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 77
members who see my name on the manifest and take the time to come back and say hello to me. I am a travel writer. I spend many hours, still, in airports, but it isn't the same. Bob had that ability to make everything fun. He lived his life, every minute of it, richly and fully. We had a sign hanging by the mirror in the bathroom, a sign that said ENJOY TODAY. That was his style. I am thankful for that. He fought the cancer to the last. He never gave up. His two best friends Dale Campbell and Jerry Arbogost took Bob's ashes up in our Navion that Sunday and spread them over the twelfth hole, his favorite, at the Excelsior Springs Golf Course. And if you have a sense of the ironic you will love knowing that a thunderstorm caused the course to be cleared just before they took off, and that the sun came out as they drew back the canopy. When Jerry blinked the Navion lights at the big crowd of friends and family standing there at the twelfth tee box to tell us it was over, golf carts began to roll again, and we went home knowing that somewhere, somehow, Bob was watching, and loving every minute of it. Patti DeLano
Bob DeLano TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 78
RILEY F. BISSONETTE (submitted by Ed Betts) Retired Captain Riley F. Bissonette passed away on August 15, 1993, after a losing fight against the dreaded "Lou Gehrig's" disease. Riley's flying career spanned fifty years during which he earned the respect, admiration and friendship of his fellow crew members and ground personnel. He was the epitome of such airmen expressions as "born to fly" and "a pilot's pilot". He was also a very dedicated and loyal employee. Riley was born on April 21, 1921, in St. Paul, Minn, and at the age of two the family moved to Southern California. He attended the Los Angeles school systems and graduated from Polytechnic High School and the Los Angeles City College. He received his wings and commission as a 2nd Lt. in the USAAF on March 20, 1943, and was soon assigned to B-17 training with the 388 Bombardment Group (heavy). The group moved to England in July 1943 and Riley flew his first mission on the 25th, with a raid over Wustro, Germany. On one mission, over Regensburg, he was in the air for 11 hours 35 min. Other missions were targets over Poland, Austria and occupied France. On one occasion his plane was severely damaged by antiaircraft fire and he was unable to return to his home base or an alternate and made a successful ditching in the English Channel, saving the lives of his 8 crew members. He flew his last of 25 missions on January 14, 1944, and rotated home for further duty at Kelly Field as an instructor with an Operational Training Unit (B-17s). His decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. TWAer Dan Medler, on active duty, was influential with Riley's choice for an airline career with TWA which started on July 12, 1945, as a copilot based at Burbank flying the DC-3. A year later it was to Captain School at KC, but due to the infamous pilot's strike there were no vacancies available. For awhile, he flew as an International Relief Pilot and by 1951 held a bid as the most junior reserve Captain at LAX. In 1956 he was flying New York-domestic and by early 1957 returned to LA where he flew for the remainder of his TWA career. During the term April 1959 to September 1960 he served as Vice Chmn. for ALPA Council 4. In 1960 Riley was appointed as check pilot (890) on the Martins and Connies and, in 1966, was a supervisor pilot on the CV880 and B707 jets, later on the L1011 and B727 equipment. Besides the local instrument checks and line checks, he spent a lot of time in the "home office". Until the annual company retirement parties were held at one time and together in Phoenix, Riley was busy arranging the program for those retiring at LAX. He was an adept photographer and would secretly make arrangements with the pilot or flight engineer's family to copy selected pictures (on slides). This, along with a short biography, was used for the party which gave a very personal and interesting review for the retiree (and audience) being honored at the time. In 1971, when Lee Danielson was the DTM-F at LAX, Lee had a contract (moonlighting) with a movie studio to be technical advisor for the first of the series of "Airport" movies. Lee passed away before this took place and Riley took over as advisor. TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 79
RILEY BISSONETTE Giving local instrument checks has its risks as Riley found out during a check with a senior Captain on September 14, 1966, on a B707. A simulated 2-engine out approach and landing was in progress towards the Palmdale Airport but, when the power was applied, the plane wanted to pitch up violently. Riley took over the controls and discovered the elevator trim was in the full nose up position - circuit breakers were pulled, but this took precious time, while Riley made a series of roller-coaster like maneuvers to keep the plane in the air with a little power applied and then power off to keep the nose from going too high and entering a stall. The control tower operator was almost speechless as he witnessed the recovery as all he could say was: "are y-ou OK? are y-ou OK?". It was later determined a short in the electrical trim control caused the problem and the near catastrophe, and Riley was given much credit for his quick and accurate actions at the time. Flight Operations made a special plaque for him using a B707 control wheel and trim switch. After nearly 19 years as a supervisor, in July 1979, Riley went back to flying the line as he checked out on the B747 along with the Polar Route from LAX to London. When he started with TWA, in 1945, he was number 787 on the pilot seniority list. On the 1/1/81 seniority list he was #46, although 23 of those ahead of him were, at the time, working as F/Es. He retired at age 60 in April 1981. For Riley this was a chance to play golf as often as he wanted (he had an 8 or 9 handicap) and other hobbies. One was building his own airplane from a kit. This was a 2-place "Lancair" biplane, one of the first of such kits produced. Riley started this project in early 1985 and the plane was about 85% completed when he could no longer continue the work. In March of 1993, it was determined he had the problem which first affected his speech then other muscles until he was confined to a wheel chair. Per his request, a group of his friends gathered for a luncheon on August 19, in Westlake Village and soon after his ashes were scattered over the mountains overlooking the Santa Paula Airport area - home base or airport for a quite a number of TWAers and others deeply interested in flying, building or restoring light aircraft as a "labor of love". Besides TARPA and the TWA Seniors Club, Riley was a member of the QB's (Long Beach), and Chapter 723 of the EAA. Family survivors include Betty Bissonette, their sons Michael and Gary and one granddaughter Stefani, age 5. Also his loyal companion and partner for the past 11 years, Marcia Smith. Donations may be made to: (1) W. King Engle,, MD, Director MDA Jerry Lewis ALS Clinical and Research Center, 637 South Lucas Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90017 or (2) ALS Association, 21021 Ventura Blvd, #321, Woodland Hills, CA 91364.
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IN MEMORY OF HAROLD AIKIN by Gordon W. Hargis
My returning, hopefully, to being seen in print again in the pages of TOPICS is prompted by my surprise at not seeing a few words about Harold Aikin from some of his contemporaries. So, I'll take my typewriter in hand and put down a few snippets and vignettes about Harold as I saw him from the right seat of the many airplanes I flew with him as his co-pilot. According to the 1942 seniority list I have, Harold was the first pilot hired by TWA after Pearl Harbor day. Leon Vestal was the last prewar hiree. As I recall, the circumstances that brought this about were,—to say the least, very interesting. Apparently the US Navy discovered that Ens. Aikin had got married without Official Permission and unceremoniously dumped him out of the Service, thereby depriving him of the privilege of being regularly fired off the cruiser catapult in his lil ole' SOC two seater A/C. They did, however, offer him a free ride on a ship from Hawaii back to the Mainland, but while he was merrily sailing over the bounding main the Japs had the temerity to bomb Pearl Harbor. Naturally, Harold was met when he landed at Oakland by a delegation of Navy "Brass" who pleaded with him to reaccept his Commission. I suspect he gave them his habitual gesture of clapping his hands together, rubbing his palms a few times and then rubbing both sides of his nose to hide his impish grin while saying "Sorry boys, I've got a date at 10 Richards Road in Kansas City!" Once when we were coming home to MKC from LGA on a Martin flight, PHL was our first stop. The agent said didn't look as if the UAL DC-3 was going to get in in time to deliver our connecting pax. Harold said, "Don't worry, we'll wait and give you schedule". Twenty-two minutes later the UAL fit parked and we got the pax. He fired up and we roared off to Lancaster at METO power. The LRP agent was also having a fit. Harold said, "Don't worry, we'll give you schedule. We proceeded in the same way, at METO power through PIT, CMH DAY and IND, arriving in STL only one minute late, but reporting schedule. We wound up by actually arriving MKC early! I was worn out from fabricating estimates and soothing company radio ops who couldn't see us after we reported on 20-50 miles out. Back in the layover room sharing days we were together in the Drake(?) in Santa Monica. After the layover "Social" there was about a half bottle of punch left over. Since neither of us wanted to take it home, we agreed to put it under the big heavy dresser and get the same room next trip. It took all our combined strength to lift that big oaken bureau and kick it underneath. For whatever reasons we never got back there, but I'll bet that bottle is still there! One day the wx was really bad at ORD and the TWA Martin ahead of us missed his approach. We landed uneventfully and were still in the ramp office when the other flight made it in. The crew came inside and the Captain remarked to Harold "I don't see how you made it in right behind us, that Outer Locator is really screwey." Harold replied How can anybody miss an approach? I always just fly down until I see the runway and then land." The other Captain's only response was to shout at his copilot "Go back out there and write up our ADF!"...End
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LIST OF TARPA MEMBERS "GONE WEST" SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 1992 INFORMATION PRINTED IN " FLOWN WEST" COMES FROM VARIED SOURCES AND IS BELIEVED CORRECT AS OF 10-10-93
1992 ALBERT BRICK MITCHELL ST. LAWRENCE JOHN STAPLER MEAD MORRIS MYRON PAINTER WILLIAM REZEK WILLARD HANSON ROBERT CUMMINGS ERNEST GLAESER JACOB FISHER THOMAS EVERHART JOSEPH McCOMBS FREDERICK FABER
09-16-92 09-16-92 10-28-92 10-30-92 11-07-92 11-09-92 11-15-92 11-16-92 11-17-92 11-21-92 11-26-92 12-18-92 12-27-92
1993 CHARLES BEUCHER LEROY SMITH HAROLD AIKIN ROBERT BRUBAKER WILLIAM MOELLER ROBERT AUDETTE RICHARD HEMPEN WILLIAM DUNLOP JOHN SCHNAUBELT ROLAND SMITH ROBERT VOLIN RALPH PUSEY WILLIAM TWOHY CHARLES DILL BURTON McCONAGHY LEWIS THOMPSON FRANCIS BONN ROBERT DeLANO DAYTON ORR RILEY BISSONETTE
CECIL JONES TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 82
01-06-93 01-13-93 01-23-93 02-05-93 02-14-93 03-01-93 03-19-93 04-13-93 05-03-93 05-04-93 05-17-93 05-27-93 05-30-93 06-07-93 06-23-93 06-23-93 06-29-93 07-13-93 08-12-93 08-15-93 09-26-93
TIMELY TOPICS Featuring news, facts and views gathered from various sources, displayed here FYI .
"Hi. I'm Bill Howard. I'm the new employee."
Chistopher Carey Of the Post-Dispatch staff With that modest introduction, the designated savior of TWA spared a ramp agent at Lambert Field from acute embarrassment. The worker, oblivious to Howard's identity, stopped him as he prepared to enter an empty, idle jet and asked to see his security pass. Carl Icahn, the financier who previously ran Trans World
Airlines Inc., might have been enraged by such an unintentional slight. Howard's easy-going response speaks volumes about the changed atmosphere at TWA, which will be owned by workers and creditors when it emerges from bankruptcy in the next week or so. Howard guided Piedmont Aviation to prominence andprofitability in the 1980's, before that carrier became part of USAir
Group Inc. Scott Dine/Post-Dispa People throughout the industry think he will be hard-pressed to repeat that performance at TWA. But in an interview last week at the airline's hub in St. Louis, the optimism of the once-retired, 72 year old executive didn't waver a bit. Q. What should people expect from the revitalized TWA? A. What you're going to see is a
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TIMELY TOPICS, cont'd. first-quality airline, that the na- from St. Louis to Point B?" and tion and St. Louis will rightly be are told that it's Southwest. So proud of. we're way behind in getting that message out. But it's a message Q. How will you position TWA we intend, to convey loud and in today's tough marketplace? clear. A. It's going to be positioned as a full-service, domestic and in- Q. What do you think of ternational carrier relying heavily Continental's answer, the imitaon a major hub in St. Louis, a hub tive service dubbed "Continental at Kennedy (John F. Kennedy Light?" International Airport in New A. What they're doing is splitting York), and a hub in Paris - not off a piece of their airline, trying unlike what we once did and what to run essentially a very lowwe've been trying to do less than cost, no-frills, non-union subsidsuccessfully in recent years. iary. I think you might see more Q. How will you respond to in- than one carrier doing that. We creased pressure from Southwest looked at that rather in depth in Airlines, the low-frills carrier tha recent months and concluded that is No. 2 at Lambert? it was not for us. A. Southwest is pressing most We have an airline with a everybody. I think there is a niche high quality image that could and for a Southwest, but I don't think should be preserved. It's an airSouthwest-type service is the line that today is fully competianswer for air service in this coun- tive. If you look at the breakfast try. service I had on the airplane I just I don't think people, by and got off of, if you look at the large, are willing to fly without cleanliness of that airplane inside the ability for baggage to be con- and out, if you look at our onnected for them, I don't think time performance—today, last they're willing to go without food week, last month—and if you or drink or be as tightly pinched look at our performance standards as they generally are in a South- you will see the statistics of a west-type operation. very fine operation. Our airplanes One of the things we need to have recently been reworked, do is remind people every day with new interiors and a lot of that we are matching Southwest's new paint. We've got six new fares and that we are providing McDonnell Douglas MD-83s, right alongside them, an airplane brand new airplanes, that fly in with substantially more comfort, and out of here every day. substantially more legroom, subWe've got a lot of things good stantially better food service and going for us. We've got at least as all the amenities you ought to good an airline as Delta, as Ameriexpect - at the same price. can, as US Air. I really believe We've failed to do that. I think that, from everything I can meathat people generally ask "What's sure. the least expensive way to get Our goal now has got to be to
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get people to try it again. We lost a lot of business travelers through the years. They moved away. Our frequent-flier program was not competitive. It is again. We've got new frequent-flier partners. Avis just came into the program. So did Inter-Continental Hotels and Sprint. These are people we couldn't have attracted a few months ago. Q. Many people have fond memories of Piedmont. In what ways will TWA resemble that company? A. The primary resemblance will be in the enthusiasm of its people. When I came to Piedmont it was a carrier that hadn't had a new route in 11 years. Not a single new route of any kind. Within 18 months we were growing like the dickens. The third year I was there, we were the fastest growing airline in the nation-for an airline our size - just as we were in the fourth year and the fifth year. One of those years we took delivery of more airplanes than any airline in the world, Our people became very proud of what we were doing. They became visibly pleased with what was going on. They liked their new status in the industry. We were kind of regarded as a small puddle jumping airline, a Virginia airline, and we were suddenly going to Florida, and Boston and Dallas. Things were going well. We were reporting profits when a lot of people weren't, and we were reporting better profits than the people who were. Our people just began to stand tall.
TIMELY TOPICS, cont'd. They felt good about what was going on--good about the management, good about the company and good about themselves. I that's what's emerging now at TWA. I see it every day. You can't get on or get off an airplane without seeing some evidence that the people are feeling much better about the airline than they have for a long time. They're willing to fight for it, to work for it, to struggle for it. We had 500 volunteers, helping on their own time, to do something I think was terribly overdue. That was gaining the favor of travel agents when the American Society of Travel Agents convention came in here. We had super-low fares for travel agents. We wanted them to try our service. Many, many of them said "It's the first time I've flown TWA in two years, three years, five years, 10 years." I got so many nice letters saying "We're delighted you're back. We'll sell you, because the service is good." We've been improving service at a time when other people have been degrading service. Fly a competitor today from St. Louis, Check the food service. Check the cleanliness of the airplanes. Check the legroom. Check the enthusiasm of the people and you will see a difference. Q. The cutbacks you mentioned are clearly a response to the industry's ills. What do you see as the biggest problems facing U.S. airlines, and how would you solve them?
A. The industry's biggest ill has been self-inflicted price cutting, below what you need to break even, We're doing as good a job as American, United and Delta not only in putting a flight in the air but in filling it. People talk about over capacity, and that's truly a problem. Too many airlines and too many airplanes are competing with each other. But that isn't the main problem. If it was, we'd see a whole lot of airplanes flying around with very low load factors (an industry term for the percentage of seats filled). Look at USAir today. It's losing enormous amounts of money and yet it has very good loads. They're regarded as a very good airline, just like American, United and Delta. But they're all losing money on good loads. The reason is yield. They've inflicted upon themselves a whole long line of discounts. If you look at the fares - first-class fares and coach fares - there's nothing wrong at all. But we have built level after level of discounts, to the point that what we really get is a fairly small fraction of the full fare. It used to be that we relied on the business traveler, who paid full fare and expected to pay full fare. But in falling over each other, the airlines put together special discounts - quantity discounts and corporate discounts - to the point that they've having trouble making money. But I think the worst of that's over. Everybody's realized that no one got rich, no one benefited. Several airlines went under as a result... Very few people can point
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to their airline operations the past few years and be proud of it. Q. How about Southwest, the most profitable airline in the industry? A. They're still very much a niche player. And just as there is a place for a McDonald's, so is there a place for a full-service restaurant. Neither one is likely to run the other out of business. Q. Consumers certainly benefited from the fare discounting How do you raise fares and keep people traveling? A. You don't have to raise fares grossly. It's not a matter of increasing them 50 percent, or 100 percent, or anything of the kind. The margin that's needed there is pretty slim. Most airlines are more or less breaking even today, and most airlines are fairly satisfied with small amounts of profit. The traveling public would scarcely notice the increases it would take to get the industry back on its feet. And I think you would find very little elasticity resulting from it. That is, the passenger who flies at $100 would probably also fly at $105, and that's the kind of increase it would take nationwide to restore a fair amount of health to the industry. Q. TWA has already managed to boost its yields, or revenue per passenger mile. How? A. We have done better than most. But what we've done is simply repair some of the damage that was done previously. Your yield comes from an array
TIMELY TOPICS, cont'd. of fares—first-class fares, discounted first-class fares, coach fares and discounted coach fares. Because the frequent-flier program fizzled somewhat, and because customer confidence in us fizzled, and because we backed out of some business markets, we lost some of our business travelers. When you lose a business traveler, your high payer, your yield drops. We have been restoring that confidence with the things we're doing now. What we've seen this summer is our yield coming up, month by month - not to where it belongs, but more sharply than the rate for the rest of the industry Q, Robert Crandall, chairman of American Airlines, has started to pressure workers for lower labor costs and higher productivity, much like Carl Icahn once did at TWA. How far will that get a carrier these days?
A. What Bob Crandall's motives and real beliefs are, I don't pretend to know. But I do know that employee ownership, which is working for us, will probably become increasingly prominent in the airline industry. What we're doing with our employees will serve as a model for others. Whether it will be Bob Crandall's company or not, I don't know. Q. People have criticized the way airlines used bankruptcy filings to reduce their financial obligations. What are your thoughts on whether the Chapter 11 reorganizations of TWA and other companies have been beneficial or harmful? A, I think they've clearly been beneficial. The bankruptcy laws of this country make sense. They always have. Chapter 11 was designed as a vehicle to protect and stabilize a company that was on the brink of disaster. I think TWA will emerge as a
perfect example of what Chapter 11 and the bankruptcy laws were really designed to do to see if you could protect creditors on one hand and employees on the other. In this case, we're talking about the 25,000 TWA employees and the service they provided. Q. What will TWA look like two years from now, and five years from now? A. Our plan is to be an expanded, improved airline, still heavily embedded in St. Louis, with more service to and from more places, doing better than we have ever done. . We'll be making Kennedy work better and better, with more international service. You may look at TWA's route map and say, "It's not much different." But places that have two flights a day will show up with three or four. And in markets where we are now third, you'll find us first or second...End
The above article from St, Louis Post-Dispatch, October, 1993
T I M E L Y T O P I C S , cont'd.
Howard: TWA stays put, won't follow Southwest
By TREBOR BANSTETTER
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Late News Notes ???ARE YOU RECEIVING THE SKYLINER??? Bob Sherman reports that TWA has a number of inaccurate addresses. If you did NOT receive the August/September issue ("Up, Up and Away: Flying Out of Bankruptcy" on the front page) delivered between 9/25 & 10/5, TWA may not have your complete or correct address. Please send it to: Nancy Collins, TWA Employee Benefits, P.O. Box 20007 Kansas City, MO 64915
TARPA Historian and Contributing Editor, Ed Betts, has recently had lung surgery and is recovering at his home in Pacific Palisades, California. In spite of this difficulty, Ed contributed a very nice piece on Riley Bissonette for this issue. (See "FLOWN WEST" and "MAILBOX" sections.)
In July, Dick Davis sent a membership inquiry asking whether certain members wish to continue receiving TOPICS. He received several interesting replies. Among them was one from Carter Burgess indicating he definitely wanted to continue receiving TOPICS and he included a generous donation of $200 with a hand written note stating that it was "...something for your publication's cost." Thank you, Mr. Burgess. We are very happy you enjoy TOPICS.
TARPA recently received a membership application from Paul Thayer, former Deputy Secretary of Defense. Mr Thayer is a former Navy Pilot and Ace, Experimental Test Pilot for Chance Vaught & Northrup and was CEO of an Aerospace Co. He mentions that he is also a former TWA pilot who flew co-pilot for 1 1/2 years. ("Most exciting was investigating intensity of thunderstorms with Bob Buck.")
Didi Young dropped us a sad note. For legal reasons, we can't name the hotel involved but she and Ben were robbed and mugged on the 6th floor of their hotel while entering their room. This was on their way back from the TARPA cruise, at their stopover hotel in St. Louis. She wrote, " Fortunately, no weapons were used but I was badly bruised. We had disembarked 'The Sovereign of The Seas' TARPA cruise that morning so I had jewelry, Air tickets, surcharges, credit cards and on and on and on." If you want to know the exact details and circumstances, I'm sure Didi will be glad to discuss them with you if you call. She writes it was a, "...great cruise!" (Too bad it had to end on a sour note for you Didi. We're glad you and Ben are OK....Ed.)
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LOOKING BACK ON TWA R. C. Sherman Silas Moorhouse was number 1 on the first Pilots seniority list, with a 4-1-27 date of hire. He lived to be 91. Eddie Bellande, #2 was 89, and #3, Lew Goss, was one month short of 96. Jack Frye and Paul Richter, #4 & 5 did not do as well; they expired at ages 43 & 53. Managing an airline may have been more stressful than flying for one. Daniel (Tommy) Tomlinson (#14) at 96 is our oldest living pilot. Hamilton Lee of UAL is 101. About 9500 pilots followed on TWA. Less than 2800 are active today; ergo 6700 came and left over the years. About 4000 retired, but less than 3000 were classed as seniors; age + service = 75 minimum. 2225 of which are still living. There are 12,500 living TWA seniors. The fortunes of the airline, the government, wars, and attitudes, have altered both the average age of the pilots, and their age at retirement. AVERAGE AGE OF PILOTS '40 '48 '50 '55 '60 '65 '70 '75 '80 '84 '90 '93 35 31 33 34 37 38 39 43 46 49 45 47 The large hiring program from 1942 thru 1948, and 1951 thru 1957 kept the average age low. No one was hired from 1/23/70 thru 10/5/78, which accounts for the jump in age from '70 - '75. It hits a high in 1984 due to stagnation and a number of those over 60 continuing. The addition of OZA brought the age down for 1990. Many younger pilots were among the retirees in the last several years, thus the average age increased again. Of the 324 who died while employed, 130 were killed in aircraft accidents in the following categories: NUMBER (INCIDENTS) TWA OPERATIONS TRAINING I.C.D. MILITARY PRIVATE 68 (29) 18 (4) 18 (6) 15 (15) 8 (7) Plus 2 instructors assigned to other airlines, and 1 Chief Pilot in a Boeing B307 factory demonstration flight; wing failed. The Seniority List graph depicts the last number at the start of each year from 1940 to 1993. The highest number was 4602 in 1971; 1 more than 1970. Except for the addition of 470 OZA pilots in 1987, and several small hiring spurts, it has been downhill ever since 1971. If TWA can continue their present momentum and turn it into positive financial results, it will live.
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TWA SENIORITY LISTS
HIGHEST NUMBER ON JAN. 1ST.
Shifting from statistics to words, all of us remember TWA's fling at diversifying to dampen the seasonal profit and loss swings. They bought Hilton Intl. Hotels, followed by some wine and cheese shops, Canteen Corp., a restaurant chain, and a real estate company. Next TWA created a holding company to envelope them. Before long the holding co. noted that the airline was the only loser. The parent was spun off to keep the children profitable, and in a condition that made it attractive to vultures. Frank Lorenzo began buying TWA stock. The pilots knowing that those on Lorenzo's Continental took a 50% pay cut, cast about for a white knight. Carl Icahn looked the best in a very limited field. There have been five Chairmen of the MEC since then. All five found Icahn to be unlike anyone they had ever known. Many agreements did not turn out to be what the pilots thought was agreed to. The first three Chairmen were totally frustrated. The fourth resigned in August 1991, then took early retirement. The fifth Chairman of the Icahn era, William Compton, adopted an altogether different strategy. With the help of advisors, Bill crafted a scenario that he believed would be in the best interests of all concerned; the employees, Icahn, and the creditors, whom he knew would bring about bankruptcy proceedings. Not only was the plan complex, but convincing all of the diverse participants that each of them would have to settle for less than they would like, would be a monumental undertaking. That TWA is about to come out of bankruptcy is a tribute to Bill's genius. One senior MEC member wrote the following: I would like to thank those of you who have written or phoned to express your thanks to the MEC for our role in this very long and frustrating ordeal. In truth, however, this MEC's greatest achievements were electing Bill Compton, and then supporting his plans. I am very proud to serve on this MEC. It's just a matter of making sure that the thousands of hours and GREAT PERSONAL SACRIFICE by Bill Compton and his wife are placed in the proper order of things. It would be a travesty if we did not take a moment to reflect on what Bill has done for us. From the beginning, he provided the leadership, intelligence, and an inspirational work ethic that humbled a very hard working MEC. He was the glue that kept the parties to last summers negotiations from falling apart. There were times when the only person talking to all other groups was Bill Compton. I will not go so far as to say that the only reason that TWA is here today is because of Bill Compton .... for that cannot be proved. But I will tell you that I believe it to be a correct assessment of the situation. Tom Kosta. Last but not least is TWA's survival. The next year will be critical. We can help in a number of ways. Some retiree's are making calls on travel agents with TWA sales people, and there are several other thing being worked on. This year the pilots started the Employee Advertising Fund. Bill Compton and Joe Montanaro
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each put in $1000. seed money. TWA rented a sound studio and furnished the background music and technical help, while several of the pilots made a couple of commercials for radio. The pilots paid for their airing in NYC & STL. They were so well received, TWA asked to run them in 17 other major markets. Many of you have no doubt heard one of them; many of TWA's passengers and would be passengers have been favorably impressed. Some money from the fund has been used to help other employee sponsored projects. Since TWA's continued operation is critical to our free and reduced rate air travel, we have personal and economic reasons to keep them going. A contribution to this voluntary fund would be a good way to help. Make your check to - Employees Advertizing Fund, and send to: Marc Spiegel TWA-MEC ALPA 221 McKelvey Rd. Bridgeton, MO 63044 Please put a large "R" on the check to let them see that we also care.
A CHARTER TO REMEMBER WALT GUNN A most memorable assignment in 39 years of flying would have to be a White House Press Charter in 1966 with President Johnson to Vietnam and the Southeast Asia Conference. The charter left Dulles on 10-16-66 with a 17 day itinerary to Honolulu, Pago Pago, New Zealand, Australia, Manila (conference), Bangkok, Malaysia, Korea, and return to Dulles via Anchorage. The 707 crew consisted of: Pilots - Marv Horstman, Billy Williams, Walt Gunn Flight Engineers - Tony Gatti, Jack Evans Navigator - Drew Wasson Pursers - Fred Duss, Bob Strini Cabin Team - Myrna Encinas, Pat Rellihan, Karen Kiefer, Celeste Mariani, Julie Knowles JFK Maintenance Specialists - Carl Yannuzi, Sal Bruno, Tony Ristuccia Others ----------Russ Ellis (station operations, Washington) Walt Morris (Commissary specialist) The assignment was extended to me by Marv Horstman, then my boss as Chief Pilot in New York and Captain Billy Williams, his assistant. A notable duo for me to join. My reflexive answer to Marv's offer was "who will be copilot?" I was often reminded that I had left much to doubt about my copiloting skills – one Captain remarking the company had "given up on me as a copilot – so they checked me out as Captain!" Undoubtedly, ego strength served me through the captain upgrading! Marv assured me we would each share the copilot duties. Thus, I happily accepted the assignment. To describe the ensuing 17 days on a daily basis would be more of a chore than I care to tackle. So, highlights of the tour will be grist for this writing. After ferrying to Dulles from Kennedy, we started our flight planning / briefing in operations. Pan Am was to have a charter as well, and some of their cabin crew came into our operations extending a "gracious offer" to be of any assistance we may need "since they were regularly assigned to all White House charter functions! After all, they were the "World's Most Experienced Airline!" They were thanked with the assurance that we would call on them if needed. The purpose of the tour was to solidify the allies of SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization) in bringing the Vietnam conflict to an acceptable conclusion. The
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A CHARTER TO REMEMBER, cont'd. entire tour was met with much pomp and ceremony appropriate to the visiting nations and their leaders. Air Force One was captained by Col. Jim Cross, LBJ's personal pilot, who had received his 707 training in TWA's initial and recurrent training programs for MAC VIP crews at the Frye Training Center in Kansas City. Jim Cross was a rightful choice for such an important assignment and a pleasure to work with in coordinating our flight planning and enroute communications. The entire trip was flawlessly flown with his skillful leadership. Ceremonies on each arrival and departure smacked of "history-making" importance. The variations in cultural, social, and ethnic expressions left each of us in awe of the events we were witnessing from "front row vantage points." Arrival in Pago Pago (American Samoa) was greeted by dozens of massivelybuilt Samoan chieftains in their regal costumes. Purpose of the stop was to dedicate a grade school for Lady Bird Johnson, first lady. It was perhaps an event of the century for the natives, to be visited by the President of the United States. New Zealand greeted us with "minimal limits" landing with ILS and precision approach radar accuracies comfortably guiding us. The country's plush, green, rolling fields were dotted with untold blotches of white sheep, justifying their claim to world leadership in wool and lamb exports. A side note, well-recalled, took place as I was wandering the main street in Wanganui. The town was like a western movie setting in the old west — even wooden sidewalks in areas. I noted a sign: Gunn's Ice Cream Parlor, and made an inquiry. The lady informed me her husband's parents were from the Scotland Clan of Gunn's, and that incidentally, I resembled him (her husband) and his brother. Strong genes in the Gunn Clan, I guess. Our Australia mission took us to Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Townsville. Canberra and Sydney are reminiscent of New Orleans or San Francisco, at least climate wise and local friendliness. Melborne may compare to Cleveland or Pittsburg with heavy industry. Strong protests against the Vietnam war met us with paint being splashed on LBJ's limo. Government officials hastened to have the limo in prime finish before our departure. On return to Sydney, Air Force One experienced a brake assembly failure on landing, and with no parts for repair. On that notice, our three maintenance experts took over and spent the night modifying the plane with spare parts we had carried for such an event on our plane. This no small chore since our TWA 707 was a different model than Air Force One. At this point, recognition of Yannuzzi, Bruno, and Ristucchia must be given. The three were lovingly referred to as the "JFK maintenance mafia!" Carl, Sal and Tony were truly experts in "can-do-fix-it" and each ones expertise complimented the other.
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A CHARTER TO REMEMBER, cont'd. As a team, nothing was beyond them! On leaving Australia, LBJ wanted to "drop in" on a hospital in Townsville, where he had been nurtured to health after a bout with pneumonia during WWII. Prior to our arrival, George Christopher, assistant press secretary to Bill Moyers, came to the cockpit to talk with Moyers on AF One. I contacted Jim Cross on our discrete VHF frequency, asking him to put Moyers on for a chat with Christopher. As Moyers responded, Christopher referred him to the second paragraph of LBJ's welcoming speech, advising him of a change. Moyers read the line and deemed it to be OK. With that, Christopher insisted a change be made where LBJ says, "what a pleasure to return to Townsville — where so many American service men had planted their roots!" Moyers replied that he saw nothing wrong with the wording — to which, Christopher stated, "believe me Bill, reword it and I'll explain it to you later!" I never heard his explanation but then, it was quite clear to me, and what with the humor and frank honesty of the Aussies, LBJ would have had a time figuring out the audience's inappropriate laughter at that point of his speech — or would he have? Perhaps I should clarify some of my political posture during this assignment. I, along with Marv and Billy, was a staunch Goldwater supporter, as were 98% of airline pilots. My greatest anguish over political matters was, and still is, the defeat of Goldwater. I constantly would ask myself: what if Barry had won, how would he conduct things now? And, my universal answer was always the same — we wouldn't be in the dilemma! And, as I would indulge the press members who read like Who's Who, in discussions of the state of the war, they affirmed that "things were in bad shape, and no chance of any improvement" under the existing political course. Interesting hours were spent with the press staff and secret service agents on our plane. Rufus Youngblood, JFK's guard was along and commented briefly about the tragedy in Dallas and pushing the first lady back in the seat after JFK was shot. Eric Sevaried really nurtured my interest in world affairs — what a brilliant political journalist. Young Dan Rather portrayed a more exuberant and outspoken image than ever seen as an "anchor person." The secret service agents could only breathe easily while on board enroute to the next stop where they were charged with guarding the "old man". One agent, Mike Ditka's kid brother, (not at all built like Mike), often served as lead and after knowing him, I wouldn't dare challenge him. LBJ was in good hands. A surprise junket was added to the itinerary when LBJ decided to include a stop in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. The area on the coast was frequently an R&R respite for the troops when they couldn't get to Okinawa or Hawaii. Secrecy was still called for in spite of the remoteness from the inland fire fight areas. Manila provided us some four days for shopping and tours during the SEATO conference. The entire crew was catered to in high fashion by the government. We were given discounts on any artcrafts and the major department store closed their
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A CHARTER TO REMEMBER, cont'd. doors allowing personal shopping and selection of items to be shipped home. Even the San Miguel Brewery delivered two cases of their prized brew to my home (paid for) a month later. Otis Bryan had been president of the brewery before and was well-remembered by them. From Manila to Bangkok, we flew direct published airways which transited South Vietnam. We maintained radio contact and radar coverage as we would from New York to Los Angeles. Air Force One opted for a circuitous route south of all of the Vietnam area. I had occasion to leave a personal message to my son-in-law, an F-4 pilot, through his base control tower at Chou Lai. He got the message. Later, he mused over the assignment escorting LBJ, since he too favored Goldwater. Bangkok proved exceptionally hospitable for the entourage. The Foreign Press Club arranged a banquet, the like of which I have never experienced. The setting was on the massive terrace of our hotel and fronting a major canal. Food was displayed on tables forming a u-shape which were at least 50 feet long on each of the three sides. A stage was arranged with Thai dancing and kick-boxing matches were only a part of the entertainment. Leaving Bangkok, we flew to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I had never seen or heard much of Indonesia, and was amazed at the schism between jungle and metropolis that exists. Our first glance at the airport from a distance, slowly revealed a "miniature Dulles terminal" design as we flew closer. The architecture was identical with cantilevered pillars and glass / marble construction. Malaysia is an admixture of three cultures – oriental, hindu and moslem. Police are tall, mustachioed Sikhs, with turbans and bamboo shields. As we approached our hotel, a crowd had gathered on the opposite corner of the street, peering at a body lying still. He had been killed in some kind of unexplained dispute. After napping most of the day, the body was still there as we left for sightseeing and dinner. Brahma cattle roamed the streets freely. The final stop on the tour was Seoul, Korea. The 20 mile highway from the airport to town was lined with citizens (mainly school children) estimating over 2 million. Each was waving American and Korean flags. Political leaders received LBJ with encouraging support and appreciation of U.S. aid. The last evening was spent at a newly-finished army post, with LBJ and first lady hosting a banquet for all of the White House staff, press, and crew members – a fancy and very informal affair. Departure from Seoul took us within 15 miles of the Russian border and the Kurile Islands. We had USAF fighter escort until safely clear and established on our oceanic course to Anchorage. MIG aircraft monitored our flight path and were visible from our cockpit. Landing at Anchorage was arranged for a night's rest and departure early for arrival at Dulles during prime time for LBJ to address the nation on the success of the
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A CHARTER TO REMEMBER, cont'd. Summit. The weather on arrival may well have been a more accurate omen of the times. It was cloudy, rainy, with gusty winds, which blew the canopy off the temporarily built podium where LBJ's message was intended to instill calm and assurance of victory in Vietnam. History belied such optimism. Great pride remains in the overall operational success and guidance given the charter crew by Captain Marv Horstman.... End Chistopher Columbus was the first politician because he didn't know where he was going; he didn't know where he was when he got there, and he did it all on borrowed money!
While visiting friends in the country a couple's young son piped up, "You know what? I'm going to be a minister when grow up." "That's fine," said his mother, " but what made you decide to be a minister?" "Well," said the boy, thoughtfully, "I'll have to go to church on Sunday anyway and I think it would be more fun to stand up and yell than to sit still and listen."
Every vacation has at least two good days of weatherThe day you leave and the day you get back!
BY WRIGHT FOR THE PALM BEACH POST
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ESCAPE FROM MAUI by Charley "Black Dog" Davis When the Jensens called and said they were not going to their condo on Maui for the Christmas holidays and told James Denham's wife, Elsa, they were welcome to use it, she was ecstatic. "They said we could have it for the whole month of December! Aren't you thrilled, James?" James was not thrilled by his wife's pronouncement and was so upset by it that he was afraid it would show and left the room. She immediately started calling all their friends to tell them the good news. Later, he would have to listen to her account of how jealous each one of them was. James hated vacation spots and had his reasons. A retired airline pilot, his flying career had been spent mostly on overseas runs and nearly all of the layovers were tourist havens. The most depressing ones, as far as he was concerned, were the beach resorts and he usually never left his hotel room unless it was absolutely necessary. The escapists, whose units butted up against the Jensens, followed a daily routine that duplicated what it had been back home, grocery store and errands that were strung out and performed carelessly so that the trip back to the source could be repeated thus speeding up the day. Also, 'THE NEWSPAPER", not the local publication but one large daily from the mainland was an essential and had to be purchased early in the morning before the supply was exhausted ($2.00 and yesterdays). These were the preliminaries leading up to the "HAPPENING" which occurred promptly at six. The cocktail hour and sunset watching. The Jensens had blessed the Denhams many times in the past with their condo offer and to keep Elsa from going haywire James had always given in and endured the hateful experience. The "hour" was the worst. There were never less than a dozen people on whichever patio or deck that had been selected to watch the phenomena and as soon as the orb began settling over Lanai it would start. "My...just beautiful...beautiful." "Gorgeous!" "Ohhhhh." "The hues. Everybody notice the hues." "I think there's going to be a rainbow. There. It's starting. See?" "There has to be a God." Usually some elderly person (almost always a woman who had outlived her husband) would choke up and say, "If only Herbert had seen this." The drinking would pick up noticeably and since most of the folk were half
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ESCAPE FROM MAUI,, cont'd.
smashed by this time their descriptive powers would dissolve into one adjective: Beautiful. One evening James counted to a hundred and seventeen. Another thing that stuck in his craw was the sunset which wasn't all that great. He was from western Kansas and after a late afternoon squall line whipped through the sun would explode against towering cumulous clouds and set them afire. This Sandwich Island display didn't warrant consideration. "Which airline did you get our passes on, dear?" "All seven of them and they're all full," James said trying to hide the nasty tone that had crept into his voice. "Oh, we always get on," Elsa said cheerfully. "I don't mind standing by." Not much you don't, James thought. If they happened to miss the first flight Elsa's happy personality underwent a complete change. She'd sink into the doldrums and stay there until an open one came along. This was not only unpleasant but nerve-racking and he made every effort to postpone trips on any pretext and had even lied in the past to avoid them. The terminal was chock-a-block and when they finally reached the boarding agent he said, "I'm sorry, Captain, but this flight is oversold and we have a waiting list for the rest of them. You can try the other airlines but I think you'll run into the same problem." James felt a little surge of joy and looking at Elsa, shrugged his shoulders and said, "I think we better give it up." Elsa ignored his suggestion and smiling in a patronizing manner said, 'We'll just stand by." Giving the agent a wink she added, "I'm sure you'll be able to find room for Captain Denham and his misses." After wandering around they were able to find one empty seat in the waiting area. James set the carry-on bags down (one heavy one and the other considerably lighter, his) and began to contemplate the mass of humanity milling about like cattle, their features strained with anxiety and nervousness. This phase of the sojourn really got to him. For thirty-five years the effort necessary to reach his seat (form fitting) was a short stroll from operations to the steps or jetway. Occasionally, while reclining comfortably in the cockpit and waiting for the passengers to start boarding, he'd gaze into the crowded terminal and feel pity for the flying travelers plight. Now he was one of them. "They're getting ready to call the flight," Elsa said. Her voice had a little trill. "What if we don't get on?" Elsa gave him a little slap. "No," James said, "I'm serious. If we don't make this one let's forget it. You know how tough it is on you and me when we have to sweat out other flights." "We'll make it," Elsa said. "Quit fretting."
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ESCAPE FROM MAUI, cont'd. James watched the passengers crowding up to the jetway entrance and noted how easy it was to spot the non-revs. Most of them stood in a broken arc facing the agent and their eyes never moved from his face. It was as if they were transfixed. When he looked up or placed a ticket in its folder they lurched forward, desperately hoping their name was about to be called. Well, James thought, nearly all of them had a few good reasons to be desperate, friends or relations waiting, hotel reservations (first night's deposit sent), time limits on their stay and the luggage, which was already stored in the belly of the airplane and would stay there. He felt his heart sink. The agent started checking in non-revs and when their names were called they didn't walk to the jetway they ran. Elsa gave him a benign smile. "See?" James held his breath. Being a retiree, with the lowest pass rating, they would be called last. All of the other non-revs had boarded and the agent tortured James by shuffling tickets, using the telephone and giving him and Elsa quick furtive glances. Another agent kept hurrying in and out of the jetway entrance which meant that he was checking on any remaining seats. James began to pray. When the agent behind the counter motioned them over Elsa strode confidently forward and James shuffled along behind, fingers crossed and spirit at a low ebb. "There's only two seats left and there not together, one in first and the other in coach." "Oh, that's wonderful," Elsa said. 'We don't mind and my husband will get to visit with the other coach passengers." It took James some time to find his seat even with the help of a stewardess. It was in the middle of a center row and between two enormous women whose large upper arms draped over the seat rests. After squeezing into his seat he discovered they were sisters and had intentionally sat apart for obvious reasons. Compressing his upper body he removed a puzzle book from his carry-on, dug his elbows into his thighs and tried to concentrate. The page would blur when a vision of the cockpit crossed his mind: the captain stretched out, feet resting on a brace under the instrument panel and the copilot enjoying the same leisurely position, a stewardess or two visiting with the flight engineer and coffee or maybe a snack on the way up (or a first class meal). The sisters napped and when they did their biceps encroached even further into his sector and he experienced a smothering sensation. The captain announced a hundred knot head wind and added that this would run their elapsed time up to about six hours. James debated a trip to the head but decided to "hold it" after scanning the obstacle course that existed between his seat and the aisle. When they landed he waited, as usual, for everybody to deplane. He could never understand the majority of passengers, who, after streaking six hundred miles an
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hour to their destination, vaulted out of the seats and ripped their luggage out of the overhead only to have to stand for several minutes in a sardine-like mass of humanity. Elsa was waiting in the terminal and looked as if she had regained her youth. James attributed this transformation to her arrival in Paradise and the luxury of riding in first class. His run of bad luck hadn't changed. He was good at calculating and noting that it was five P.M. his breakdown of what would have to take place (luggage, car rental and one hour drive) before they crossed the Jensen threshold would ensconce them on a patio about a half hour short of a glorious sunset. His reckoning was right on the money and since Elsa had phoned and alerted everybody their patio was already filled with worshipers when they presented themselves. James quickly down two stiff drinks hoping that his hearing sensitivity would deteriorate before the adjectives began. It was too late. An overly zealous woman cried out, "It's already beautiful!" The word was like a stab and James immediately poured himself a third. For Elsa, the days went by all too swiftly. There were the morning errands, lunch with the girls, bridge and a nap in preparation for the display. James, knowing he was sunk, made an honest effort to keep busy. He hated bridge and it was too hot for tennis. Golf was out of the question because of the exorbitant greens fees. Tensions eased a bit when he discovered a gallon of outside paint and some brushes in the utility room and decided to spruce up the unit. He still counted the days. "You seem restless, James," Elsa said one morning. "Aren't you have a marvelous time?" "Best time I ever had. Wish we could stay longer." "If I thought you meant that I'd call..." "Never mind," James interrupted. "A month will turn the trick." As their departure time drew near he became even more restless and tense. Christmas holiday returnees to the mainland had filled all the flights and their only hope had to be no-shows. On the day before they were scheduled to leave two things happened, actually three things, that shook him up. The Jensens called to make sure they were vacating the unit because it was rented and the people planned to move in that day. Then an agent friend from one of the airlines called and said there were revenue standbys for all the flights everywhere. Thing number three was the cocktail hour. To celebrate their departure everybody got horribly smashed and James had to listen to the adjectives over and over but instead of being coherent and reverently spoken they were flung out in garbled syllables with profanity. "Groteshk, thash what it is, groteshk. Scuse me. I mean gorgesh, goddam gorgesh. Whersh my drink?" "A beaut. A real sonofabichin beaut." An elderly lady who didn't drink or hear too well said, "It's so lovely I think I'm
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ESCAPE FROM MAUI, cont'd. going to faint." There was an immediate response from a drunken slob. 'Well I think I'm gonna puke." "Whersh the goddam rainbow? I don't see no goddam rainbow." "Scr— the rainbow. Whersh my drink?" Because of an early flight departure Elsa was in packing and missed out on the crude finale. James rather enjoyed it. When they drove up in front of the terminal he dropped Elsa and the luggage off and continued on the the car rental agency. It was over an hour before departure time and she would do the checking in so he decided to have a free coffee from a dispenser on the office counter. He had almost finished it when a highly agitated man rushed in and breathlessly requested a car. "Hope you got one. The cancelled the L.A. flight." He looked at James who had spilled the rest of his coffee down the front of his shirt. "We're gonna look for a hotel room. It's a madhouse over there. The airlines are trying to protect the passengers on later flights but everything is oversold. A real madhouse, believe me." The lines to the check-in counters spilled out into the street. It took James twenty minutes to locate Elsa and the metamorphosis had already set it. It would proceed according to the time delay involved. Each hour that went by would produce a physical change in her appearance. As in the past it began at the top like a tired cake that has started to settle. Her face, which was usually chubby and firm, had become flushed and droopy jowls were beginning to form. "Elsa, why don't we forget this, " James said. "Let's get a hotel room and relax, go out to dinner and try it tomorrow." Elsa had big, limpid eyes that were eying him accusingly and stating, simply, everything was his fault. Her lips barely moved. "Talk to somebody. The agent you know." James looked across the crowd at the harried figure behind the counter. A flight was about to leave and the passengers were really getting up steam. The pleas, demands (and threats), grew louder. After it left Elsa started another phase. She began to settle, like the cake. Her neck disappeared and her lower body commenced to expand. After the next flight took off the agents started to look wilder than the passengers. Why would anybody, anybody take a job like this, James thought. They should be paid more than a captain. He decided to get in line and try to buy full fare tickets but when he finally reached the counter and made the request the agent motioned to a section of the terminal where at least a hundred passengers were milling about. "Standbys," the agent said. "All revenue with reservations." Elsa was now in layers and much shorter. James always marveled at how her
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ESCAPE FROM MAUI, cont'd. clothes went right along with the transformation. They form-fitted the layers. The big limpid eyes had narrowed to slits and when she spoke her voice was barely audible. "See if you can get us a hotel room." As he headed for the phone booths he turned to stare in wonder at his wife's form or formlessness. From a distance she looked like a bag that had been carelessly filled with bulky fragments. Except for the irregular pyramidal tiers the cake had settled. Starting at Kapalua he began calling the hotels and worked his way down to Makena. There wasn't a room to be had and most of them were over booked. Even the limited accommodations in Nana were sold out. In desperation he thumbed through the real estate yellow pages until he found an agency that brokered condo rentals. "We don't have an empty unit," the salesman said. "But why don't you buy one? I can give you a furnished studio for $77,500 and you can move in this afternoon. I'll come and get you." James started to hang up then peered across the terminal at his wife slumped in her seat. From where he was she looked like a pile of discarded clothing. "I'll call you back," he said. Not in the mood for a closer look he circumnavigated the area where his wife was seated and crossed over to the departure board which was blank except for one remaining flight to Los Angeles. He began to think seriously of calling the real estate agent back. Why not? He could rent the unit or resell it and it would certainly bring Elsa back to life. On his way back to the phone booths he heard his name called. Pushing his way through the throng was his agent friend. "Been looking for you. Two first class passengers haven't shown up yet and maybe I can sneak you and your wife on." Because of the din James had to lean down and cup his hand over Elsa's ear. Motioning toward the agent he said, "My buddy thinks he can get us on this last flight." As in the past a positive turn of events always resulted in an immediate change in Elsa's demeanor. Physical rejuvenation would occur at the same time. Her bottom layer began to quake and an alignment process began to move upward. In minutes she was on her feet and smiling at the agent. The jowls had disappeared and her face was round and cheerful. "How lovely. May we board now?" The agent led them out through the baggage area and across the ramp to the waiting aircraft. James watched Elsa in wonder as she briskly ascended the steps and marveled that five minutes before she had been an inanimate blob. After settling in his seat James remained tense and anxious until the flight taxied out and lined up with the runway. Usually, if this stage of the departure was reached an escapee (as he labeled himself) could begin to breath more easily. Most of the electrical or mechanical breakdowns happened between the ramp and the runway. The flight departed to the west and made a turn over the beach area where the
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Jensen condo was located. He had a window seat and felt a surge of relief as he watched the compound fade away. Elsa was visiting with a stewardess but when he turned away from the window she leaned toward him. "I didn't tell you everything that was said when the Jensens called yesterday, did I." The covert look on his wife's face made James feel uneasy. "Oh? You holding back something worthwhile?" Elsa's features lit up and she fixed him with a radiant smile. "The condo is ours again next Christmas. Isn't it heaven, James?" He felt a pressure-like pain grip his chest and thought he was starting to have a heart attack ....End
Two Madison Avenue Executives were discussing the pros and cons of the American legal system. "You can't really count on the law, can you?" said one. "It's incredible!" answered the other. "My wife was suing me for divorce. She said I was sterile. I got a lawyer to represent me. At the same time, our housekeeper went down to the courthouse and signed a paper charging me with being the father of her baby. I had to get another lawyer. And would you believe it? I lost both cases.
Never walk down a hallway in an office building without a piece of paper in your hand.
BROOM-HILDA
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"SAILOR" by Goldy Goldthorpe Back in 1950 the Chief Wireless Operator on the Liner SS United States halted his stream of radio grams with: "AS S P" (Wait Silent Period) then turned to monitor 500 kc as required by law twice every hour. Suddenly he stiffened. Could it be? "SOS...SOS...SOS" It was! According to the direction finder the signal had originated in the Rockaway Beach area of Long Island. Hmmmm. It couldn't have been from the Golden Venture. That junk ship hadn't even left China yet. Then the distress call stopped followed by: "TEST de SD." The Chief broke into a knowing smile: "Oh, that's only Sailor Davis cranking a Gibson Girl on one of TWA's Wet Ditch drills. They finally got the kite high enough to put a signal out!" An entire generation of TWA crew members remember William O. Davis, better known as "Sailor Bill" whose "sine" was SD. Radioman and raconteur, innovator and instructor, charismatic and colorful he will long be remembered by all who knew him. I first met Sailor on a winter midnight in the terminal building of the brand new LaGuardia airport where TWA Dispatch, Weather and Radio functions were temporarily located. I had just arrived from MKC, a recent new hire, with my handbag, Vibroplex, a few bucks and absolutely no knowledge of New York. Sailor, who was just going off watch, took pity on me and managed to find an affordable rooming house in Corona that night. I learned early on about the wonderful TWA family of which Sailor was always an active part. When ICD was formed Sailor became Chief Flight Radio Officer setting up the new department, recruiting radiomen from all over and still flying special trips such as "Mission to Moscow". (See Ed Betts' fine ICD STORY in Nov. '92 TARPA TOPICS.) After the War Sailor became Flight Safety Specialist developing Wet Ditch, Chute Evacuation, Arctic Survival etc. procedures, setting up courses, giving lectures and researching safety items. And it all started on the storm-tossed Atlantic ocean. During and immediately following WW2 trans-Atlantic flights both military and civilian relied on a network of Weather & Rescue Stations for communication, navigation, weather and rescue services. So when TWA's new International Division started overseas flights it was decided to assign a flight crew member as observer on a U.S. Coast Guard operated Weather Ship. Sailor, being uniquely qualified by experience and temperament, was selected and he spent six long weeks on Weather Ship 'Charlie' in mid-Atlantic. One night the radio op on an eastbound Connie was surprised to hear Sailor's voice on 'Charlie's' VHF. Sailor asked him to bring a Hostess to the cockpit. "Put her on the horn. Lotta guys down here want to talk to a real, live gal." The FRO who was a conscientious soul, suggested that this might go against FCC regulations. "FCC! FCC my foot!" roared Sailor. "Go get Dottie Donna, Uli or whoever's working the flight and hurry up before you get outta range!" This is how 'Chatting with Charlie' became almost routine for Hostesses on trans-Atlantic flights and I never heard any complaints from the FCC. But even if they had objected I'm sure Sailor would have talked them out of it. And, you know, he could do it too! Sailor's first project after 'Charlie' was developing the Wet Ditch, a "hands-on" drill where crew members strapped on `Mae Wests' (life-vests) and were transported off Rockaway Point in a Coast Guard launch. Regular aircraft rafts were inflated, tossed overboard, filled with 'students' and set afloat in open sea. Then, under Sailor's instruction, they set up the Gibson Girl emergency radio, hoisted the antenna by kite or balloon, lighted flares, spread sea dye and ate hard candy from ration kits. Often a trainee fell overboard the size of the splash being in direct proportion to circumference of the crew member but it didn't matter as everyone wore bathing suits anyway including, to the delight of the Coast guardsmen, all participating Hostesses. Beginning with his tour on `Charlie' Sailor maintained excellent relations with the Coast Guard. As a token of appreciation for their cooperation, TWA gave the Commanding Officer at Floyd Bennett Field a wrist watch. The presentation party consisted of Chief Pilot "Red" Miller, Check Capt. Don Terry and Sailor. I was along to record the event for the Skyliner. Everything went swimmingly, so to speak, until the Commander invited us all to take a ride in one of their helicopters. Although this was a privilege accorded few civilians and Coast guard helicopter pilots are among the most skillful and experienced in the business, we were a bit hesitant to accept his offer being more accustomed to having four fans..two on each side..rather than one big, floppy one TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 112
"Sailor" by Goldy Goldthorpe, cont'd. overhead! But we did and were treated to individual trips around the harbor. The view from the little, open air two-seater was terrific. Even the space between our legs was wide open to facilitate inspection of marine buoys. I was grateful for the heavy safety belting. After all, even my old Diamond T had floor boards! Sailor was also involved with Chute Evacuation. At the time our aircraft carried plastic chutes which were dropped to the surface a long with some "able-bodied" male crew members whose job was to grasp the chute's hand holds and keep it stretched out while the passengers slid safely down. During one such drill the `passengers' (Hostesses) weren't exiting fast enough for Sailor. "Come ON, girls! Let's GO! Like THIS!" and, as usual he threw himself wholeheartedly into his work...literally. Leaping out of the cabin door he landed in the center of the chute in precise form. There was only one problem. The chute handlers had been holding up Hostesses whose weight, per Company Policy, was strictly limited so they weren't prepared for Sailor's suddenly added avoirdupois. Two of them lost their grip! Fortunately Sailor had positioned a stack of tarp covered cushions under the chute so he wasn't seriously injured. He wasn't too happy, `though. "Maybe you guys aren't as ablebodied as I thought you were but you didn't have to DISable me, did you!" He limped off checking his hip pocket to see if that crush- proof pack of cigarettes really was. Sailor taught me many things besides airline radio operating such as how to sneak home during a shift change break on a FAM pass; How to play chess (while he read TIME waiting for me to move); How to print pictures in a bathroom darkroom; and most importantly: Self Confidence. One afternoon he and I were in the JFK Hgr. 12 cafeteria. Things were tense. It looked like the erstwhile Chosen Instrument was about to gobble up our Teenie Weenie Airline. Already Pandemonium pilots had been asking for our Seniority lists! I sipped my coffee. Sailor poked his tea bag with his pencil. Through the big han-
W. O. "Sailor" Davis (left...circa 1950)
gar windows we could see a crew bus turning into the drive. A small tug was pulling a protesting string of cargo flats along the Service road. Inside only the muffled roar of an engine being run up below and the usual kitchen clatter broke the quiet. I asked Sailor what we could do. "Well, Rog, it reminds me of my Navy days." He tilted his head sidewise; squinting. "We were tired up in Norfolk and I was scheduled to fight a big goon off the Wyoming called the Brooklyn Bomber. There he was in his corner and here I was in mine. We were waiting for the bell." Sailor crushed out his cigarette and immediately reached for another. "Then that big bum glared at me and, would you believe...crossed himself!" Snapping his Zippo, Sailor lit the Camel and inhaled deeply. "Now, I didn't mind taking on that Bomber but it didn't seem fair to expect me to fight God too! Then I remembered that the Good Lord helps him that helps himself so I just went out and kayoed that character in the first round." "And, you know, we can do it, too! "...End TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 113
SPECIAL FEATURE RUPA (Retired United Pilots Association) Editor S. J. Devine, sent me the original copy of an article written on E. Hamilton Lee, UAL # 1 in Seniority. "Ham" apparently started flying in 1913 and has a UAL seniority date of 12/28/18. I thought this was such a great story, you would all like to see the article, written by UAL retired Captain Bill Arnott. In April of 1992, on Ham's 100th birthday, Ham and members of his family were taken on a "100th birthday party" flight in the DC-3 that Ham retired from in 1949.
Ham Lee will be 101 years old on the 18th of April 1993 Please get some groups together to sign a Birthday Card to Ham. To those who don't remember him - he was and always will be the #1 seniority number to any pilot group. He started flying in 1913 and had a UAL seniority date of 28 December 1918. Please get a card off to me privately at the above address or send it to me by company mail - Bill Arnott, DENUY. Any UAL or RUPA get together is a good place to gather signatures. Put on "Happy Birthday to "Ole" #1, E. Hamilton Lee". I need the signatures by the fifth of April. I took Ham out to breakfast last saturday. He likes to ride in the car but is mad at the Calif Highway Patrol since they took his driver's license away last year. He will not use a seat belt. "That's what you use on an airplane and we're not in an airplane", he would say! When he walks, he's slow but confident! He loves to eat, does not talk very much and will not go anywhere unless he has a g cigar hanging out of his mouth with at least two s p a r e s in his shirt pocket! --------------- Bill Arnott
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27 August 1993 Dear Chuck, I am remiss in not having written you earlier but now that I don't use my typewriter so much I have kept busy with summer activities and fixing broken items. Anyway, you are to be congratulated in performing a superb job on your first issue of TARPA TOPICS. It is much more professional looking than what I put out. Henceforth, you will probably get more input from the TARPA members. I think it is a real pity we can't get more to write of their experiences for so many would be very interesting. Maybe next issue you could put in a note for me that I sincerely appreciate all the thank you letters and phone calls I have received from a lot of people. Although it is a lot of work, you will enjoy being editor and I appreciate your assuming the task. Sorry to learn you and Georgeann will not be on the cruise. I really enjoy these reunions being able to see acquaintances of my 34 years with TWA plus some I knew beforehand. Take care and keep in touch. Best to you both,
A. T. Humbles
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September 30, 1993 Dear Chuck: So far this year it has been a busy one with lots of travel and other activities. This included the Seniors Club AGM at STL in late May, a week driving through the mountains west of Reno and north of the Truckee area, then a ten day tour of the Canadian Rockies with a Seniors group. This started from Seattle and return by delux motor coach. We were with a TWA Seniors tour of Russia for 17 days in August, aboard a cruise ship from Moscow to St. Petersburg. It was a very scenic and interesting trip and quite a change from one my wife made twenty years ago, in 1973. Then the police and military were very much in evidence and touring a church was taboo - just the opposite from what we saw today. However, since August the unstable and volatile new Russian state under Yeltsin has been in deep trouble. They have been experiencing a 20% or more monthly inflation rate (and a 67% increase in crime) for the past two years. The exchange rate was 1,000 rubles for a dollar in August, yesterday it was 1,300. I was sorry to miss the TARPA convention but the timing was the same when my olde B-25 outfit from the Mediterranean days held their annual reunion. Hard to believe it was fifty years ago last spring when I (along with Max Morris) first reported as a replacement pilot to the group while they were stationed on Cape Bon, Tunisia. This was held in Portland, OR, and shortly after returning home I got together with my surgeon with regard to an operation for a spot on the right lung. This was discovered via a CAT-Scan (not the usual X-Ray) test and a biopsy showed it was benign. However, to be on the safe side, the nodule was removed by a special process and examined very carefully while I continued to sleep. If it still proved benign and no problems observed in the affected area then no further action by the physicians - otherwise a full lung operation right then and there. Fortunately, no further problems although I was in "expensive care" for awhile and am still sporting a very sore shoulder and chest area. It was a sad note to read where my favorite all time aviator, Gen. James Doolittle, passed away on September 27th. The group I reported to had quite a number of his fellow "Doolittle Raiders" as squadron commanders and in group operations. Besides the crews on the mission there were a number of reserve crews and technicians who were aboard the carrier Hornet. He was a frequent visitor until he was transferred to England and headed the 8th Air Force. I will never forget the first time I saw Doolittle when he flew into out field at Cape Bon - it was a rectangular shape runway to facilitate formation takeoffs - he landed on the short direction of the rectangle! My best regards,
Ed Betts
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8-27-93 Hi Chuck—Don't know where the summer faded-but how time flies when_ _ _! The enclosed picture was taken at OSH with Bob Herendeen in front of his Glasspar III. His performance "stole the show" as I saw it! I'll try to get a print ready copy or a small diskette to you of another vignette from bygone days. I'm still at KV Med Center on M-W-F & teaching a "Human Factors in Air Transportation" at Central Missouri State U.-- one day a week. Also conducting seminars on occasion for the FAA, corporate pilots, small carriers & military (Brazilian A.F. & U.S. Army Aviators - not pilots). Subject there is "Human Factors in Cockpit Resource Management" using the airline career & shrink training as psychologist. You've taken on a mammoth task - if stress gets too great — my couch fees are "free to friends". Regards always, Walt
Bob Herendeen & Walt Gunn at Oshkosh
NOTICE! Any crew member of the ICD Operation who may still have log books or dispatch papers prior to August 14, 1945 showing Charles H. Knobler as a Flight Engineer. He would very much appreciate obtaining copies of such. Please send to: Charles H. Knobler 1521 Laurel Park Circle Atlanta, GA 30329 Phone: (404) 636-8752 Note: Charlie phoned the Editor and requested that this notice be placed in this issue of TOPICS in the hope that he can recover some of the paperwork relating to his days as a TWA crew member on ICD. Charlie left TWA to go with the FAA in 1946. He is a TARPA member....Ed. TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 117
TARPA GOES TO SEA IN '93 Hi Ho Chuck and Georganne: HEY MON ..... IT WAS A GREAT CRUISE MON .... See how easy it is to pick up their language ......just add a "MON" to the end of every word or sentence and there you have it. We were in double jeopardy tho'....the Captain of our cruise was Nor-weee-jun so all words began with a "Y"....like "Yumpin' Yimminy Yadies and Yentlemen .... Mon". BUT....unlike the cruise on the "Love Boat" where nobody left their cabin, on this one nobody left the dining room. It's hard to cut down to only 5 "squares" a day now... Our TARPA Convention on the Sovereign of the Seas was a huge success Chuck and Georganne, BUT .... you guys were really missed. Well, Georganne perhaps a little more than you Chuck. Anyway, your recent work on the TARPA TOPICS was beautifully acknowledged and the accolades kept coming and coming. No mention of money tho' .... just accolades.... Soon you'll be receiving a ton of material from many of the happy "Sea going" Convention group I'm sure, but in the meantime, I've enclosed a couple of pictures of some of the activities which you are free to use if you wish. Our Convention in '94 will be held in St. Louis and now that I know where you live, Fay and I will personally come and get you. If you need any additional info' on our recent Convention, such as our "Special Guests", Joe Montenaro and Larry Hecker please give me a call. If there is no answer we'll be at the "Bingo De-Tox Center". Sincerely,
September 21, 1993
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TOPICS MAILBOX,
cont'd.
Floyd L. Evans, Jr. 191 Locktown-Flemington Road Flemington, New Jersey 08822-9557 (908) 782-3000 FAX: (908) 996-6142 15 July 1 9 9 3
Dear Chuck, I have acquired some information regarding retired employee travel that may be of interest. When you mail in for reduced rate tickets the form says allow 15 days but the real time could exceed 30 days and the delay is because the very nice lady, (Joyce Schumacher) who runs the department really is the department and just can't keep up. TWA has obviously cut back everywhere for $$$ savings and this is one department hardest hit. This department address is: TWA Employee Travel TWA Employee Travel PO Box-20007 1500 Ambassador Dr. Kansas City, MO 64195-0007 Kansas City, MO 64153 UPS/FedExFone: (816) 464-6433 If you go to a ticket counter you have to plan on being there between passenger ticketing activity so that they have the staff and time to accommodate an employee. There is an employee ticket counter at JFK Hangar 12 that is open 1400-1900 Mon-Fri and is very competently staffed. It is the only place that I am aware of that will do actual refunds for tickets and, of course, there is a $5 per ticket fee for refunds. If you take tickets to a regular ticket counter for a refund they send them to Kansas City and you are better off to mail them yourself to: TWA Passenger Refund PO Box 2036450 Kansas City, MO 64195-03642 Retirees living in the New York area can use the JFK parking lot by calling Tony Commesso (718) 244-2742 giving him the dates you will be there. A temporary parking permit with these dates will be made up and the entrance guard will have it. The entrance guard house phone number is 718 244-2848. There is really a zinger in the travel privilege rules when the employee dies. If the employee was married prior to retirement and dies, then the spouse privileges continue for life on TWA routes only. If the employee marries after retirement then the spouse privileges will continue for one year only. Travel privileges for children will continue as long as they remain eligible under current TWA policy, however, their eligibility will never exceed the period to which the spouse is eligible. Remarriage or death of the spouse will revoke all privileges for children. Now comes the part that TARPA should try and get changed. The spouse and eligible children of deceased retirees holding Class 7R Lifetime Term Passes may retain such passes until the end of the calendar year in which the retiree's death occurs or 90 days, whichever period is longer, thereafter, Class 9 Term Passes will be issued. I flew for TWA for 35 years and I have been married to Diana for 34 years. If I died tomorrow then 1 Jan 94 her pass becomes Class 9 and we all know Class 7R is bad enough. Let me know what sort of feed back you get from this Class 9 for spouses and, if there is enough support, TARPA might be able to get that changed. A number of airlines allow full pass seniority retention upon retirement.
Fraternally,
TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 119
8 Crag Lane Levittown, N.Y. 11756 August 30, 1993
Capt. Chuck MacNab, Editor TARPA TOPICS 1865 Penny Royal Lane Wentzville, MO 63385-4302 Dear Chuck: The August 1993 TARPA TOPICS was splendid! Congratulations! I liked everything about it from the streamlined front cover to the "Last Laugh". I was particularly pleased with the new Contents page. It is a welcome addition. All the new Departments such as "Timely Topics" (keeping us up-to-date) "Eagles and Friends" (early TWA pictures, people and pieces) and the "Topics Mailbox" (stuffed full of interesting letters) are all fine additions to TARPA's already excellent TOPICS. All the other Departments were up to their usual high standards, particularly John Happy's "Grapevine" which is always newsey, breezy and `happy'. I really enjoyed Hank Gastrich 's excellent article "Old #105 ... She Did It Her Way." Yes a bad apple is found in many a barrel and it seems Old 105, for all her streamlined good looks and sexy wing-tip tanks, was one also. However, thanks to Hank's fine aeronautical obituary she will be remembered long after her more tractable, triple-tailed sisters are totally forgotten. I am enclosing for your consideration another skit, "SAILOR" about William O. Davis, better known as "Sailor Bill".* An entire generation of crew members knew Sailor through his Wet Ditch, Chute Evacuation and Arctic Survival drills as well as his many classes and lectures involving flight safety. Also he was a great guy. His drills were practical and realistic back when "hands-on" training consisted of much more than reaching in a cabinet for another video cassette. I think these stories, all based on true incidents in Sailor's usually active and varied career, will bring back many memories. Very best regards,
* See "SAILOR" by Goldy Goldthorpe in TOPICS special features section.
HAGAR THE HORRIBLE
TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 120
The TWA Pilots Retirement Foundation, Inc.
PRESIDENT Capt. Fred G. Arenas 1622 Canterbury Court Arlington Hts., IL 60004 708-398-1331
VICE-PRESIDENT Capt. Harry Jacobsen 848 Coventry Street Boca Raton, FL 33487 407-997-0468
SECRETARY/TREAS. Capt. Robert R. Thompson 807 W. Hintz Road Arlington Hts., IL 60004 708-259-9718
TRUSTEE Capt. Robert D. Essaf 1095 Carteret Road Bridgewater, NJ 08807 201-526-0217
TRUSTEE Donald C. Ulrich 15 Circle Drive Algonquin, IL 60102 708-658-7581
September 24, 1993
Captain Chuck MacNab Newsletter Editor & Directory 1865 Penney Royal Lane Wentzville, MO 63385 Dear Chuck: We missed you at the Annual Convention. Everyone had an enjoyable time - even though there wasn't enough to eat or drink. I am enclosing the Report presented at the Convention, concerning the TWA Pilots Retirement Foundation, Inc. You will note that I predicted a diminished "nest egg" for the end of the 1993 operation. I have predicted this problem for the last four years. The TARPA Members again proved me wrong. By the end of the cruise, the Foundation had been presented with $910.00 from the horse racing winnings; $35.00 from the hat auction, $104.00 from T-shirt sales; and $920.00 in checks from TARPA Members. TARPA TOPICS plays a large roll in reminding the membership of the Foundation's presence and needs. See you in St. Louis. Sincerely,
Robert R. Thompson, Secretary/Treasurer TWA Pilots Retirement Foundation RRT:jaa Enclosures cc: Richard A. Davis, S/T TARPA P.S. You can use any part of the above or all of the above in context or out of context in conjunction with reporting cruise events. TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 121
September 7, 1993
Chuck MacNab Editor TARPA TOPICS 1865 Penny Royal Lane Wentzville, MO 63385 Dear Chuck: I received your note requesting a copy of our Retired Pilots Association Newsletter along with a copy of Tarpa Topics. I do receive Topics as a Tarpa member. I've enclosed recent copies of our F.T.E.A. You're already doing a great job as the new Editor. Your new format and appearance is very good and is an inspiration. We are just in the process of attempting similar wonders. Our computer/printer, etc. is new and our Sandy is in process of mastering it all. We're still in the enviable position of USAir, Inc. printing and mailing our newsletter and so we aren't pushing too fast.
The best of luck to you in your new venture. Sincerely,
Capt. Frank Petee, Secretary FP/sj Enclosures
TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 122
September 20, 1993 Capt. Charles E. McNab Editor, TARPA Topics 1865 Penny Royal Lane Wentzville, MO 63385 Dear Chuck: You gave me a tough nut to crack! I thought I had kept all of my Master Copies but extensive searching has not turned up the issues which would be of most interest to you, viz: On Ham Lee: On Jepp:
April 1992 & Sep. 1992 Dec. 1992 & Sep. 1992
I have enclosed the Master Pages from June 1992, & April 1993. These are really follow up articles on the previously written main pieces. We do "hard bind" our issues at the end of each year. It is from the hard bound copy that I found the dates of the important articles. These primary pieces included interesting photographs of Lee and Jeppesen. I could mail you my hard bound copy but it would be difficult to Xerox. If you would like to get the pictures of Lee on his 100th celebration, write to Capt. Bill Arnott, 1120 Camino del Sur, San Dimas, CA 91773. For Jepp, write to him: Capt. Elrey Jeppesen, 37 Sedgwick Drive, Englewood, CO 80110. Sorry I could not be more helpful. I have excerpted two items from TARPA TOPICS, with credits. Feel free to use anything from RUPA. Fraternally,
Sylvanus J. Devine Editor, RUPA NEWSLETTER
NEWSLETTER EDITOR S. 1. DEVINE 706 CASA BONITA COURT LOS ALTOS, CA. 94024 (415) 948-9255
TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 123
October 12, 1993 Charles E. MacNab, Editor TARPA TOPICS 1865 Penny Royal Lane Wentzville, MO 63385 Dear Chuck: Thank you for your recent note offering to continue sending copies of Tarpa Topics to RAPA. Yes indeed! I would like to continue receiving a copy and have directed that our Editor of RAPA RAPPORT forward information to you that you may wish to publish. New issues continually come up in retirement that we never thought to address during our years of negotiating labor contracts. Our best opportunities for addressing some of those issues are to share information among the pilot retirement groups. And, of course, we are all interested in the activities of our fellow senior pilots. Please forgive the delay in answering your note. I've been away for some weeks and on return have been preparing for the RAPA convention in Las Vegas, Nov. 1 through 4. In the event you have not received notice of our convention, I am enclosing information on it. Fraternally yours,
Lamont (Shad) Shadowens President RAPA Lws/kk encl.
Ed. note: Unfortunately, Shad's notice of the RAPA Convention would get to TARPA members too late for them to attend as TOPICS is not mailed until 1 November. TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 124
(H) DURLIN, BARBARA M R S .
( A ) MONTANARO, J. A. CAPT.
9229 MANOR ROAD
11 LOCKHAVEN CT.
LEAWOOD, KS 66206
LAKE SAINT LOUIS MO 63367
913-649-3807
(GORDON H.)
314-625-4618
(IRENE)
(A) GEORG, PETER CAPT. (A) CARLSON, R. J. CAPT.
19 LEDGE RD.
9484 N. 114 th WAY
MANTIC CT 06357
SCOTTSDALE AZ 85259
203-739-9213
(JUDITH) 602-391-3958
(JILL)
(A) WOODRUFF I I I , HENRY S. C A P T . 7 FERN LANE
(A) MURPHY, WILLIAM A. CAPT.
HANOVER NH 03755
6 SANDPIPER DR. HACKETTSTOWN NJ 07840-3033
603-795-2832
(NANCY) 908-852-8132
(JACKIE)
(R) FOX, JOHN R. F/E HGR 1, BOX 17 (A) FRAZIER, ROBERT CAPT. LAKE PLEASENT NY 12108-9701
RR 2 BOX 558 TEMPLE NH 03084-9716
518-548-5397
(JOAN) 603-878-2112
(BARBARA)
(C) HOWSON, GEORGE C A P T . 218 HIGHLAND AVE. PIEDMONT CA 94611-3710
(R) MALASKY, CHESTER W. CAPT 7 WOODS HILL DR. ST.CHARLES MO 63303
314-928-6009 (R) ELLIOTT, CHARLES A. CAPT 1504 GETTYSBURG LANDING ST. CHARLES MO 63303-8401
314-928-3505
(ARLENE)
We try to publish according to the information we have at press time. Our humble apologies for any inaccuracies or discrepancies. Please send corrections to Sec/Treas Dick Davis and/or TOPICS Ed. Chuck MacNab. Our Thanks...Ed. TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 125
ADDRESS CHANGES & CORRECTIONS
(R) ATKINS, RICHARD E. PO BOX 1065
CAPT.
FAIRFFIELDBAY AR 72088 501-884-4163
(R) BANKS, EMMETT E. CAPT. 10 INDIANA CIRCLE #7211 HARLINGEN, TX 78552-4625
(GWENDOLYN) 210-428-5127
(R) BECKNER, RICHARD R. CAPT. 857 OAKWOOD DR.
(BILLIE)
(R) BERRY, CHARLES A. CAPT. 11813 SUMMIT ST. KANSAS CITY, MO 64114-5575
MELBOURN FL 32940 (CONNIE)
816-942-8999
(H) BISSONETTE, BETTY MRS. 22 VIA SANTA MARIA SAN CLEMENTE CA 92672-9416
(RILEY)
(R) CAMPBELL, Jr., V. R. CAPT. PO BOX 219 BROWNS VALLEY, CA 95918-0219 916-742-1921
(ALDEE)
(A) DAVIS, THEODORE A. CAPT. 190 BIG OAK ROAD STAMFORD, CT 06903
(DORIS)
(R) BYBEE, JOHN S. CAPT. 2616 SAKLAN INDIAN DRIVE, #1 WALNUT CREEK, CA 94595
510-938-3492
(GINNY)
(A) CLEGG, Jr., WILLIAM E. CAPT. P.O. BOX 339 ETNA NH 03750-0339
603-795-2832
(KATHY)
(E) DIO GUARDI, ORESTES J. CAPT. 2114 FLEET LANDING BLVD. ATLANTIC BEACH FL 32233-7521
203-329-2329 904-241-7800 (R) FRAWLEY, JOSEPH P. FIE PO BOX 247
(FRANCES)
(H) FRAZEY, PANSY MRS. 9705 MONROVIA, APT. 301
GROVELAND, CA 95321
LENEXA, KS 66215-1500 209-962-5578
(ALMA) 913-541-8231
(JOHN)
We try to publish according to the information we have at press time. Our humble apologies for any inaccuracies or discrepancies. Please send corrections to Sec/Treas Dick Davis and/or TOPICS Ed. Chuck MacNab. Our Thanks...Ed. TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 126
ADDRESS CHANGES AND CORRECTIONS
(R) GALLAGHER, JR, JOSEPH V. CAPT.
(E) GEROW, EUGENE CAPT.
305 NOBLESS NEUVE YAMATE I
PO BOX 1349
YOKOHAMA
TROUT CREEK MT 59874-1349
JAPAN 231 011-45-664-1649 (E) HINCKS, LYLE R. CAPT.
(R) KINKEAD, WILLIAM R. CAPT.
96 PLANDOME CT.
PO BOX 1448
MANHASSET NY 11030-1403
203-377-6087
(DORIS)
TUBAC AZ 85646
602-398-2364
(MARGARET)
(A) KLOMPUS, E. STUART CAPT. 417 S. ROSS MADDOX RD.
(E) KNOBLER, CHARLES H. FIE 1521 LAKE PARK CIR.
PEARCY AR 71964
ATLANTA GA 30329
501-767-5003
(MARY) (GEORGIA)
(R) KOCH, DAVID H. CAPT. (E) KULP, CLARENCE E. CAPT.
216 LOS PADRES DR.
1690 S SARNOFF DR. THOUSAND OAKS CA 91361-1333
702-435-6066
TUCSON, AZ 85710
(JOAN) 602-886-7158
(BETTY JEAN)
(R) LASSWELL, L. LEE CAPT. 7554 ELKHORN MOUNTAIN
(E) LLOYD, BERNARD M. CAPT. 3534 PLEASENT VIEW DR.
L1TTLETON CO 80127
CASTLE ROCK CO 80104
303-933-4282
(VIRGINIA)
(E) MANGUS, J. EDWARD FIE
(R) McKINNEY, DONALD E. CAPT.
10955 79th AVE.
27531 BIG SPRINGS RANCH RD.
PEORIA AZ 85345
HEMET, CA 92544
(HELEN)
909-925-4309
We try to publish according to the information we have at press time. Our humble apologies for any inaccuracies or discrepancies. Please send corrections to Sec/Treas Dick Davis and/or TOPICS Ed. Chuck MacNab. Our Thanks...Ed.
ADDRESS CHANGES & CORRECTIONS
(H) McNAUGHTON, WANDA MRS.
(S) PROCTOR, JON M R .
6500 N. COSBY AVE. #377
PO BOX 968
KANSAS CITY, MO 64151-3961
SANDPOINT ID 86834
(EARL) (H)
RAMEY,
CHRISTINE
MRS.
208-265-5951 (A) REID, WILLIAM J. CAPT.
45 SELBOURNE ROAD WOOD GREEN
2062 POLO GARDENS DR., #302
LONDON N22 4th
WEST PALM BEACH FL 33414-2008
ENGLAND 081-888-0376
(HAROLD) 305-230-0094
(R) RICHARDS, HOWARD E. CAPT. 7404 DEL CIELO WAY
(MARILYN)
(E) ROUGE, JOHN K. F/E 1151 CNTY. RD. 7 - UNIT 114
MODESTO CA 95356-8850
209-527-8042
(SUE)
R) SCARBOROUGH, JOHN CAPT.
LEADVIT.TF, CO 80461-9200
719-486-2514
(PATRICIA)
(R) SCHNEBELT, EUGENE L. C A P T .
9 BROAD ST.
1259th AVE.
STONINGTON CT 06378
SUMMERLAND KEY FL 33042
407-267-8239?
(KATHERINE)
(H) SCHULTE, KATHRYN MRS.
305-745-8807
(JANE)
(R) SCHULTZ, PHILLIP S. C A P T .
79 SANDPIPER WAY
PO BOX 3286
BOYNTON BEACH FL 33463-7378
RANCHO SANTA FE, CA 92067
407-478-1664
(JOE)
(R) SMITH, LEO M. CAPT.
619-756-5565
(R) SOLLMANN, ROBERT E. CAPT.
22770 S. TAMIAMI TRL. #116
20835 HIGHWAY 104 S
ESTERO FL 33928-2311
LEXINGTON TN 38351
602-585-3510
(HENNY)
(BETTY)
314-372-5132
(NOLA)
We try to publish according to the information we have at press time. Our humble apologies for any inaccuracies or discrepancies. Please send corrections to Sec/Treas Dick Davis and/or TOPICS Ed. Chuck MacNab. Our Thanks...Ed. TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 128
ADDRESS CHANGES & CORRECTIONS
(E) SPERRY, GLENN H. F/E 25550 FAIRWAY DUNES CF., FAIRWAY BONITA SPRINGS MFL 33923
813-992-1483
(R) STEVENS, LARRY M. CAPT. 7425 E. GAINEY RANCH RD. SCOTTSDALE AZ 85258
(JOY)
(R) SULLIVAN, ARTHUR J. CAPT. 567 OCEAN BLVD. UNIT #203 HAMPTON NH 03842
(PAULINE) (H) SWAYNE, RUTH MRS. 1213 LONG MEADOWS DR., #201 LYNCHBURG VA 24502-5200
603-926-2939
(LAURA)
(R) TROJAN, ROBERT W. CAPT. PO BOX 4471 INCLINE VILLAGE NV 89450
702-832-0154
(LONNA)
(R) VAN ANDEL, JOHN H. CAPT. 3131 S.W. MARTIN DOWNS BLVD. -STE PALM CITY FL 34990
804-239-1396
(HOWARD)
(R) TUCCI, BERNARD CAPT. 9053 BAYBURY LN. WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33411-1889
407-689-6784
(DOROTHY-
(R) WEISS, JOHN B. CAPT. 2339 VICTORY RD. SPRING HILL, KS 66083
(LINDA) 913-686-2444 (A) WINCHESTER, JAMES R. CAPT. P.O. BOX 6426 INCLINE VILLAGE, NV 89450-6426
(GLORIA)
(R) YATES, KEITH E. CAPT. 100 POOLE PL. OLDSMAR FL 34677-2350
702-786-4007
(MARTHA)
(R) ZIMMERMAN, WILLIAM A. IRO 8533A S.W. 92nd STREET OCALA, FL 34481-9229
PLEASE NOTE: BEGINNING WITH THE FEBRUARY 1994 ISSUE OF TARPA TOPICS, Bob Widholm will be organizing the information for the FLOWN WEST Section. Please forward all material connected with FLOWN WEST to: Capt. Robert W. Widholm, 286 Bow Line Drive, Naples, FL 33940. Phone: (813) 261-3816.
We try to publish according to the information we have at press time. Our humble apologies for any inaccuracies or discrepancies. Please send corrections to Sec/Treas Dick Davis and/or TOPICS Ed. Chuck MacNab. Our Thanks...Ed. TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 129
Since we don't publish again until February, this is our only chance to say 'HAPPY HOLIDAYS' to all ...we enclose the following for your merriment. CHRISTMAS IN FLORIDA 'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town, No roses were frozen, no snow fluttered down. No children in flannel were tucked into bed, For all wore shorty PJ's instead. In front of most houses were Daddies and Moms, Stringing up lights on crotons and palms. To find wreaths of holly was not very hard, For holly grows in most every yard. The kids in their beds were all dreaming with glee, of finding new water skis under the tree. They knew that Santa was well on his way, In a shiny red sports car -- instead of a sleigh. He zoomed up the highway, then into each road, His snappy red car piled high with his load. At each house he appeared and hurried his work, He hadn't a moment to linger or shirk. As he jumped from the car, he gave a deep chuckle, He was dressed in Bermudas with an Ivy League buckle. There weren't many chimneys -- but that caused no gloom, For Santa came in through the Florida room. Before he departed -- he treated himself, To a glass of orange juice left on the shelf. Then he turned with a bounce and leaped into his car, Remembering he still had to go very far. Turning the key and lighting up the dash, Up I-95 he went in a flash. And we heard him exclaim - -as he went through Palm Bay, "MERRY CHRISTMAS, Y'ALL! I WISH I COULD STAY!"
TARPA TOPICS NOVEMBER 1993 PAGE 130