GRAPEVINE
by John Happy
TARPA CONVENTION '94
NOVEMBER 1994
Pictures Reports More Pictures
THE ACTIVE RETIRED PILOTS ASSOCIATION OF TWA
EDITOR'S REMINDER The new publishing schedule will begin in 1995. The first issue will be published in March. Deadline for material will be February 1. Subsequent issues will be published in July and November with deadline dates the first of the month prior to the month of publication(June 1 & October 1). Please try to get me your publication material as much before deadline as possible. Thanks again for your cooperation.
TARRA
TOPICS THE MAGAZINE OF THE ACTIVE RETIRED PILOTS ASSOCIATION OF TWA* DEPARTMENTS
FEATURE ARTICLES TARPA '94 CONVENTION Special Section
11
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Dave Davies, Pres.
TARPA AWARD OF MERIT Capt. Raymond fuller Rowe
43
SECRETARY-TREAS. REPORT Dick Davis, Sec-Treas. 5
47
EDITOR'S DESK Chuck MacNab
7
51
FLOWN WEST by bob Widholm
55
HOWARD'S CHRISTMAS by Chuck MacNab
59
HEALTH COLUMN by bob Garrett
63
ADAM & EVE ON A RAFT by Goldy Goldthorpe
93
TARPA TOURS by Chuck Hasler
69
97
GRAPEVINE by John Happy
73
TOPICS MAILBOX
101
HAROLD NEUMANN... by Walt Gunn FROM THE DESK OF... by Ed Betts
"OLE 386" - N1945 by Dick Davis
NEW MEMBERS
3
111
Material contained in TARPA TOPICS may be used by non-profit or charitable organizations. All other use of material must be by permission of the Editor. All inquiries concerning this publication should be addressed to: Capt. Charles E. MacNab, Editor TARPA TOPICS 1865 Penny Royal Lane Wentzville, MO 63385
Cover...Captain Raymond fuller Rowe 1994 TARPA Award of Merit designee.
TOPICS is an official publication of TARPA*, a nonprofit corporation. Editor bears no responsibility for accuracy or unauthorized use of contents.
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 1
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: GRAPEVINE EDITOR: HISTORIAN & CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: FLOWN WEST COORDINATOR: HEALTH & MEDICAL COORDINATOR: TARPA TOURS COORDINATOR:
Charles E. MacNab, 1865 Penny Royal Lane, (314) 327-1999 Wentzville, MO 63385-4302 John T. Happy, Nine East Lake Drive, Haines City, FL 33844-9320 (813) 439-2223 Edward G. Betts, 960 Las Lomas, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (310) 454-1068 Robert W. Widholm, 286 Bow Line Drive, Naples, FL 33940 (813) 261-3816 B. H. "Bob" Garrett, 1008 Gen. George Patton Road, Nashville, TN 37221 (615) 646-3248 William C. "Chuck" Hasler, 8 Rustic Way San Rafael, CA 94901 (415) 454-7478
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. 1994 / 1995 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, Fl 33487 DIRECTOR , TOPICS EDITOR 1865 Penny Royal Lane, Wentzville, MO 63385-4302 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 CHARLES E. MACNAB (314) 327-1999 WILLIAM A. KIRSCHNER (702) 588-4223 FRED G. ARENAS (708) 398-1331 JOHN P. DONLAN (813) 461-4721
NOTHING REPLACES GOOD JUDGEMENT ON THE FIRING LINE TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 2
DAVID M. DAVIES 233 S.E. Rogue River Highway Grants Pass, Oregon 97527 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE I wish to thank the membership for electing me to serve as your president for the 94-95 year. It is an honor and a privilege to do so. As stated somewhere in the TARPA constitution the primary purpose of TARPA is to promote socialization and we will endeavor to do just that. The St. Louis convention is now in the history books and it will take its place as one of the great ones. I wish once again to thank John & Patti Gratz for a very fine time. As a personal thing I especially liked the music, from the lobby of the hotel, to the cookout, to the banquet. It was just great. The chairman with his battle cry of getoutofmyway " , now gives way to the Chairman with the battle cry "follow me!" The San Francisco event promises to be another happening for the memory book so come join us, you won ' t regret it. The financial future for TARPA was in need of some correction if we were to maintain an acceptable position of solvency so the following action was taken. A budget was established that assured the spending would not exceed the income. In addition, at the general meeting in St. Louis the publishing of the TOPICS was changed from four issues a year to three. This change also provided the editor with some breathing room. This schedule is on an evaluation basis and subject to review. In addition the membership approved a dues increase to $30/yr. That increase was not implemented with the dues notice sent out. The scrunch of time from the convention to the secretary mailing the notices was too short for the change over to take place. The new budget and change in the number of TOPICS issues may not make it necessary. Larry Hecker, V.P. Flt. Ops. gave a presentation during our business meeting in which he informed the TARPA members that all active employees will be assigned class 7A passes or better and therefore will be rated before 7R ' s. I assure you letters of protest in the strongest language possible will be sent to all Corporate officers, with any connection to this demotion of our pass status. As a final thought I would like to remind everyone that the convention plans as announced in the last TOPICS have been changed. The hotel site has been moved to Palo Alto, and as Convention Chairman Bill Kirschner says, "It's a tropical paradise".. Bill & Bobby Kirschner are in charge and they have some powerful help with co-chairs Ray Hallstein & Terry Rager. There will be more detailed info elsewhere in this issue. Please come and join us. The membership also voted to make the editor a member of the board of directors. Since Chuck MacNab is our editor he is also now a member of the board. Welcome to the TARPA Board of Directors. The company is looking for simulator instructors. Anyone interested should contact Captain Wendel Rone in the training center. Last but not least, One eye on the airspeed please!
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 3
GYPSY GRAM II Dear
Gypsy,1
The first "tongue in cheek" Gypsy-Gram produced three responses as to the date you folks change your mailing address. That is a 3.03% return. I had hoped for more! Beginning in 1995, the TOPICS will be published three times a year, (See convention minutes elsewhere in this issue), and this will require changing all ninety-nine computer records. The mailing dates, March, July and November should be of some help, as most of you do not shift location in those months. Fortunately the '95 dues envelopes will be coming along with this issue, and they have been designed with you in mind.. Please take the time to fill in your addresses and dates of change. You can bring your records up to date, pay your dues and allow me to get the information into the next Directory all for the same twenty-nine cent stamp. Bargains like this do not happen often!
Jump on it!!
Secretary/Treasurer
1 Term created by Joe McCombs for TARPA members with two addresses.
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 4
Richard A. Davis 449 Santa Fe Dr., #200 Encinitas, CA, 92024 Secretary
/
Treasurer
Report
The recent convention in St. Louis produced some notable The TOPICS will now be issued three changes in our organization. times a year instead of four, and the Directory every other year. This was done to halt the drain on our treasury. Some background for the members actions is in order. In the mid 1950's, TWA expanded rapidly, and a great number of crew Most of these people were members were added to the seniority list. WWII veterans, and were all in the same age bracket. In the mid 80's a wave of retirements took place, as many as two hundred a year. In 1992 , 414 !! This surge is now impacting TARPA ! We have more and more of our members becoming Eagles. They, and the surviving wives, are exempt from paying any dues under our ByLaws. (Many still do). Their number now amounts to 27% of our membership. If TARPA were a four engined aircraft, one of our engines is feathered! With ever increasing expenses, paper, printing and the threatened postal increase, our load is putting us in a drift down condition. The result is predictable and inevitable. We must dump fuel or otherwise lighten ship ! Another facet considered was the work load on our Editor, Capt. Chuck MacNab. TARPA's single engine aircraft is running at METO power. Producing the quality magazine that we now enjoy, is a full time, one man job. Three issues a year will enable the Editor to push his seat back, and look out the window occasionally. Check elsewhere in this issue for the convention minutes, and another Gypsy-Gram. Oh yes -- The dues are due ! ! ! !
R.A.Davis Secretary/Treasurer
TARPA TOPICS. NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 5
An envelope has been provided in the packaging of this issue for your convenience.
Dues are payable by January 1, 1995. Please be
sure to include your payroll number. If you use two addresses it is imperative you include both addresses and the dates you change, as our computer must be reprogrammed to accept the new issue dates. There is space on the envelopes for this information.
No Membership Cards will be issued. Your mailing label will show the year that you are current in parenthesis after your name. (R) CAPT. JOHN DOE (95) 449 SANTA FE DR. #200 ENCINITAS, CA, 92024 A number (99) indicates Eagle or Honorary status and not required to pay dues.
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 6
• EDITOR'S DESK • John Happy has decided to pass the editorship of the GRAPEVINE section to Hank Gastrich, so this is the last edition where John's byline appears. We all owe him a great debt of gratitude for reasons too numerous to mention. Frankly, GRAPEVINE makes the TOPICS Editor's work a lot easier. Plus, it sure is nice to have another perspective. John's unique sense of humor added a lot of spice and flavor which every membership publication desperately needs, especially these days. Good luck in whatever you decide to do now, John, and if the itch to edit creeps back into your life, take two aspirin and...call me immediately! 'Thanks, Hank, for picking up the gauntlet! From now on....please send all material for the GRAPEVINE section to the new GRAPEVINE Editor: CAPT. HENRY E. "HANK" GASTRICH 2480 Hilton Head Pl., #2145 El Cajon, CA 92019- 4458 Phone: (619) 588-2578 It is disappointing to hear that TWA management has agreed, during current employee negotiations, to reduce pass priorities for all retired employees. Apparently, and this is still not officially confirmed, all current TWA employees will board ahead of ANY retiree, regardless of years of service. Also, it is our understanding, that health care benefits will be negatively impacted for those still using TWA plans, by terms agreed to between TWA management and current employee representatives. I have a request in with TWA management to send me information about any changes in policy regarding these subjects but as of press time they have not responded. As most who attended the '94 Convention know, the membership voted to go to three issues a year. (See the convention minutes by Dick Davis elsewhere in this issue.) This schedule will enable us to maintain the high quality of TOPICS. Beginning in 1995, TOPICS will be published in March, July and November. Deadline for submission of material for publication will still be the 1st of the month prior to the month of publication. In other words, Feb. 1st is the deadline date for the March edition, etc. Also, with the new publish' ing schedule the editor s life will be a bit more "normal" ... whatever that is! I had hoped that, at some point during the Convention, I could personally thank everyone who has worked so hard to contribute material for our publication. However, the busy Convention schedule proceeded to take up all the time and I just wasn't able to manage the connections ... In fact, I didn't even get to see everyone. But CONVENTION '95 is coming up before we know it and, with it, an opportunity to make amends. Until then ... thanks, everybody, for the support. Keep sending your "stuff."
7
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NOVEMBR194
TARPOICS
The Active Retired Pilots Association of TWA St. Louis, Missouri Board Meeting Minutes Meeting called to order at 1815 CDT, President Davies presiding. Board members in attendance were : D.M.Davies, President: C.M.Schmidt, 1st VP: R.C.Sherman, 2nd VP: R.A.Davis, SIT: H.A.Jacobson, Sr. Director: Director: J.P.Donlan, Ex-President. Also present were W.A.Kirschner, Convention Chairman, J.P.Gratz and E.R Green, Convention Site Chairman. Budget approved as submitted by President Davies in letter of 18 August, 1994. Discussion of placing the TOPICS Editor on the board of directors as requested by Charles MacNab. Requires membership vote. No action taken. Discussion of Financing the 27% of membership that are non-paying. Considered lowering the 55 year floor for Active (A) membership. Charging Eagles a fee. No action taken. Discussion of changing the 1995 Convention site to Palo Alto, CA. Approved. Approved. Discussion of Boston, MA, as the convention site for 1996. Meeting adjourned at 1925 CDT
Secretary / Treasurer TARPA The Active Retired Pilots Association of TWA St. Louis, Missouri September 8, 1994 Convention Minutes Convention called to order at 0730 CDT at the Adams Mark Hotel, President Davies presiding. President Davies, 1st VP Schmidt and 2nd VP Sherman gave short welcoming comments. Convention chairman Gratz outlined some minor changes to the Programs. (Effects of the baseball strike. Secretary Treasurer Davis gave financial report. Motion by J. Donlan to publish TOPICS three issues a year, and the Directory every other year to arrest the drain on the treasury. Motion by E. Heinrick to delay vote until next day. Passed. Site chairman E.Green discussed reasons for changing the San Francisco convention site to Palo Alto. Convention Chairpersons will be Bill & Bobbi Kirschner. with Ray Hallstein and Terry Rager as Co-Chairmen.
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 8
Tour Director Chuck. Hassler discussed the Reno Air Race trip to follow the 1995 convention. Berkely Insurance representative, Tim Crowley, discussed supplemental programs available. Hal Miller discussed the future of the TWA health plan should the company declare bankruptcy. Joe Montenaro presented the state of the DAP, ("B" Plan) and answered questions from the floor. Meeting recessed at 0930 CDT. Meeting reconvened at 0730 CDT, 9 September, 1994 Motion by A. T. Humbles to publish the TOPICS four times a year, and the Directory every other year, letting the treasury deplete. Defeated. Motion by John Gratz to publish the TOPICS three times a year, the directory unchanged. Withdrawn,. Original motion by Jack Donlan, three issues a year and the Directory every other year. Passed Bob Widholm explained the duties of the Flown West Coordinator and read the list of deceased since the last convention. Racheal Marvin, President of the TWA Clipped Wings, offered the help of that organization in any way needed. Bob Thompson reported on the state of "The TWA Pilots Retirement Foundation, Inc. Larry Hecker, VP Flight Operations discussed the state of the company, and recent pass privilege changes. Motion by Earl Heinrick to raise TARPA due to thirty dollars ($30.00) a year beginning in 1995. Passed Motion by Chuck MacNab to place the Editor of the TOPICS on the Board of Directors. Passed. (Required 2/3 vote) Motion by Jack Donlan to extend Honorary Membership to Mr. James Berger in recognition of his services to TARPA. Passed. Nominating committee presented the slate of officers for the following year. John Gratz was nominated from the floor for the office of president. He declined. The following were elected. President David M. Davies First Vice President Carl M. Schmidt Second Vice President Robert c. Sherman Secretary / Treasurer Richard A. Davis Editor Charles E. MacNab Senior Director Harry A. Jacobson Director Fernando G. Arenas William A. Kirschner Director Meeting adjourned at 0925 CDT.
R.A.Davis Secretary / Treasurer
TARPA TOPICS. NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 9
vs W/LSH/RE 5000 Total Return
DAP MOD. PORT. PERFORMANCE
TARPA
1994
Special
CONVENTION
Section
TARPA Convention 1994 will be a fond memory before long but, first we would like to record some of the highlights for posterity. As usual, two special ladies deserve immediate recognition, Betty Humbles and Katie Buchanan. They have been the cornerstones of many previous meetings and once again they came through. Betty Humbles had thirty volunteer helpers, but she seemed to be at her desk round the clock. Katie also had an outstanding group of 35 volunteers tending bar in the hospitality room but, she was their guiding light. We were especially fortunate to have Katie's beautiful silver Constellation model in a place of honor for all to admire. Katie has donated the wonderfully restored model to TARPA in memory of her husband the late Buck Buchanan. We hope to have it placed in the lobby museum of the TWA Charles A. Lindbergh Flight Training Center between TARPA conventions. The hospitality room was also decorated by five foot blowups of TWA ads from the old Saturday Evening Post. The originals were provided by retired TWAer Dan McIntyre. The blowups were courtesy of David Gratz, who also created a large welcome poster from the cover of the May issue of TARPA TOPICS. As you can see, hometown living has its advantages. We also had help from Michael, Johnny and Stephen Gratz. Once again we were served by a stalwart group of activity chairmen and one chairwoman. Cleone Gruber conducted a Bridge Tourney, Dick Faulds was in charge of Tennis, Glen Blevins took care of the Golf Program and John Callamaro kept track of the Trap/Skeet shooters. Participants enjoyed the competitions, but we were a bit short of players in the golf and tennis tourneys. Perhaps, we should consider carefully the downtrend in participation in recent years. Maybe one day of sports activities would be a better fit with our convention format, or maybe California will bring out TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 11
Candid
Camera
John & Pat Gratz
Lucille & Dave Davies
'94-'95 TARPA Board of Directors
Dick Davis Marcia Davis Carl Schmidt
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 12
TARPA 1994 CONVENTION...cont'd. more sports in 1995. Four hundred and nine people registered and attended the St. Louis Convention including members, wives and guests. Twenty seven others canceled their reservations because of unforeseen problems. Most people seemed pleased with the Adams Mark Hotel. The accommodations and facilities were first rate and the Rose Garden Room, our Hospitality Room, was spacious and provided a pleasant view of the Arch, Mississippi river and the parks. Seventy one people signed on for the Wednesday tour of the St. Louis Cathedral, History museum with its Lindbergh memorabilia and the Anheuser-Busch brewery. They learned a lot about St. Louis history. On Thursday, slightly less then one hundred and twenty enjoyed lunch in the Spink Pavilion of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Many compliments were made about the cuisine and the garden. That evening almost two hundred and seventy took a dinner-gaming cruise on the Alton Belle, from Alton, IL. By all accounts, it was a great outing. There was a lot of fun, but no big winners and no big losers. On Friday one hundred and fifty bussed out to Grant's Farm for some low key entertainment at the Anheuser-Busch homestead and animal preserve. As usual that tour ended with a chance to taste a variety of AB products. On Friday afternoon almost all TARPA people gathered at Kiener Plaza Park for the fly over of vintage TWA airplanes. After a year of ups and downs attempting to schedule and finance this extravaganza, it was a most happy occasion when it all came together. The TARPA executive committee had tentatively scheduled the "Save a Connie" Super G and Martin 404 before we were asked to chair TARPA Convention 1994. When we heard of this, it seemed like a good idea to reach out for some other "oldies". We asked around for a Ford Tri Motor and learned that their numbers are decreasing. First call to E.A.A. at Oshkosh led to an abrupt "no thanks" since they never before let it get away from the local area. A call to the Kalamazoo Aviation Museum proved successful. Letters were exchanged and for some months I worked on the DC-2. The Ford from Kalamazoo suddenly canceled and we were up the creek, high and dry, and out of luck. The DC-2 was a problem also. The Douglas Historical Foundation was unable to get enough financial support to buy liability insurance. That problem remained through the summer. I called an old friend Charlie Huttinger, former TACA MEC Chairman. I knew that he had connections in the antique, airshow, air race milieu and, sure enough, he put me back on the trail of the Oshkosh Ford Tri Motor. When serious talks resumed, EAA. asked if we would be interested in having a "Spirit of St. Louis" replica also. Sure we would, we said, if that meant we got the Ford. It took some weeks and some lobbying by other friends, but finally they agreed, for a handsome fee. We allowed that we didn't have the money yet but we were confident of our ability to get it. The problem with the DC-2 remained and we enlisted everyone possible to lobby McDonnell-Douglas for help. Finally, in August word came that after years of total neglect, McDonnell-Douglas offered to handle the insurance and help sponsor the DC-2 visit to St. Louis. As the convention drew near, a way to finance the "Spirit of St. Louis" and the Ford remained elusive until contact was made with the Members America Credit Union. They agreed to sponsor the Ford Tri Motor with a generous donation. TWA President Erickson helped us find a way to bring the "Spirit of St. Louis" and so everyTARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 13
Candid
Camera
A new paint job will do wonders!
Psst..Does the Horsey Bite??
Only $235,000 a month...rent! Let's see....that translates to 140,000% load factor....yep, it's doable!!
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 14
TARPA 1994 CONVENTION...cont'd. thing came together late in August. The fly over was arranged for the Cardinal-Dodger game on September 9. The loss of baseball kept us on hold for a while, but soon we bailed out and looked for a soft landing. We found one at Kiener Plaza Park, just north of Busch Stadium and just west of the Arch. It turned out to be a swell place to see those beautiful old planes fly in a clear blue sky, as they circled the shiny steel Arch, but it was not so good for hearing the TWA chorus and the Dixieland Ramblers Band. In spite of the drawbacks everyone had a lump in the throat and a swelling in the chest with the nostalgia and pride of our years flying those birds. A surprise finale the brand new, shiny red employee sponsored "Wings of Pride" MD-83 crossed above. That's serendipity. On Saturday morning two hundred and fifty of us got the chance to revisit the vintage aircraft up close. TARPA people were the first to visit the training center and the flight line. We were followed by over thirty thousand during the day. There were numerous booths offering information, sales kits, souvenirs and food. One could even have a picture taken professionally with a Budwieser Clydesdale horse. All in all it was a day to remember. The only thing left to do was to dress up and party. Exactly three hundred and ninety people attended the banquet on Saturday Night. After the usual announcements naming the winners and near winners of our sports, Captain Dick Conway spoke about 1994 Award of Merit designee Captain Ray Rowe. Captain Conway's presentation made us all remember what a great man Ray Rowe was and, what his contributions meant to TWA and the industry. President Davies introduced our newest TARPA Honorary member Mr. James Berger. Mr. Berger thanked TARPA and said he considered us as his extended family. The featured speaker was Captain Bill Compton, TWA MEC Chairman and Member of the TWA Board of Directors. Captain Compton's remarks were sobering but positive. He made a strong impression on everyone. The party, the convention and the gala anniversary weekend ended with the music of the twenty piece Sentimental Journey Dance Band. After more than fifteen years playing together, this outstanding group had more people dancing than at any previous convention. People even came in from other parties and danced on the carpet in back of the room. It was a perfect ending to a very happy gathering. For us it was, after months of worry, a total thrill to see it all come together and to see so many people enjoying themselves. We wouldn't want to do it again, but we 're glad to have had the chance to have you "Meet us and all your friends in St. Louis " . J. P. Gratz, Member P. J. Gratz, Wife
TARPA TOPICS. NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 15
Pam Angwin Bart Anderegg Bonnie Anderson Chuck Anderson Thomas W. Anderson Lucienne Baar Rutland Baar Evelyn Bainbridge Bill Bainbridge Jr. Donna Baker Jack Baker Arthur M. Barnes Grace A. Barnes Herbert Becker Jim Berger Charles Berry Doris Berry Joan Bertles Ray Bertles Donna Betts Ed Betts Al Biermann Gladys Biermann Chris Bjork Cliff Bjork Ford Blaney Jane Blaney Glen Blevins Jeanne Blevins George Borgmier Trudy Borgmier Gay Bowen Russell Bowen Erika Breslin Jim Breslin Pat Brower Bob Brower Eliese Brown Joe Brown Katie Buchanan Jeanne Butler Lee Butler Pat Callamaro John Callamaro Doris Cantrell Warren Cantrell Guy Capin Pat Capin Jane Carper Chris Carper Paul B. Carr Shirley Carr Terry Carroll Tom Carroll Dean Carter Kay Carter
CONVENTION '94 ATTENDEES Norm Caspersen Donna Emmerton Donna Caspersen John Emmerton Carol Cavanaugh Connie Erickson Ed Cavanaugh Wally Erickson Mary Chamberlin Alice Escola Roy W. Chamberlin Dick Escola Robert Christiansen Diana Evans Ruth Christiansen Floyd L. Evans Jr. Carole Clark Hubert G. Farrell Jack Clark Chris Faulds Jane Clark Dick Faulds John E. Clark Betty Jo Fetherman Jane Fiser Ruth E. Clark Chris Clark Jesse Fiser Harry Clark Dick Fishbaugh Anna Marie Colbert Dixie Fishbaugh Bill Compton Frank Fitzgibbon Dreena Compton Ed Flynn Virginia Converse Joan Flynn Anne Marie Conway Bob Garrett Dick Conway Albert Gigstad Dick Cooper Kathryn Gigstad Mary Cooper John Gilman Carol Cosby Claude Girard David Cosby Dorothy Girard Goldy Goldethorpe Martha Craft Steve Gratz Ray Craft Margaret Cruickshank John Gratz Richard Cruickshank Pat Gratz David Davies Mike Gratz Lucille Davies Dave Gratz Charles Davis Johnny Gratz Dick Davis Ev Green Marcia Davis Jessica Green Sylvia Davis Cleone Gruber Janet DeCelles Ed Gruber Larry Decelles Doris M. Hahn Ilse Dedman Gene Hahn Robert Dedman Patti Hallstein Uli Derickson Raymond Hallstein Russ Derickson John B. Hamlin June Dixon Sybil Hamlin Bill Dixon Bette Happy John Happy Barbara Donlan Ellie Harkins Jack Donlan James Harkins Joann Dufresne Jack Harpster Norman Dufresne Marie Harpster Lavonna Durham Chic Dyer Chuck Hasler Robert Elder Pat Hasler Janet Elkan Vic Hassler John Hatcher Jim Elkan Sally Hatcher Edward Elliott Larry Hecker Ginny Elliott Lucy Elliott Clare Hecker Windy Elliott Earl Heinrich TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 16
Frances Heinrich John Henricks Margaret Henricks Ted Hereford George Hinton Ken Hippe Nell Hippe Chuck Hoesel Mary Lee Hoffman Virgil Hoffman Colleen Hofmeister Howard Hofmeister Jackie Hooper Margaret Hubbard Lloyd E. Hubbard A.T. Humbles Betty Humbles Lyle Huntley Rosella Huntley Judy Hutchinson Idus A. Inglis Jeanne Inglus Jack Irwin Bonnie Irwin Don Jacobs Joy Jacobs Harry Jacobsen Marvel Jacobsen Wesley L. Jacobsen William Jarvis Kathryn M. Kastner Richard A. Kastner Art Kelly John Kidd Rae Kidd Pete Kiewel Ellie Kiewel Ed Kimball Uschy Rowe Kimball Bill Kirschner Bobbi Kirschner Helen Kleiner Richard Kleiner H.L. Klimt Pat Klimt Bud Kuball John Lakin Don Lamer Jan Lamer Bruce Lape Lanna Lape Vern Laursen Daniele Lein John Lein Arthur Leonard Celia Leonard
Convention attendees....cont'd James Lincoln Lillian Lincoln Bud Loury Oll ie Lowe Sim Lowe Marjorie Luckey Sam Luckey Al Lusk Mary Lusk Marge MacDonald Chuck Macnab Georganne Macnab Fred Mahler Gwen Mahler Rachel Marvin Robert Marvin Janet May Thad May Earlene McClure Robert L. McClure Jean McCombs Dan McIntyre Diane McIntyre James McIntyre Evy McKenzie Vern McKenzie Bill Merrigan Alice Miller Dean Miller Dorothee Miller Dottie Miller Hal Miller Janet Miller Kathleen Miller Roylee Miller William Miller Rick Molinario Sandra Molinaro Bob Montgomery Gladys L. Montgomery Patricia Morehead Walt Morehead Rufus Mosely Sam Mosely V. Robi Mueller Al Mundo Don Nealis Josie Nealis Stu Nelson Arlene Nelson Dorothy Nicolai Mario Nicolais Rosemary Nicolais Clyde Nixon Gem Noonan Fred Novinger Judith Novinger
Carol O'Connell Morrie O'Connell Blake Oliver Ellie Oliver Ole Olson Mickey Pahl Slim Pahl Julie Paradise Russ Parsly John Peek Don Peters Nancy B. Peters Lee Peterson Charles Peterson Mary Phillippi Joseph Pike Joy Pike Gale Polk Bill Polk Nancy Poole Tom Poole Bud Powell Marian Powell Buck Pratt Betty Rager Terry Rager Rosemary Reardon Matthew F. Reardon III Al Rehbock Gloria Rehbock Colleen Richards Gene Richards Sue Richards Del Richardson Rena Richardson Barbara Richter Jim Richter Vi Richwine Dave Richwine Donna Risting Mel Risting Judy Rizzo Mel Rodgers Nadine Rodgers Gil Roeder Wendell Rone Kletus Rood Lois Rood Frederick Rowe Arthur Ruhanen Pearl Ruhanen Dave Saaks Rhonda Saaks Peggy Schemel Barbara Schmidt Carl Schmidt Ray Schmidt
Ruth Schmidt Joe Schneider Max Schneider Gene Schumacher Henrietta Schumacher George Shank Michiko Shank Alice Sherman Bob Sherman Adele Sherwood Rita Simpkins Roy Simpkins Dusty Spain Cliff Sparrow Mary Sparrow Mark Spiegel Michel Spiegel Joe Stack Fran Stack Walt Stock Alice Strickler Charles Strickler Eileen Stright Tracy Stright Joan Tarbox William Tarbox Billy Tate Jane Tate Dave Taylor Lou Thomas Rose Marie Thomas Jean E. Thompson Marjorie Thompson Robert Thompson Van H. Thompson Margaret Thrush Bill Townsend Mickey Townsend Ron Trepas David Turner Ivan Turner Rose Turner Valerie Turner Craig Tynan Marilyn Tynan Polly Van Goor John Van Goor Albert VandeVelde Mary VandeVelde Ellie Waldo Walt Waldo Anita Walker Linda Wankel Scott Wankel Gloria Weiss Jack Weiss Jeannie Whisenhunt
Fay Widholm Robert Widholm Steve Wiese Lee Wildman Sue Wildman Jim Winchester Wolly Wollenberg Ben Young Didi Young Don Young Nell Young Lou Zimmerman Mary M. Zimmerman Robert K. Zimmerman
The Editor would like to acknowledge the following folks who sent in magnificent photos for this convention issue. My apologies if I missed anyone: Ed Betts Bob Christiansen Dick Davis Bill Dixon John & Pat Gratz Bill and Barb Kirschner Stu Nelson Lou & Rose Thomas Ivan & Rose Turner Anita Walker Bob & Fay Widholm
Special credit should go to Dan McIntyre who has allowed your editor to scan many items of interest from his private collection of TWA materials so that TOPICS might have a library of TWA art and graphics. Thanks Dan...and I'll return the stuff... (& get more) as soon as I get it into the computer!
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 17
Hey, I don't see a beer wagon anywhere in sight!
Ed Gruber & Dick Cooper
A trip to the Gardens
TARPA TOPICS. NOVEMBER 1994. Page 18
Vern Laursen & Buck Pratt
Katie Buchanan
DC-2 Crew
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 19
by Bill Dixon
he September TARPA convention in St. Louis will be tough to top. Co-chaired by John and Patti Gratz, and set in the elegant Adams Mark Hotel across from the soaring Gateway Arch, STL proved it was a wise choice for TWA's Hub and TARPA's meeting. Those already working on the 1995 extravaganza, scheduled for Palo Alto, California, promise another outstanding get-together. Palo Alto sits half-way between SFO and San Jose, and about an hour from the Pacific and the famous Monterey Aquarium. Nearby is Stanford, and some 20 minutes east is Great America Amusement Park, to mention but a few fascinating places within easy reach! All the tours arranged by Gratz and associates (too many persons to name here), were enthusiastically attended. The Missouri Botanical Garden tour lived up to its world famous reputation. This old city which, was the gateway to the western frontier, has become a cultural and entertaining city. It has shed its staid reputation, no doubt surprising many of the retired pilots who flew thru there. The Alton Belle Riverboat Casino offered an exciting Thursday evening. A buffet was followed by a mass attack on the slot machines, black jack tables (saw Betty Humbles trying her luck), craps, etc. No reports of big winnings, but lots of fun! The tour of Grant's farm on Sept. 9 drew a large group, but the highlight of the day was the TWA tailgate party and BBQ for employees and guests starting at 4 p.m. at Kiener Plaza, three blocks from the hotel. It included a fly-by of the Save-a-Connie Super G, and was the kickoff for the TWA anniversary weekend. This party, and the events of the following day at the STL Ground Operations Center, the hangar, and the Charles Lindbergh Training Center, were negotiated by Gratz to coincide with the TARPA convention. No words can convey the welcome we TARPA members received at the Training Center from Larry Hecker, Wendell Rone and his staff, including a continental breakfast and inspection of the facility. The old Link Trainer brought back nostalgic memories. From there we were bused to the line, where a hangar had been emptied and filled with booths, displays, and volunteers to help retirees and employees enjoy the open house. All this, plus the display of the Connie Super G, Martin 404, DC-2, and trimotor Ford, and several military jets, was overwhelming. Last, but not least, was the closing banquet. Bill Compton, MEC chairman and member of the TWA Board of Directors, gave a brief speech, sport winners were announced, and ballroom dancing took over. Among the guests were Robi Mueller, president of the TWA Seniors Club, and Rachel Martin, president of Clipped Wings Int'l. The final and principal activity, was friends getting reacquainted!
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 20
Claude & Dorothy Girard Al Mundo
A. T. Humbles Bob Widholm
"Goldy" & Julia Goldthorpe
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Bill Kirschner Bob Dedman
Bill & June Dixon Jane & Billy Tate
Walt Anita Walker
Morehad
Sylvia & Charlie "Black Dog" Davis
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Candid
Camera
John Gratz & "Major"
J.T. & Bette Anne Happy
"Official" Convention Photographers Bill Dixon - Chuck MacNab
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 23
1994
TARPA
Convention
in
St.
Louis
nother great TARPA Convention has gone by, John and Patti Gratz did a superb job. The hotel was beautiful, it's located on the river front in the shadow of "The Arch". Katie's "attitude adjustment room", which was open every day, had a great view of the arch and the river. They also ordered beautiful weather, I think it got up to 81 one day with not a cloud in the sky.
A
No one could complain of not having something to do. On Wednesday we had an interesting city tour which included seeing a beautiful cathedral with all it's mosaic work, the Missouri History Museum with a section on Lindbergh, and the Anheuser-Busch brewery with the beautiful Clydesdales, and of course a hospitality room. On Thursday, Vicki attended the large Missouri Botanical gardens and lunch and of course the gift shops were a big hit. We then boarded buses for Alton for dinner and a cruise on the Mississippi river to do a little gambling (I haven't heard of anyone making a large purchase so I assume that no one broke the bank). On Friday we had a tour of Grants Farm with its fence made from civil war rifle barrels, also many exotic animals and more Clydesdales. We were able to sample some of Anheuser-Busch products, and of course more gift shops. Then came the highlight of the convention, the tailgate party in the park across the street from the stadium. We did not miss the ballgame at all, with more of the sampling of Busch products and eating hot-dogs and bratwurst to the music of a Dixie Land band. When the fly by of the antique airplanes came, there was not a dry eye in the place. Saturday the tour of the training center and viewing the display of airplanes, brought back many memories. The banquet was Saturday night with a great band and good food. There was a speech by Bill Compton, (a member of the board of directors), culminating 4 days of seeing many friends, lying to each other, and having fun. Looking forward to seeing all of you next year in San Francisco. Thanks again, John and Patti
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 24
Candid
Camera
Model of Lockheed Constellation (Donated to TARPA by Katie Buchanan)
Georganne & Fran
Katie & Helpers
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 25
Candid
Camera
Ev Green Ron Trepas
Bob & Faye Widholm
Rachel Marvin (Pres Clipped Wings) & husband Robert
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 26
TARPA
RECEIVES
MODEL
CONSTELLATION
At the St. Louis convention TARPA was presented with a gift that went straight to the hearts of everyone present and I'm quite sure recalled to mind a host of fond memories. The tale of events is as follows. For $5.00, Dean C. "Buck" Buchanan came by this display model of the Connie via twin nephews, neighbors of the Buchanan Family in Costa Mesa, California. The twins retrieved the plane from the junk yard. After much loving care, thanks go to the following people for their part in restoring the model. The present props were custom machined by Gordon Speltz of Gardnerville, Nevada. Gordon has been a Buck Buchanan machinist for the Bently Nevada Corporation for 13 years and is also a commercial pilot and CFI with 1800 hours. Three of the original props were lost before Buck acquired the model. The wood base was hand crafted by Norm Martin and Buck's oldest son Chris of Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The TWA insignia and striping painted by Buck's nephew, David McGowan of Yerington, Nevada. The Buchanan family, (Katie, Kathy, Chris, Don and Terry) donated the model to TARPA in memory of Buck and the rest of his comrades who have Flown West.
(The above photo was taken of the "Connie" model with the St. Louis Gateway Arch in the background....See Convention section for more photos of the model....Photo by Anita Walker _Ed.)
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 27
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Jim
Berger
Receives
Membership
in
Honorary TARPA
Jim Berger was born and raised in Detroit and attended the University of Michigan. Prior to joining ALPA as a staff attorney, Jim was a Special Agent of the FBI. In his more than twenty five years representing TWA pilots, Jim has presented nearly six hundred grievance arbitrations, participated in eight contract negotiations and helped produce untold numbers of side letters of agreement. He has provided wise counsel to a very long list of TWA pilot representatives and, through it all, Jim earned the gratitude of the pilots as well as the respect of those on the Company side. Jim has been a regular subscriber to TARPA TOPICS and a supporter of TARPA projects. In light of Jim's past dedication to TWA pilots and their important activities, he has been awarded Honorary membership in TARPA. Let's all give Jim a sincere " Welcome aboard" as an Honorary member of TARPA.
Jim Berger at TARPA '94 Convention
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THE
FLIGHT
LGB
-AB
OF
DC-2
NC
1934D
Q-AMA-ICT-MCI-STL
This epic 60th anniversary flight departed Long Beach at 0710, 6 September under the command of Dan Colburn, a retired Douglas production test pilot. Assisting him were Len Burke and Howard Hupke, also retired from Douglas, and Art Kelly and yours truly, TWA retired.
Dan Colburn, Howard Hupke, Len Burke, Stu Nelson, Art Kelly
The flight was routine until 50 miles west of Albuquerque when the oil pressure on the number two engine gauge began dropping. At 35# the prop was feathered and the engine secured.
In 1934 when the DC-2 was certificated, it could presumably handle a single engine go around at 5352 feet, but thanks to Dan's superb approach and landing we didn't have to find out. We all know that Wright engines consume copious quantities of oil - but 15 gallons? That's ridiculous! Howard removed the oil filter, found no contamination, tightened two nuts and added 18 gallons of Aero Shell 120. After a run up and subsequent oil quantity check proved satisfactory, we cleared to a closer destination - a 1440 to Amarillo. The oil should last that long, and so it did. In order to monitor the oil quantity, it was decided to continue flying short legs for the balance of the trip. Accordingly, the next day we stopped at Wichita on the way to Kansas City. This aircraft is the only DC-2 in flying condition, and we didn't want to break it. No problems surfaced at ICT - on to MCI. TWA personnel spent Thursday painting the plane in its 1934 TWA splendor. We landed uneventfully in St. Louis on Friday morning. That evening, the DC-2 and four other vintage TWA flying machines brought tears to the eyes of many proud TWAers viewing the downtown flyover. Feathered prop
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 36
TARPA TOPICS. NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 37
T. T. T. T. T. THOMAS
•
TYNAN
TRIP
TO
TARPA
1994
Departed the Thomas's home in Apple Valley, CA, on 24 August 1994 for St. Louis. Stopped in Arches National Park, Utah, where picture # one was taken in RV park in Moab. Continued through Colorado with a few days layover in Denver where we visited with one of Craig's sons who is a Captain with (oops!) United Air Lines. Proceeded through Cheyenne and up to Mt. Rushmore. Encountered rain which stayed with us to Kansas City. Arrived St. Louis on Labor Day and stayed at downtown St. Louis RV Park. After TARPA Convention, proceeded to Branson for four days and five shows; then on to Southern California via southwest route to Albuquerque, Sante Fe, Flagstaff, Sedona and home. Picture # two ... fifteen minute delay enroute for tire and wheel change on Tynan's backup transportation.
Pic #1
Pic #2 Ed. note: Thomas's & Tynans are both members of "The Wagon Angels" (abrev-TWA), a West Coast RV club that includes many TARPA members. TARPA TOPICS. NOVEMBER 1994. Page 38
BRANSON
-
HERE
COMES
TARPA
After that GREAT Convention in St. Louis, a tired, shy and quiet little group of 66 joined the tour to Branson, Missouri. Did they stay that way long? NO SIR....In fact, the bus didn't even need a horn because it could be heard way down the pike. Our first stop was in St. James, MO. where we wheeled into the drive-through..... lessee now....that'll be 40 hamburgers, 26 cheeseburgers....OH....we have to come in because the bus is too tall..... Then a short side excursion to visit Chuck and Pat Hasler's old friends, Pete and Jean. You see, Chuck was from St. James and this was like a home coming. Word travels fast in that community, because when we left Chuck's friends, practically the entire town turned out to wave "goodby". Another short pit stop in Springfield and then it was on to Branson. What a turr-if-ic place to visit. Our accommodations were individual, one bed room Condo's with a washer-dryer in each one....sooo , nobody had any excuses. THEN...off to dinner and the Bobby Vinton show. His wife, Dolly got on the bus to welcome us and then his Mother joined us to thank us for coming. When his Mother came on the bus, the standard question is "Where are you from?". Our standard reply was "Everywhere", except for a be-whiskered gent standing next to her. He said he was from Branson, a local. She replied: "Just what are you doing on this bus?". "I'm the BUS DRIVER", he replied. Speaking of shows, Barbara Mandrell surely puts on a wonderful performance and you can easily see why she receives those entertainer of the year awards. It was a full two hours of singing and dancing that would be hard to beat. The musical talents of everybody in all the shows was outstanding. Let's not forget those great tours we had of the area too. For a town of about 3,000 residents to have 5 million visitors a year, it MUST have something. We sort of expected some wild shows and "naughty entertainment", but they don't tolerate such goin's on. In fact, I was only allowed to stay because Fay vouched for me....... Our Marine "Grunts", Walt Waldo and Chuck Hasler provided the VIP treatment for our Marine General Russ Bowen who had to walk the "sword canopy" just for breakfast. Some special awards were given out too. YES, Bob Widholm got the "Loquacious" one. (I looked it up...it means very talkative....) Katie Buchanan, Betty Humbles, Jean Thompson, Fay Widholm, Idus Inglis and Walt Waldo also received awards. Walt's was the "Bodacious" one. E'Nuff for now..... We hope to be rarin' to go for the next Convention in Palo Alto followed by the Air Races in Reno. If rooms are hard to get in Palo Alto, you can always stay with Bob Sherman, our trusty Vice-President. He lives close by .....
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 39
A
Trip
to
the
Ozarks
(Branson)
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 40
A
Trip
to
the
Ozarks
(Branson)
TARPA TOPICS. NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 41
CONVENTION 1995 PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA Sept. 11, 12, 13 - Reno Air Race Tour Sept. 14-18 Aviators and brides, start your engines for the Reno Air Races and TARPA Convention 1995. Due to the original downtown San Francisco 1995 convention site going below landing limits (wallet wise), we proceeded to our alternate. With the approval of the TARPA Board of Directors, and in conjunction with your convention site chairman Ev Green, the convention committee has elected to hold the convention at Rickeys Hyatt in Palo Alto. Unfortunately this situation was not settled in time to make the August TOPICS, so please consider this a Jep revision to page 11, top half, TARPA bulletin board, August issue 1994. Advantages of the change are several, not the least of which is a much more reasonable price. $89.00 Dbl. instead of $125, the elimination of the SFO city tax, parking fee, parking problems, banquet facilities at another hotel, and downtown seediness in general. Also, the new site is conveniently located. You may arrive from SFO or SJC, or fly your own plane into Palo Alto airport. For people with RV's, there is ample parking on the hotel property. More detailed infomation will be forthcoming in future issues of TOPICS. Rickeys Hyatt, one of the original seven Hyatt properties and is still owned by Hyatt, is located close to Stanford University, on its own 22 garden acres. All rooms will have a garden atmosphere. They are extremely happy that our pilot group has selected their hotel for our 1995 convention and are very willing to work with and for us.
Long before there was a Silicon Valley, a car phone, or a laptop computer, Hyatt Rickeys in Palo Alto (originally known as Rickeys Studio Inn), was hosting the most prestigious groups and important business meetings on the Peninsula. Many of the seeds of the computer revolution were sown here. Today, the hotel ' s resort-like atmosphere, competitive rates, and extensive convention facilities still make it the Peninsula's favorite meeting place...a place where new ideas and business ventures blossom.
Hyatt Rickeys in Palo Alto, nestled in a 22-acre garden setting, is conveniently located midway between San Francisco and San Jose. The hotel has 347 guest rooms and 17 meeting rooms that accommodate from 10 to 1000 people. The 8,400 square foot ballroom seats 700 for dinner. A $2 million refurbishment program was launched in late 1993, featuring exciting new amenities throughout the property and many improvements in guest rooms and meeting facilities. You'll enjoy the dynamic changes and the fresh, new look at Hyatt Rickeys. Its part of our ongoing commitment to provide the highest quality and service for Hyatt guests visiting Palo Alto.
History can repeat itself.
4219 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, California 94306 415.493.8000 We hope to see all of you there, Chairman Bill Kirschner, 702-588-4223, Co-Chairman Terry Rager 408-253-7097 and Ray Hallstein 408-446-5014
TARPA TOPICS.....NOVEMBER 1994. Page 42
Captain Raymond Fuller Rowe
TARPA TOPICS. NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 43
CAPTAIN RAYMOND FULLER ROW
31 October 1921 -- 20 August 1973
TARPA AWARD OF MERIT 1994
While attending the Ford Trade School, Ray Rowe learned to fly at Eddie McEnnan's Flying Service, Wayne, Michigan, now the Detroit Airport. He earned a Certificate of Competence for piloting aircraft on August 23, 1938. Commercial and flight instructor's ratings followed. Ray went to Reed Pigman's American Flyers at Fort Worth for an Instrument rating on March 14, 1942. He instructed instruments for Pigman before joining TWA on August 3, 1942.
As head of the Flight Training Department in 1956, Ray had a desire to make the TWA pilots the best in the world and he accomplished this by making the TWA Training Department the best in the industry.
In the early days, flight training was somewhat "informal" in that it was very minimal and conducted under very general guide lines. When Ray took charge of the Flight Training Department, he immediately standardized the instructors and the airline's check pilots. He wanted all of them to operate out of the same book. He also started planning a Jet Integration Team for the coming of the Boeing 707. Over time he brought in some different instructors, updated some of the older ones and had them all working with updated procedures. It was under Ray's direction that this group accomplished the mighty task of jet integration on TWA.
Ray went to the Air Force because they were already performing Boeing 707 (K 135) training and studied their ideas and procedures. He went to Boeing for their input. He was in touch with various other commercial airlines preparing for Boeing 707 training in order to listen to their plans and ideas. From all these and many inputs from TWA people, Ray and his group developed an initial jet airplane ground school and flight training program that was tops in the industry. However, it didn't stop there as the program was constantly being updated.
Soon other airlines around the world were aware of TWA's superior jet training methods for pilots and flight engineers. It wasn't long before many carriers started buying training courses of all sorts from TWA Ray was made Vice-President of Operations Training, which included cabin attendants and station personnel.
4 Page
NOVEMBR194
TARPOICS
TWA's safety record for the initial jet training was the best In the early days, Ray was told that TWA could expect two airframe losses given the amount of flight training hours his pilots anticipated to complete. Not only did TWA not lose an aircraft, it was the only U.S. carrier not to suffer a hull loss during the first years of jet integration. Ray personally checked out each of his instructors and he was personally involved with the training of each crew member on the Boeing 707. He very closely monitored each pilot's progress and each instructor's work.
TWA started training flight crews for other airlines. There were Air France, Ansett-ANA, Australian Airline, British European Airways, Eastern Air Lines, American Airlines, Philippine Air Line, Lufthansa, All Nippon Air, Ozark, Saudia Air, and others including the Presidential Flight Wing of the U. S. Air Force, the group who flew the Air Force One. Ray was still personally involved in their programs while TWA became known as the best in the world for initial jet training.
Ray kept TWA in the first position by continually upgrading the entire program. Early on, ground school required over three weeks of classes for each type of aircraft. They taught every bolt and nut and their functions. Ray knew that this could be improved. He directed his group to do some research. They found Michigan State University was running seminars on improving training procedures for business. All of his supervisors and many of his ground school instructors went to Michigan State for courses in Programmed Learning, How to Teach, Need to Know vs. Nice to Know and Student Absorption. As a result, TWA's ground school developed another first. With new classrooms for greater comfort, new training boards, responders at each desk, and a completely new presentation of the material, pilots were much better trained in less than half the time required for the initial Boeing 707 ground school. TWA's pilots were better equipped, psychologically happier and thus more receptive to flight training, which had also been drastically improved. Simulator training was used to greater advantage. All of this produced the best jet pilots. The F.A.A. sent its top people from Washington to observe and approve these courses. Even they proclaimed them to be the best in commercial aviation.
Ray Rowe's contribution to the airline industry, his new look towards airline training, reached right around the world. His goal for the TWA pilots to be the best, all flying the jets in a very standardized, precise, safe and smooth manner was certainly accomplished. A number of pilots have said and many more have thought, "I can ride in the back of any TWA jet with comfort, knowing what that pilot up front has accomplished with TWA's training."
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 45
EAGLES
FRIENDS AND A Gallery of Aviation Pioneers
Top R. Harold & Inez Neumann Top L. William DeVries (dec.) Ed billings bottom L Dick Hanson (dec.) Bottom Mid. Earl Fleet (dec.) Bottom R. Otis Bryan (dec.) Frank Busch
*Photos courtesy of Larry Girard by way of "Ole" Olson TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 46
HAROLD
A
NEUMANN:
MODERN
LEGEND
by Walt Gunn t this writing, it is barely nine decades since the Wright Brothers historic aviation feat at Kitty Hawk. Now, approaching his ninth decade agewise, Harold Neumann, a history-making, retired TWA Captain has achieved a legacy few of his peers can match.
A
It's inconceivable Harold can recall a time when the thought of airplanes and flying didn't consume his waking hours. There is little doubt too, that his dreams are ever free from visions of his flying exploits. Harold Neumann's formative years on an Iowa farm were dominated by an overwhelming lust to soar above the fields as he tilled them. Watching each "barnstormer" as they toured the Midwest only reinforced his dedication to join them someday. But, this is not to be a report of his early escapades in aviation. Only Harold can provide a fitting biographical account of his enriched flying career. But, modesty prevails with Harold, depriving us of ever having a full accounting of his flying experiences spanning nearly 70 years. Rather, Neumann's career as an airline pilot is packed with tales which should be shared with others, including those among his contemporaries, and more so, the generations of airline pilots to come. Having known Harold Neumann, his peers could write volumes on his exploits, but few will ever do more than discuss the never-ending highlights of his illustrious career. I am urged to recount, though all too briefly, some valued times spent with Harold, including some personally witnessed anecdotes, or tales which his multitude of friends thrive on, telling and hearing. Harold Neumann was a name well-known to me even before I joined TWA as a copilot. He held the distinction of winning the famed Thompson Trophy at the Cleveland Air Races in the mid 1930's. His air racing and aerobatic skills matched and bettered those of Benny Howard, Roscoe Turner and myriad other aviation "hall of famers." Trophies and plaques testifying his flying victories overflow his vast family room. Harold comments shyly in his Midwest twang, "They 're nice to look at, but makes a lot of clutter!" Such clutter is the envy of every pilot I've ever known. As a new copilot, my schedules failed to match me with Harold. Ed Frankum, a class ahead of me, was more fortunate. As was the custom among copilots, Ed related at length some of Captain ' Neumann s hints for mastering the DC-3 and vagaries of weather flying — without the luxuries of radar, modern navigation aids, or engine thrusts of the jet era. In DC-3 days, skill was not sufficient alone; endurance was tested with each flight. By comparison with the jet age, the early years of airline flying was an art, demanding of physical skill. Harold spoke simplistically when giving his views on any topic, whether flying, farming, or family matters. His wisdom came from experience, tempered with rational logic. Emotions never interfered with his problem-solving or decision-making. Harold was "cool" before the term was popularized describing a calm, confident and reassuring person. TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 47
HAROLD NEUMANN...cont'd. As I look back now, Harold Neumann is a survivor. He is gifted with what is seen as a critically important measure of intellect: the ability to benefit from past experiences. He compiled a "compendium of truisms" from his wealth of flying experiences since his early barnstorming days. For example, Ed Frankum dazzled several of us (copilots) as he related his trip experiences with Neumann. Weather was always testy; wintry, low ceilings and moderate icing were ever challenging. As they were climbing out of Midway Airport (Chicago) for departure to Dayton, Ed experienced his first aircraft icing encounter. Added power was needed to climb. The wings glistened with sufficient rime ice to meet the needs of the Palmer House lounge bar for days. Ice buildup on the propellers played a rattling staccato on the fuselage as the prop alcohol loosened the frozen grip. Ed pondered Harold's thoughts while continuing to provide the de-icing solutions to the props and windshield, which by now had frosted over solidly. Harold remained casual and free of any facial expression. Shortly, he questioned Ed about whether aircraft icing was more serious in a climb, or in a descent? Ed considered the likelihood he was confronted with a loaded question. But that wasn't Harold's way of teaching copilots. Frankum's ground schooling had never dealt with that aspect of aircraft icing. He tried logic. Nothing profound came to him. He then determined it was a judgment call that required more variables to make the best judgment, but, his answer, "It depends," only fell flat. Harold drawled in his soft monotone what I have since labeled an axiom: "Well," he began, "I'll take my chances icing up in a climb... `cause you at least have more altitude than you would have in a descent... think about it! " Frankum and I did think about it, and it made sound sense. Neumann's "axiom" became a great one-upper among other copilots as we plagiarized the veteran 's wisdom. For copilots, a favorite pastime of "hangar flying" served to sharpen our knowledge as we shared the "pearls of wisdom from the left seat Gods" as many copilots saw their captains. Captain Neumann's reasoning on ice encounters continues to trigger debates. But, I can testify it served me well for an entire career. All too often, altitude is a precious premium and I was ever alert to seek altitude whenever in doubt in icing conditions. It ' was always more than a coin toss, and Harold Neumann s theory was sound. Harold's version of flying the DC-3 is the best assessment of the plane, which rightfully claims to be the airliner that made modern air travel. He mused, "The DC-3 is easy to fly, but it's tough to fly RIGHT!" I thought that one over and only grew more convinced of the wisdom in his "country boy" observation. Pioneers in aviation are few today. I still revel at the tales of the Doolittles, Lindberghs, Benny Howards, and Harold Neumanns. Harold continued flying light airplanes while Captaining 707s into retirement. At 84, he won first place in "recreational aerobatics" at an airshow in Kansas. Harold's precision flying of his Monocoupe, even as an octogenarian, is a picture of man's mastery of machine. He develops an intimacy with each airplane. There 's hardly a trick missed when it comes to Harold solving problems of flight. Friends relate endless accounts of his adaptability as a pilot and mechanic as well, whether licensed or not. A favorite tale, voiced by an FAA inspector, no less, centered around Harold "handTARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 48
HAROLD NEUMANN...cont'd. cranking" the Warner radial engine on his Monocoupe. He rigged a string and pulley contraption from the electric fuel pump switch in the cockpit to his cockpit door handle. With the door open, when the engine started, the prop blast blew the door shut, the string rigging turned the fuel pump off, which allowed the engine-driven fuel pump to takeover. Crafty? You can bet on it! A similar version of craftiness provided a manual choke for starting the engine. He fashioned a rag over the carburetor intake, which he would pull off with a wire attached under the cowling, once the engine fired up. Harold viewed electric starters as a luxury in his youth on the farm. Hand-cranking tractors was a snap for a strapping farm boy such as Harold Neumann. His Monocoupe was no greater challenge. Harold's adaptive, gimmick-like inventions would rival those of Rube Goldberg's, who was better known for his goofy, impractical designs. But, Harold's creative ingenuity always served a practical need while being nonetheless witty and great hangar-flying tales for his fellow pilots and friends to share with others. Many of Harold Neumann's long-time friends relate first hand accounts of some of his flying escapades. Luck was often credited in the outcome of many of his ordeals. Debates still abound. I opt for skill having the greater impact; if not, Harold would not be the survivor he is. Jack LeClaire, aeronautical engineer and retired TWA Captain, can tell more hangar flying stories about Harold than any of his contemporaries. One story may set the issue of skill versus luck to rest: Harold was well known as a skywriter. He rigged his plane with a tank of smoke fuel (kerosene mixture unknown) secured in the right seat, while he flew from the left seat. At times, it was necessary to remove the right control stick to allow room for a larger tank. Skywriting was not only an art, it was a vigorous and precision-demanding effort; positive gravity forces were common. Precisely timed headings and direction changes called forth instrument flying skills likened to making an instrument approach landing with little or no ceiling or visibility. Those witnessing Harold' s aerial artwork vow that it was marked improvement over his hand penmanship! On one occasion, related by LeClaire, in the midst of a vigorous maneuver, Harold 's main control stick broke off below the cockpit floor...leaving him with a useless piece in hand...and no immediate control of the plane! Now, fortunately, (or was it pure luck?) on this flight Harold had room for the smoke fuel tank without removing the right stick! In Paul Harvey terms, the story ended with Harold flying with the right stick from the left seat and landing safely...which begs the question, where does skill come into the formula? The stick broke, unfortunately. Skillfully, Harold overcame the adversity of his misfortune. Survivors never make it on luck alone...and Harold Neumann outlived the most challenging times in aviation, from barnstorming to modern jets! On family matters, Harold's brevity continued, but, nonetheless right on target. His view of twin beds was "OK for kids, but should be outlawed for married couples!" He follows with more sage advice in the simple statement: "Never go to bed mad at each other!" He shared a lifetime of unequalled marriage bliss with Inez, his bride of a half century plus. In numerous ways, Harold Neumann was reminiscent of Will Rogers. Those knowing of TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 49
HAROLD NEUMANN...cont'd. his sense of humor and earthy views of the world around him, can validate the similarity between the two men. In his quiet, subdued and humble way he was a mountain of wit and wisdom. I feel cheated not having more valued time with the man. As a check captain, Harold epitomized stability, which became infectious to those pilots he was checking. His knack for fairness while instilling confidence should be bottled and given freely to all check pilots and flight instructors. Unflappable is the most frequent description of Harold's cockpit management demeanor. I vividly recall a line check by Harold some forty plus years ago: My schedule called for a round trip to Chicago and back from Kansas City. A line squall was predicted and forming across the Iowa/Missouri borders, straight across our airway. It held my attention as I lifted the DC-3 off the runway at Kansas City. The copilot sat on the jump seat, observing the proceedings, with Harold in the right seat. At four thousand feet in climb over Excelsior Springs, Missouri, the left engine coughed, setting up a roughness and vibration, severely blurring the instrument panel readings. Procedures called for reducing power immediately, which I did. At the very moment, the deadheading copilot leaned forward and informed me there was smoke coming in around the forward loading door on his left. I craned to view the engine from the left sliding window and saw the entire engine enshrouded in a cloud of swirling, light vapor-like smoke, commingled with black, sooty-looking streamers around the engine cowling. I had encountered a few actual engine failures before, as well as dozens of simulated engine failures on instrument checks and training flights. But now, this is the real thing...and of all times, whilst on a check ride! I notified Harold that I was feathering the engine and we would have to return to Kansas City. His silent approval came in merely a shrug of his shoulders, and head nod in acceptance of my course of action. I added, "The whole engine is a ball of smoke!" With that, Harold slowly loosened his seat belt and leaned over the throttle pedestal to view what I had just described to him. He studied the area for a prolonged moment as I began a left turn to return for landing. A strange sense of relief came over me as Harold settled back in his seat and drawled, 'Well you're right...she's sure smoking...but I don't see any flames...probably swallowed a valve, or blew a jug!" His assessment was given with his down-home, emotionless, tone of voice as one might describe a beautiful sunset, or rainbow! Cool, calm and collected? You bet he was! And, I felt not the least urge to reflect other than a casual attitude to match his self-assured, professional ambience. His inflection called forth an infectious force of controlled confidence. It worked. Harold could have bottled his calm mannerisms for dealing with disorder, with universal acceptance. I learned more from Harold than how to deal with an emergency. The real meaning of courage became apparent when fear was managed. Harold could be totally unaware that his airmanship style was an effective model for developing courage in those pilots he flew with... and checked. Aviation pioneer aptly fits the likes of Captain Harold Neumann, pilot, mentor, and more so, prized friend _End
TARPA TOPICS. NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 50
From
the
desk
or...
September 27, 1994 Dear Chuck: I don't have any lengthy " history lessons" to relay to you for the next issue although there are several shorter items of interest which came to my attention recently. In early June, a young Jimmy Mathis was featured in the local papers and TV for setting a record as the youngest pilot to make the 2,500 mile cross-country trip, solo, from the east to west coast. This was with a rented Cessna from Baltimore to Long Beach. He didn't attempt any kind of a record for time, and the trip took him 12 days. His mother greeted him with a big hug after landing and his dad immediately asked for the return of his credit card. Other than giving his age as sixteen (the minimum age authorized by the FAA to solo), the only clue to his biography was that he is a junior in the Baltimore High School. I immediately wrote one writer (care of the LA Times) and another to Hal Fishman (anchor man for KTLA, Channel 5, news at 10:00 p.m.) raising a question as to who can claim to be the youngest; Bob Buck or Jimmy Mathis? I mentioned some of the facts regarding Bob's flights (and his birthday), and one other Junior record set later in 1930. I never received a reply from either of the newsmen I wrote. As a review, Bob made the headlines for a similar flight starting back on September 29, 1930, also solo, and at the age of 16. Bob was successful for breaking the existing Junior Records both west and eastbound flying this Travel Air, dubbed the "Yankee Clipper", from Newark to LA (Alhambra Field, owned by Western Air Express) and return. This was the same time when the merger between WAE and TAT-Maddux was in process to form TW&A, which began an all-air coast-to-coast (36 hour) service in October. Prior to the merger, WAE flew from LA to KC, with stops at Kingman, Holbrook, ABQ, AMA and ICT, with train connections east for a 48 hour trip. TAT-Maddux flew by day from LA to Clovis, with stops at Kingman, Winslow and ABQ. Then an overnight train to Waynoka, OK, where flying resumed to STL, IND and CMH; and a second night train ride on to NYC (also a 48 hour trip). The reverse for a trip westbound. Until the merger, neither airline flew east of CMH. Bob's flight path was very similar: EWR - (a fuel stop at Martin's Ferry) CMH - IND STL - ICT - AMA - ABQ - Holbrook - Kingman - LAX. His westbound time had an added 45 minutes due to motor problems 75 miles west of AMA; he landed on a cattle ranch for emergency repairs. He had to return to AMA the following day for further repairs before proceeding on west. At Kingman he was requested by his sponsor, Richfield Oil Co., to make his arrival time the next day about 11:00 a.m. He landed at Alhambra on October 4, setting a new record of 28 hrs 33 min - an hour and 8 min better than the former record. His "payload", besides a few fan letters, was an official greeting from the Mayor of Newark to the Mayor of Los Angeles. While in the LA area he was hosted to several banquets, movie studios and met such famous luminaries as Gary Cooper, Jack Dempsey and Ruth Chatterton.
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He made his return flight starting on October 10, and set a new record of 23 hours 47 min, breaking the previous record by 3 hrs 16 min. Not too long after this, Bob wrote a book about his flying and one of his observations might bring a chuckle to today's crews and passengers. In the terminal building at AMA was a parrot which might greet you with "Hello, you big bum". A siren generally alerted an airplane approaching the pattern and the bird would utter "Hey, Mother, here comes Western Air". I wonder if the bird changed this to " Here comes TWA" later that month. Bob's flights are even more remarkable considering what little he had to work with in 1930 compared to today ' s modern airways; only the bare flight instruments of needle, ball, airspeed and compass, no radios for navigation or communications, few emergency fields, no ground or air radar and poor maps to chart his course. The latter were the standard Rand & McNally road-type for each state; the scale sometimes varied with each state! A WAE pilot sketched him a crude map how to fly into the LA area and find their Alhambra Airport. Another record-breaking flight that year for Bob was from EWR to Havana and return: 27 hrs 52 min (flying time) for the round trip. For this achievement Bob, along with his mother and dad, were hosted by President Hoover for a twenty minute visit at the White House. His payload on the return flight was a large Havana cigar for the President. I'd like to insert another note about Bob: my TWA retiree records show him as a TWA pilot from 8/24/37 to 1/28/74 - which kind of reveals his current years on this earth, as he retired at age 60. The data used in the stories of his flights was obtained from the book he wrote in 1931. on 6/10/94, in the early a.m., I called him for further amplification, and a message on the answering machine said: "Sorry, I am flying my glider for awhile and then my airplane. Will get back to you later". Bob is one of a kind, and I very much doubt that Jimmy Mathis will have the same enthusiasm about flying sixty-four years from now - especially since he has exhausted using his father's credit card. The next bit of national news to catch my attention is quoted from a local paper, dated 7/12/94, with the headline "Cat Lost Aboard Jet Finally Returned". Quote: "A wayward tabby cat, lost in the bowels of an often-air-borne 747 jet for 12 days, was found safe this morning after Tower Airlines agreed to ground the plane for a thorough search. "A smiling Carol Ann Timmel carried her 3-year old finicky Tabitha, off the plane at Kennedy Airport at 9:15 a.m. after the skittish animal was finally lured by food and her owner's voice from a space beneath the cargo floor. "Timmel was moving from New York to Los Angeles on June 30 when Tabitha somehow escaped from her cargo crate. "Tabitha, looking thinner but appearing to be otherwise healthy, had logged some 30,000 miles since June 30 and became a kitty cause celebre - with everyone from the ASPCA to psychics joining in the search."
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Observation: After the now-famous passenger was finally found, it did not qualify for "frequent flyer" bonuses or upgrade to a better seat in the cabin. This wasn't claimed to be any kind of a record and the plane was grounded by Tower AL, with the threat of a court injunction, for the search. It did bring to mind a cat story with TWA and the Stratoliners circa late 1940. This was shortly after the Strats were introduced in July of that year. The cat, named "Strato Lizzie", was famous for non-reving on TWA and was frequently featured in the NYC newspapers. In hopes of learning more, which I could pass on to the "Topics" readers, I sent out about 40 form letters to our TARPA members/subscribers, who were with TWA during this period for some further details. My mailing list included all departments; pilots, F/Es, mechanics, station managers or personnel etc. By numbers, the response was good (30 replies), but there was one common answer to my many questions... "Yes, I recall 'Strato Lizzie', but darned if I can remember any details". There was one exception, former Dispatcher Paul Husak, who did a lot of ferreting through his memorabilia and sent me the following blurb from the 1/28/41 "Skyliner": "NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES: If a special traveling box with a cat (white face and breast and dark grey back) inside arrives at your station, it's Strato-Lizzie, the famous alley cat that won prizes at six cat shows recently after being adopted by TWA pilots. Strato-Lizzie, the flying alley cat, headquarters at LaGuardia Field between her appearances as the belle of the cat shows and she was recently grounded at one station for several days because employees were not familiar with her schedule - that she is to be shipped back to New York care of Bart Pevear, TWA, whenever she gets stranded...the cat is temperamental on its own, too, because it disappeared from LGA the day before it was to appear in the Atlantic Cat Show in New York and didn't show up for five days. In addition to newspapers and press associations taking up the hue and cry, Newsweek Magazine of January 20, printed a photo of the cat and requested the finders to return. " P.S., " noted Newsweek. "She's a he." Paul also added his reflections: "The cat got the name "Lizzie" as they suspected it was a female, but when it got to wandering like an old tom cat they realized their mistake, hauled it off to the vets and made an "it " out of him. I sympathized with the cat and wondered if he was sorry he ever worked for the airline. Where it came from I don't know and I don't think much attention was paid to the animal until she/he stowed away on an airplane and was discovered in STL". S0000, that is all I can report of "Strato-Lizzie", the subject of many stories in the NYC papers and winner of six awards in cat shows. She (it) probably was the first to ride "comfort class" (maybe in an empty berth) with lots of room to curl up and purr. Maybe it sat on a Captain's lap during mealtime (a crew box?) or held its paws on the wheel and followed the pilot through with three takeoffs and landings, and was copilot qualified. If any of our "Topics" readers have something to add, please do! One other interesting bit was a phone call from Capt. Willard Van Wormer on 9/20/94. He had just come in from Paris flying B747 number 17105 and asked about the following: The plane, at that time, had 94, 936 flying hours officially logged and was among those to be grounded for the winter season. It may be several months before it (or she) is retired and should have well over 95,000 hours at the time. Question - is
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this a record for the total flying time of any type jet aircraft by one operator? I do not have the statistics for an answer, but I consulted some experts on this subject - such as John Wegg and Jon Proctor, Editor in Chief and Senior Editor of a new aviationoriented magazine called "Airways". Jon was a long-time TWA employee and historian (and a TARPA subscriber) who is a great reference for photos or references. Both men seemed to be of the opinion this 95,000 hours may be a record, but would do some further research. My own notes show TWA introduced the B747 on 2/25/70, from LAX to JFK (Ed Frankum and Billy Tate the pilots, and Jack Hough the F/E ). On 3/18/70, Marv Horstman and Bob Buck piloted the first transatlantic flight from JFK to LHR (Flight 700, plane 17104, 6:55 flying time). Using an average of 20 1/2 years for the original fleet of 747's in service with TWA, this computes to 9030 days and an average utilization of 10 1/2 hours per day - a credit to TWA's maintenance and overhaul. I don't know the average speed during this time for any one type of aircraft, but at Mach .82 it should be about 500 mph. This adds up to something near 47 1/2 million miles and, if you multiply the average number of seats occupied (275, a 65% load factor), this adds up to an astronomical figure of 130,625,000,000 seat miles - for just one "jumbo jet". Another bit of trivia: 95,000 hours is the same as about 11 years above this earth, just for one airplane. As ye olde historian, I will keep you informed if this near - 95,000 flying hours for one operator is a record. It might be another of TWA's B747's, and a great many of us may have helped build up the total flying time ....End
EDITOR'S REMINDER The new publishing schedule will begin in 1995. The first issue will be published in March. Deadline for material will be February 1. Subsequent issues will be published in July and November with deadline dates the first of the month prior to the month of publication(June 1 & October 1). Please try to get me your publication material as much before deadline as possible. Thanks again for your cooperation.
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I N MEMORY OF CAPTAIN JOHN B. ARCHER October 24, 1915 - March 18, 1994
I N MEMORY OF CAPTAIN WILLIAM F. BLESCH March 21, 1928 - June 28, 1994
IN MEMORY OF CAPTAIN GERHARD M. SCHEMEL May 2, 1914 - July 8, 1994
I N MEMORY OF CAPTAIN AMOS EDDIE FRITTS December 29, 1916 - July 22, 1994
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 55
Flown West, cont'd. I N MEMORY OF CAPTAIN GERHARD M. SCHEMEL May 2, 1914 - July 8, 1994
On July 8th, 1994, Gerhard Max Schemel, "Gerry," passed on doing his thing in the reserved, left-hand seat of his motorhome. Gerry was born in Berlin, Germany, and came to America at the age of eleven. Gerry learned a second language, excelled in school, and learned to fly. His first flight was in a Harley Davidson motorcycle over railroad tracks in Indiana, followed by one at Ford Airport in Chicago in 1938. He then went on to instruct pilots for US troops during WWII. Gerry retired from TWA after having worked from 1944 to 1974. After his last Captain Schemel was noted to have said, "My best landing yet, and they want me." Gerry is survived by his wife, Peggy; one sister; four children; and seven children. His stepdaughter, Pam Angwin, is currently a flight attendant of 20 TWA. Although they never flew together, she proudly wore his captain wings next trip after the memorial services.
flight, to retire grandyears for on her
Gerry lived in Apache Junction, Arizona, and was active in the FMCA. He was a devoted husband and father, world traveler, connoisseur, adventurer and patriot. Gerry's dry humor and timely advice will be sorely missed.
Submitted by grandson Nicholas Rizzo, M.D.
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Flown West, cont'd. I N MEMORY OF CAPTAIN AMOS EDDIE FRITTS December 29, 1916 - July 22, 1994
I regret to inform you of the passing of well known Thunderbird enthusiast and CTKC member A.E. "Eddie" Fritts, 77, on July 22, 1994. Eddie was a charter member in 1972 and past president of the Classic Thunderbird Club of Kansas City. I spent hours on the phone with him over the years talking about our cars or his military background. Eddie was a pilot for TWA for 27 years until his early retirement in 1972. Prior to that, he was a Captain in the U.S. Army Air Force and piloted a B-17 bomber for the 97th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force, based in Italy. Eddie didn't talk much about the war but he loved to talk about the men he served with and the reunions he went to. Two weeks before his passing, I stopped by his house to get a generator and we talked about his service in the war. He showed me many pictures, mementos, and his service medals. Some of these I had seen before but I did not realize that he had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on July 31, 1944, after a raid on the Ploesti oil fields. After completing 50 missions, he returned home to Kansas to marry his sweetheart, Nancy. Eddie was a very determined man and had accomplished many things during his life. He was a leader of men and many times flew lead plane on raids over Nazi occupied territory. Eddie had big shoulders and was a very responsible person. It showed in everything he did. We will all miss Eddie very much. If there is anything positive to take from this very sad occurrence it is that Eddie passed away doing what he loved most, working on his starmist blue '57. John M. Smith President CTKC, Chapter #47 TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 57
Book
Review .... by Bob Sherman
OFF
WE
WENT
(I nto the Wild Blue Yonder) by Barney Rawlings Barney Rawlings' book, "OFF WE WENT" is 260 pages with many pictures and illustrations. Barney tells how he progressed in three short years from an entry level job with TWA in Kansas City, to the cockpit of a well shot up B-17 flying at a low level over Belgium, with #4 windmilling and #3 on fire, trying to get on the ground before the attacking FW-190's did the job for them. What follows is an incredible adventure story of his trek from Belgium, through France, and over the Pyrenees into Spain, spiced with
Barney's dry humor. Finally, to Gibralter for a flight back to his squadron in England. He had been gone over six months. The surprise ending is that Barney is back in Belgium nearly fifty years later. Barney wrote the book and had it printed for his crew, family and friends early this year. It is well worth reading. Reviewed by R. C. Sherman. For your personal copy, contact Barney Rawlings 25 Vicki Lane, Colchester CT 06415 Belgian monument to B-17 crew TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 58
by Chuck MacNab In the late 60's and for most of the 70's I lived on a farm near a small town about an hours drive south of Kansas City. It was your typical small town - a couple of grocery stores, a general store, a hardware store, a bank and a gas station. The main highway, still only two lanes in those days, went by the gas station. The station was sort of the general meeting place for everyone around town. The guy who owned it, we'll call him Harry, was one of the town's main figures, well known for his skill at re-installing automobile springs, selling batteries, etc., to the hapless female with out-of-state plates who just stopped for gas. But that 's another story. As I said, if you wanted to find out what was going on around town or just wanted to get to know people, you spent some time at Harry's gas station. Well, Harry had a buddy who worked for him doing odd jobs, sweeping and sitting around gassing with local farmers who might be there for a tire repair or a legitimate battery purchase. One day, while watching Harry pluck the feathers off the unsuspecting souls who wandered off the highway for a fill up, his buddy came over and started a conversation. "You're a pilot, ain't you?" "Yes," I said. "You work for TWA?" he asked. "Yes," I replied. "Once I had a good job, not like this here half job workin' for Harry. I used to work for TWA, too, up at the airport in Kansas City," he announced. I was game. "What did you do when you worked for TWA?" "I was a mechanic...well, er, really a mechanic's helper. " He went on, "I was up sweepin' out in front of the hangar, you know the one there at 10 Richards Road. It was about 9 o'clock at night on Christmas Eve. The crew was workin' on a couple airplanes inside. I don't know why I was sweepin' outside all by myself, but I was. " "You must have been real junior to be working on Christmas Eve," I observed. "Hell", he said. "In them days we never heard of anything called seniority. You just did ' what the boss said. If you didn't, you got your butt fired...right there. You S.O.B s today are real spoiled."
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HOWARD'S CHRISTMAS...cont'd. I didn't know where this story was going or if it was even close to being true, but something about the way he told it was intriguing. "Go on," I said, "tell me more. You've got me hooked." "Well, I looked out to the North, across the river, and I could just make out an airplane comin' in. The weather was good and, as he landed, he pulled off and headed for where I was in front of the hangar. I leaned on my broom while he taxied over and shut down. 'a It was a company DC-3. We never had any flights scheduled to come in at that time night. Besides, practically nobody was around, just me and the guys working in the hangar." "What did you do when he taxied up, keep leaning on your broom?" I queried him. "Don't git smart, Mr. Big Pilot," he said with a half grin. "You 'll wanta hear this story and if you keep bein' a smart alec, you ain't gonna find out what happened. " "OK, OK, you got my attention," I said. "Tell me what happened after he cut the engines in front of the hangar." "Well, " he continued, "I didn't have any idea whether it was a extra section flight or what, but the pilot didn't pull over to the terminal, so I figured it was some kinda company flight. Maybe bringin' parts or whatever. I dropped the broom and ran for some chocks as soon as he shut 'er down. And while I was comin' out from under the wing, the door opened and some guy stuck his head out and looked around. Far as I could tell, he seemed to be the only one in the plane. " "Well, damn it, who was he and what did he want?" I asked. The story WAS getting interesting. "I'm gittin' to it. You fly boys wanta do everything in a hurry. Just hold your horse." He was thoroughly enjoying the suspense he had created now as a couple of "real locals" had come over to hear the continuation of the story. "As I said, this guy poked his head outa the door and looked around. When he saw me comin' towards him, he hollered, 'Hey you, fella, come over here. 'His voice had a kindof authority to it, like he owned the place, so I went over close to where he was standin' in the doorway and said, 'Yessir, can I help you?' "He asked me, 'How many guys are working here, right now, tonight?' I told him, 'I guess there's about 8, 10 or so.' He said, 'Just a minute. Wait there, don't move.' "I saw him go back up into the airplane a ways and when he came back to the door, he had a case of whiskey with him. 'Here,' he said, 'don't drop it, now. Give a bottle to every man working here tonight and keep one for yourself. And wish everybody Merry Christmas from the boss.' "Boss who, I said.
We got 50 bosses. Which one are you? 'Never mind that,' he
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HOWARD'S CHRISTMAS... cont ' d. hollered back at me. 'Just tell 'em it's from their REAL boss. Remember what I said, OK?' Yeah, OK, I told him. I'll tell everybody. "I saw him shut the door. A couple minutes later the engines started, he taxied out and I watched him take off and head East. "I had no idea who the hell the guy was and I'm still not absolutely sure to this day. All I know is I noticed he had a thin mustache and some kinda California style clothes on. You know, one of them classy sport jackets and expensive gabardine slacks. He had a hat on, too, a fedora. And what was real funny .. he was wearin' tennis shoes!"...End The above story, while "fictionalized" to some extent, is reputed to be substantially true to the extent of the time, event, place and the individual who flew the DC-3...Ed. GRIN AND BEAR IT / By Fred Wagner
ZIGGY/ By Tom Wilson
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OPERATION LIFTOFF
"A Child is Borne On The Wings Of Love" P.O. Box 10284 • Lambert Airport • St. Louis, MO 63145 Operation Liftoff is a non-profit organization that provides wish-trips to children with life-threatening illnesses. Families are also included in the trips. Because these children spend a great deal of time in medical treatment, a wish-trip can be great therapy. It also gives families wonderful memories with their children. The most frequently requested destination is Disneyworld where the families spend a week enjoying the entertainment park and time together. John McLoughlin, a DC-9 FO, has been the President of Operation Liftoff since December 1991. He is ably assisted by Brian Zahorik and Ted Halsema, both DC-9 FO's. Many other fine TWA employees and retirees give selflessly of their time and effort to help bring a bit of happiness to the children. Many TARPA conventioners bought items during the Convention which helped Operation Liftoff and many members of the St. Louis Seniors Club regularly donate time and money. Everyone involved in Operation Liftoff is a volunteer, donating their time and energy so all moneys raised are used to provide for the children's needs. The volunteers sponsor many events such as dances, TWA logo products store and an annual golf tournament to raise funds to send as many families as possible on their wish-vacations. On November 18, Operation Liftoff is having its sixth annual dinner dance in St. Louis. You can contact John McLaughlin, at the address on the letterhead, for tickets.
Operation Liftoff Kids
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 62
Health
Column by Bob Garrett
Population Growth By the year 2030, the world will have nearly 3 billion more people than now, 2 billion of them in countries where the average person earns less than $2 a day, the World Bank predicts. It estimates the global figure will reach 8,474,017,000, compared with 5,692,210,000 in 1995. People will live longer, too. The average African baby born today can expect to live to age 54; one born in 2030 should live 63 years. The World Bank also estimates the US population will grow from 263,119,000 next year to 327,987,000 in 2030. Life expectancy in North America should increase to 82 years from 77. The bank does not see any major effect yet from the billions of dollars it spends promoting family planning. But action now on contraception and education can have a major influence after 2050. But for now, it sees a billion people added to the world's population every 12 years, mostly in cities and waterside areas where the environment is under stress--seacoast and river basins. Europe is due to increase from 731 million to 742 million by 2030 while Africa will grow from 720 million to 1.6 billion. In Oman, a small oil-rich sheikhdom in the Middle East, the number of people is expected to triple. Romania, Denmark, Slovenia and Estonia will have almost no change in population, the bank estimated.
Got a Headache! Could be it's Endorphins.
A headache is the oldest excuse for rejecting a partner's amorous overtures. But now sex may tackle the pain as effectively as an aspirin, according to a British health expert. "The combination of sex and pleasure makes sex a great way to beat stress and its damaging effects on the heart, circulation and immune systems" . This quote came from Kaye Wellings of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in the magazine Which Way to Health.. Wellings, director of the school's sexual health program, says that endorphin hormones created by intercourse have a pain-killing effect and a feeling of well-being. More Aspirin News. It may be a Colon/Rectal Cancer Fighter. Recent evidence shows that people who regularly take aspirin have a substantially lower risk of developing cancer of the colon or rectum. A new study warns, however, that aspirin should not be recommended as a preventative until more is known about the proper dosage, because too much might not be good for heart disease. Researchers monitored 47,900 male health professionals, 40 to
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 63
75 years old for 6 years, every 2 years on aspirin use, diet, family medical history and lifestyle. They found that men taking aspirin at least twice a week had a 32 % lower risk of getting colorectal cancer and a 50 % lower risk of having the advanced form of the disease. Previous studies showed that aspirin's affect on colorectal cancer in women is probably the same. The study does not say why aspirin appears to lower the risk, but that other pain relievers have shown a similar effect. Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, with 152,000 new cases and 57,000 deaths in the US last year. While the usefulness of aspirin is still not completely proven, there is strong evidence that other methods, such as early tumor screening and a low fat diet high in fruit, vegetables, beans and cereals are effective. As always, discuss any new medical treatments or studies with your doctor before trying them on yourself. More About Smoking and Nicotine. According to scientists, working with the government to regulate tobacco as a drug, all cigarettes are addictive. However, it remains unclear how much nicotine is required to become hooked on tobacco. A recent ruling by a Food and Drug Administration advisory committee may be the first formal step toward more FDA regulation of nicotine. Of course, the tobacco industry continues to attacked these findings. This is the first time an FDA body has formally said nicotine meets the agency's definition of a drug. Studies show case after case of people who kept trying to quit but couldn't--even people who had their tracheas removed continue to smoke through a hole in their throat. If FDA does regulate nicotine, one option would be to force cigarette makers to lower the level to the point where it is not strong enough to addict someone. However, the advisory panel reported there wasn't enough data to determine such a level. Unfortunately, the amount of addictive nicotine differs from smoker to smoker just as the amount of alcohol to trigger alcoholism varies. Some experts suggest 5 milligrams of nicotine a day addictive--an amount sin just 5 high-nicotine cigarettes. Most smokers would only absorb 0.1 milligram from each such cigarette, and could smoke 20 a day without a problem. The lowest nicotine cigarette sold today contains 9 milligrams of nicotine by weight, but there is considerable debate over how much people actually absorb. One proposal calls for tapering off the nicotine in cigarettes over 10 years so that current smokers wouldn't be hit with overnight withdrawals. Got the Big Head? A new study suggests that senior citizens with larger head circumferences are less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and other forms of age-related dementia than persons with smaller heads. The findings were presented at the 4th international conference in Minneapolis on Alzheimer's disease, by Dr. Amy Graves of the Batelle Centre for Public Health Research and Evaluation in Seattle. The study, conducted in November 1991, was among 1458 Japanese-Americans over 65 years old living in King County in Washington state. The seniors were given the a standardized cognitive abilities test. Dr. Graves reported that the seniors with very small heads were 14 times more likely to show signs of dementia. The report showed a correlation between head size and the number and size of neurons in the brain. This may be due to a greater initial brain size provided a reserve capacity, or buffer, against the onset of dementia in old age, as brain cells are lost during the ageing process. She emphasized that not all seniors with small heads were impaired, nor were all those with large heads unimpaired.
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Back-pain sufferers who take less medication and move around a lot will recover just as well as people told to take more medicine and rest, concludes a new study. According to researchers at the Center for Health Studies and the University of Washington in Seattle, patients with the least medical attention also were more satisfied with their treatment and costs were 79 % less. Back pain strikes 85 % of people at some time. The 2-year study was based on interviews with 1213 patients who sought help for back pain at a Seattle health maintenance organization. Patients given more treatment and rest reported no advantage in the amount of pain they experienced or how quickly they recovered. Patients whose doctors prescribed less medication and rest said they were happier with their treatment . The annual cost of medical care for back pain averaged $428 for patients whose doctors prescribed the least medicine and bed rest, and $768 for patients whose doctors suggested more aggressive care. Low in Intensity, Long in Duration Arnie's Army could have told you, the Scots probably knew it all along and your wife will never believe it: GOLF is good for you. It's a better way to keep trim without wearing yourself down, according to Darlene A. Sedlock, associate kinesiology professor at Purdue University( she's probably single).That's because it's low in intensity but long in duration (looking for lost balls?). Sedlock figures an average 150-pound male, walking and pulling clubs for 18 holes, will burn 1060 calories. According to her, "That's 600 calories more than if you just stood around doing nothing for 4 hours and equivalent to running 6 miles," The bad news-Riding in a cart with a cooler in the back is no help your health at all. She's calculated calorie burn-off per hour (for a 150-pound male) for some summer activities as follows: --Croquet, 250 calories. --Digging in the garden, 540 calories.] --Mowing (pushing, not riding), 470 calories. --Bicycling at 5.5 mph, 270 calories. --Bicycling at 9.4 mph, 420 calories. --Tennis, 460 calories. --Fishing (walking and wading), 260 calories.
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The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that some drugs used often by older people to combat arthritis, gout and similar conditions may contribute to high blood pressure. The prescription and non-prescription drugs reportly involved are known as non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents--ibruprofen, naproxen, tolmetin and others. At Boston's Brigham and Women ' s Hospital researchers have detected the possible problem in a study on 9411 people aged 65 and older during drug therapy for high blood pressure. They found an increased risk among those who had been prescribed with anti-inflammatory drugs. About $2 billion worth of anti-inflammatory drugs prescriptions are filled every year in the US, an estimated 10 to 15 % of them to people over the age of 65, the same age group at high risk for hypertension. Asthma Relief? The New England Journal of Medicine reports that inhaling the steroid drug budesonide can relieve the symptoms of mild asthma. New research has shown that after 2 years of treatment it may be possible to reduce the dose of the drug. However, the treatment remains controversial because budesonide is a corticosteroid that can weaken the body's bones after long-term use. "Because trials specifically designed to determine the long-term and somewhat insidious risks of prolonged treatment with inhaled corticosteroids have not been completed, these worries are reasonable, " said Drs Jeffrey Drazen and Elliot Israel of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. Because many questions remain unresolved, high-dose steroid treatments are being given only to patients with moderate asthma. Inhaled budesonide, Pulmicort, is sold by Astra Pharmaceuticals. This experimental drug, not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration, is available to doctors under experimental protocols.
FYI ✓According to the American Journal of Public Health healthy male doctors that took multivitamins in 1982 were less likely to have cataracts over the next five years than those that took no vitamins. ✓New England Journal of Medicine reports that, in a large trial, a low protein diet slowed the progress of early kidney disease, slightly. ✓According to Nutrition Action Health Letter, " we " are all getting fat. In 1980, one out of every four Americans was overweight. By 1990, it was one out of three. Why? Junk food 24 hours a day! Suggestions for change include stop pushing junk food for kids, daily physical education in school, National No TV week. Well, that's it for this issue. I enjoyed seeing "old " friends at the Convention in STL. Stay Healthy!
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TARPA TOURS
By CHUCK and PAT HASLER
CONVENTION For those of you who missed it, you missed a great time as you will find after reading this issue of the TOPICS. John C Patti Gratz put on one great show after a lot of hard work & preparation. BRANSON The day after the convention we headed for Branson, MO (the new country music capital of the world)with two buses and 66 people. A great time was had by all as you also find by reading elsewhere i n this issue of TOPICS. we get a little tired COMMENT: Sometimes the work piles up & planing C getting ready to go on these cruises C tours but when we see the happy smiling faces & the many personal thanks and l etters we receive then we know the reason we keep doing it. Thank you!
1995 ON
THE
TARPA
TOURS
FOLLOWING
PAGES
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 69
10 Day Alaska Cruise & Tour Package NIEUW AMSTERDAM Category
Departure 5/25/95
Southbound Rate
A deposit of $350 is due now Balance due March 5, 1995
3 nights / 4 days $389 per person Denali Optional Tour A May 22: Arrive Anchorage,, transfer to hotel on own. Overnight Anchorage deluxe hotel May 23: Motorcoach Anchorage to Denali Park. Overnight Denali Park May 24: Denali Park Wildlife Tour, Return to Anchorage by deluxe motorcoach for overnight May 25: Morning city tour of Anchorage. Commence Day 1 of cruise tour package Payment clue in full at time of booking 4 nights / 5 days $732 per person Denali Optional Tour B May 21: Arrive Anchorage,, transfer to hotel on own. Overnight Anchorage deluxe hotel May 22: Motorcoach to Denali Park.. Overnight Denali Park. May 23: Denali Wildlife Tour; Alaska Railroad to Fairbanks. Arriving late afternoon. Overnight Fairbanks. May 24: Fairbanks Sightseeing and Riverboat Tour. Overnight Fairbanks May 25: Transfer to the airport. Fly to Anchorage. Transfer on own Commence Day 1 of cruise tour package. Deposit of $400 due at time of booking. Balance due: Mar 5, 1995
TARPA TOPICS.....NOVEMBER 1994. Page 70
1995
Post-Convention
Tour
September 14-18 Napa Valley & Reno Air Show & Air Races
Norwegian
Experience
aboard the famous Bergen Cruise Line ' the world's most scenic voyage '
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 71
Otherwise known as the ........
G RAP E V I N E
The GRAPEVINE section of the TARPA TOPICS is mainly for the contact and passing of scuttlebutt among the troops. Places you have been that may be interesting to others. Or just plain good reading. Funny or serious happenings you have heard of or were involved in. The only way we of TARPA stay in touch with each other, excepting the annual Convention, is through the TOPICS. (We don't write letters to each other much do we ?) If you have articles and news clippings etc. you should send them to the Editor, Chuck MacNab. He loves to get them print ready. That means he doesn't have to type them over. You know, no notes in pencil along the margin, or your letterhead on top ( use a cover letter or stick-on note) . Write or type it exactly as it will appear in the TOPICS. That will help the work load and save some $ too. The timing for our Convention in STL was absolutely perfect. The WX was great and and the TWA Anniversary Gala went off like an on time Airline (except for the canceled baseball season and the tailgate party which was turned into a much better party downtown by our innovative John and Patti Gratz with Dixieland music and the works. ) The Saturday at the Airport was " all out " as well. I don't know what a lot of the folks did between events but Bett and I enjoyed the workouts and the pool and hotub on the roof every morning and the pool after some of the heated events like the Memorial Gardens and Japanese Gardens. I didn't get a chance to talk to even one third of the people I would like to have, but what else is new ? The cruise was probably as close to seeing everyone as we will ever get. It was longer. One night we spent at the old Italian standby, Charlie Gitto's Pasta House We had a little trouble getting there 'cause we were all talking and foolin' around and being led by and ended up walking 15 blocks to get to the restaurant that is only 3-4 blocks from the hotel. Whets the appetite. We should have taken that route home to shake down all that pasta. Boy that Canneloni was good, just like the Italian Restaurant at the Spanish Steps. Oh well there is always Palo Alto. Be there.
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GRAPEVINE NOVEMBER, 1994 CON'T. AL LUSK, (MARY ). Camarillo, Ca. Editors note: Al, I decided by changing some things as you suggested, this may be interesting for some and a little history as well, for others. I remember Capt. Muss, and your " first flight "was definitely a first flight anyone would remember. It had a tendency to make an impression on new Co-Pilots. Of course I realize that you made all of this up just to get in the Grapevine. FIRST FLIGHT ...By Al Lusk. I think it was in March of 1946. It was definitely on a DC-3. I arrived at MKC( it was KC in those days) operations at about 01:00 for a 03:00 flight to ABQ. I was informed that my Captain would be Capt. A. Nony Muss. About 40 minutes before our scheduled departure, I had not been able to locate Capt. Muss. I discussed this problem with Crew Schedule. Crew Sked. determined that he had received his crew call and gone back to sleep. (In those days we got crew calls even at our home base.) The dispatcher helped me with the Flight Plan, signed the Clearance and Release for Muss and suggested I go and get the check list done in the Aircraft. Capt. About 15 minutes after our scheduled departure time, tall, dark and handsome Capt. Muss jogged into the cockpit, shirt half buttoned, hat, coat and tie in hand. He said "Wind her up, chum " and settled into his seat. As we taxied out a few seconds later, he gave the traditional "on time " signal. The trip to ABQ was uneventful. We shared a room, but I saw very little of Capt. Muss on the layover, since the "Poker Room" was open. On our return trip to MKC again starting in the wee hours of the morning, we had a very new and charming Hostess. Capt. Muss put me in the left seat for the Amarillo to Wichita leg. ( Historical Note: This was before divine revelation caused the CAA to determine that permitting that Co-Pilot to fly from the left, presented an unacceptable hazard to the traveling public and possibly the world at large ). Breakfast was served on this leg and after he finished his meal I noticed that he put the linen napkin from his tray in his navigation kit holder. This mystified me. Surely, a TWA Captain would not be swiping napkins. I did not comment. When the Hostess picked up our trays, Capt. Muss suggested that she might like to return to the cockpit to enjoy a cigarette. ( Historical Note:at this point in time, smoking in the cockpit was not only legal, but was a common practice). The Hostess soon reappeared. Capt. Muss graciously slid his seat back and offered to let her rest on his lap. She willingly agreed and they enjoyed their cigarettes. After the smoke, apparently by mutual agreement, it was decided that their joint use of the seat was conductive to other pleasurable activities. These also involved the use of the hands and lips. and as a dutiful and new Co-Pilot, I did my best to refrain from exhibiting any undue interest in this new activity. continued.
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GRAPEVINE, NOVEMBER, 1994, con't. AL LUSK, First Flight, con't. However in pursuit of proper vigilance and CAA scan pattern, I could not help but become aware that a considerable of amount mutual enthusiasm and satisfaction were both being displayed. When I started descent for landing, the Hostess reluctantly untangled herself. After straightening clothing and hair, she headed back into the cabin. Capt. Muss reached into the navigation kit holder, extracted the napkin and used it to remove the lipstick that had been covering a sizable area of his face. A good Airline Captain always plans ahead. Many years later, after I checked out as Captain, I saved a napkin for several trips. It soon became obvious that I was not a Captain A. Nony Muss. Hang in there guys, AI Lusk Just Plain Funny Jake and Junior liked to hunt. Hearing about Moose up north, they went to the wilds of Canada. Each bagged a huge Moose. When their Pilot landed to take them out, he saw their gear and the two moose. "I can't fly out of here with you, your gear and both moose," he said. " Why not ?" asked Jake. "Because the load will be too heavy. The plane won't be able to take of." They argued for a few minutes, and then Junior said, I don't understand. Last year , each of us had a moose and the Pilot loaded everything. " " Well," said the Pilot, "I guess if you did it last year, I can do it too." So they loaded the plane. But it was too heavy and crashed into the mountainside. No one was hurt and as they crawled out of the wreckage, Jake asked, "Where are we ?" Junior surveyed the scene and answered, " Oh about a mile farther than we got last year."
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GRAPEVINE, NOVEMBER, 1994, con't. KATIE BUCHANAN, Stateline, Nv. What a wonderful time 400 plus had at the TARPA Convention in St. Louis. John and Patti Gratz must be congratulated on the splendid job they did as host and hostess. With the beautiful weather and superb hotel accommodations that had most of the activities in one area, the convention was a huge success. One of the highlights of the week was the BBQ in the park, musical entertainment and the flyover of the SAC Connie and Martin. Saturday was TWA Open House at the Airport. There were guided tours at the Museum and Training Center, then over to the hanger for a visit with a variety of planes and lots of booths selling "T" shirts, hats and memento's. Having the honor again of hosting the "Hospitality Room ", I would like to thank all the gals and guys who volunteered their help. We had a beautiful corner room with a spectacular view. Sunday morning, Pat and Chuck " Logan " Hasler loaded two buses and headed for Branson Missouri. It was a fast but hilarious filled five days of activities. Musical theatre shows, fun country side trips, plus, again lots of "T" shirts and hats and we must not forget TARPA'S one and only star " Logan. " Another well planned trip by the Haslers. As I have said before, I'm Proud of being a member of this great group of people. Please accept my thanks for all your "Kindness ." Katie Buchanan Hospitality Room Gal Ed Note: Short but SWEET, Katie, how would we EVER do without YOU. If you ever retire from the Hospitality Room I won't go to another Convention ! ! ! PETER VON HALEM, (MARESI ), Bozrah, Ct. Editors Note: I was deadheading on flight 324 from STL to MCO a few weeks ago and Peter was the Captain. He and I got to talking and reminising about flying together awhile back. Peter flew with me on my first 747 Captain trip. It was out of Rome. We knew there was going to be a problem with ATC Scotland. When we left Rome the clowns kept giving us vectors instead of clearances and we were going 10-15 degrees north up over Germany and finally over Norway. We finally got turned west along the northern boundary of the Scottish FIR and ran out of maps. There was good old INS. We got in touch with Iceland after awhile and got a clearance on down to JFK. We had loaded up with energy before leaving Rome so we made it nonstop. "Twas an interesting day, what. Peter.
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GRAPEVINE, NOVEMBER, 1994, con't. BOB DEDMAN ( ILSE ),Virginia Beach, VA. Our thanks to John Gratz and his assistants for a superb job in St. Louis. A special thanks should also go to our "Hostess " in the hospitality room, as she makes it go. Not an easy job to be sure but Katie always carries it off... Thanks sweetie !! We are already making plans for the '95 convention in Palo Alto and I think we should all try to bring an active member along to see how well we run things and what fun we do have. It was a great pleasure to see so many good friends and we hope that you all have a safe and healthy year. Also inclosed is a new deal from my auto rental lady, I wrote about in a previous issue. The deals she offers just can't be beat. mention TARPA when you call and AnneMarie Collins will take care of you. Unfortunately, you cannot rent a car in Germany if you are over 70. All this with brand-new cars from the No. 1 HERTZ CORPORATION Rentals in Germany , for example, start at p/week! 131.00 German Marks (We also speak German) CHARTER US, INC. PERSONALIZED AUTOMOBILE RENTALS 1-800-234-2487 USA & CANADA
YOUR CAR-RENTAL NEEDS WILL BE IN EXCELLENT HANDS! We offer the lowest rates possible; + a 10 or 15 % Discount on rentals in Germany; + unlimited miles & no drop-off charge; + over 200 locations including Airports and NO PREPAYMENT!
Best Regards,
Bob and Ilse Dedman
********************************************** To prepare us for the 1994 (now 1995 ) Hillery health-care plan, enclosed is the following medical terminology paper: Hillary Medical Dictionary Artery-The study of paintings Bacteria-Cafeteria's rear entrance Barium-What doctors do when people die Bowel-Letter like a,e,o,i,u, Cat Scan-Searching for Garfield Cauterize-Made eye contact with her D&C-Where Washington is Dilate-Live long Ear-Where you are now Enema-Not a friend Impotent-Worthy of attention Kidney-Where a child's leg bends Urine-Oppositeof'you're out Vain- Conceited ............... We won't have
Labor Pain-Injured at work Mammogram-Telegram to Mama Morbid- Higher offer Nitrates-Cheaper than day rates Node-Understood Outpatient-Patient who has fainted Pap Smear-Insult to father Post Operative-Letter carrier Rectum-Dang near kidded 'em Seizure-Roman emperor Terminal illness-Getting sick at the airport Tumor-After one more Varicose-Nearly to worry about this 'til '95 now.
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GRAPEVINE, NOVEMBER, 1994, con't. 461 Cliff Street Honesdale, PA. 18431 August 28th, 1994 Captain Captain Captain Captain
Happy Garrett Kidd MacNab
Gentlemen; Captain "Don Quixote" Lengel has had some 24 hours to think about past and current conditions with regard to TWA. Considering politics, the past piddling half-assed measures towards survival, the 190 million payment due Mr. Icahn January 1st, 1995, and other elements of chaos, the employees and the current Boss of TWA are going to have to take draconian measures to ward off failure. Should they bite the bullet, TARPA might see fit to do more than just talk about the Company's problems. In the meantime, it is time to look into Blue Cross/Blue Shield costs for spouses under 65. From what I've heard , that would be somewhere around $300 a month or so. And that is after-tax dollars. My trip to Saint Louis is off; there is too much work to do around here and we had a trip planned for the middle of September that we had been looking forward to for some time. Talk at you later.
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GRAPEVINE, NOVEMBER, 1994, con't. RICHARD BECK ( LOU ),San Clemente, CA. The following note from Dick, 13 September, 1994, and also their 53rd. wedding anniversary
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GRAPEVINE, NOVEMBER, 1994, con't. DENNIS TAYLOR, (JANE), Independence, Mo. On page 63 of the May TARPA TOPICS there was a picture postcard with several TWA people. I recognized almost everyone and with the help of Bob Lauchlan (who is standing at the podium) we came up with all but one. The picture was taken in TWA's Briefing Room at 10 Richards Road in Kansas City in 1963 or 1964. Frankum moved to New York in 1965. Starting at the podium and moving clockwise: Bob Lauchlan-Assistant to Frankum Bob Thompson-Director, Flight Dispatch Jim Todd-Manager, Meteorology Bill Dixon-Editor, Flight Facts Jack Evens- Manager, Flight Engineers Next person- Unknown Harry Olander-Director, Operational Planning John Harrington-Senior V.P. Central Region Ed Musser-Director, Meteorology Ed Frankum- Vice President, Flight Operations Bob Lauchlan (the youngest of the group) retired from TWA as Vice President, Central Region . I hope this helps " fill in the blanks " with names, however, I still don't understand why anyone would make a postcard of a picture like this. Kindest Regards, Dennis Taylor Ed. Note: Thanks Dennis for sending in the identifying names. Unless someone wanted to make a point about all the harassment claims going on today, I can't imagine, either, why a card like this. Reference: John Whitten's postcard, TOPICS, May, 1994, page 63
When the hospital gives you one of those skimpy gowns. you know the end is in sight.
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GRAPEVINE, NOVEMBER, 1994, con't TO BE A PILOT The following letter was written by a Fifth Grader at San Nateo, California, Park Grammer School and appeared in the February 1962 issue of "The Last Word" a monthly safety publication at Andrews AFB, Maryland. I thought you might enjoy this. "I want to be a pilot when I grow up....because it's a fun job and easy to do. That's why there are so many pilots flying today.
Pilots don't need much school, they just have to learn
numbers so they can read instruments. I guess they should be able to read road maps so they won't be lost. Pilots should be brave so they won't be scared if it's foggy and they can't see, or if a wing or motor falls off they should stay calm so they'll know what to do. Pilots have to have good eyes to see through clouds and they can't be afraid of lightening or thunder because they're closer to them than we are. The salary pilots make is another thing I like. They make more money than they can spend. This is because most people think plane flying is dangerous except pilots don't because they know how easy it is .
There isn't much
I don't like except girls like pilots and all the stewardesses want to marry pilots so they always have to chase them away so they don't bother them. I hope I don't get air sick because I get car sick and if I get air sick I couldn't be a pilot and then I'd have to go to work."
ARE WE THERE YET ?
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 81
GRAPEVINE, NOVEMBER, 1994, con't. J.T. McCLURE (BETTY ), Dayton TN.
Jim Tom
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 82
GRAPEVINE, NOVEMBER, 1994, cont. BILL TARBOX, ( JOAN ), Austin, Tx. Bill sent in this very interesting article from the Lake Country/Echo Pine River Journal
Lake Country Echo
July 21,1994
Guest Column Listen By BRAD ERICKSON Guest Columnist
my
son
Imagine, if you will, a father having a heart-to-heart conversation with his young son about what it takes to succeed in life today: "Son, sit down here a minute and let me give you some advice. When I was about your age, my father took me aside and told me 'Get an education, work hard, marry a good woman, put aside a little out of each paycheck, follow the rules, raise your children with a firm hand and a warm heart, love your country but don't depend on government handouts, and, most of all, have faith in God.' " "Now, I must admit, those words of wisdom worked for me, but the times, my son, they are a changin'. You need to discard that old, self-reliant, pick-yourselfbth-osrap mentality if you want to get along in this world. It used to be that the achievers were rewarded for their hard Work and looked up to as role models. Not anymore! If you try that you'll be scorned as greedy and unfair, if not downright criminal, and you'll have most of your hardearned dollars taxed away. "It's better to fail, but when you do, don't dust yourself off and try again, just claim that your failure is someone else's fault and whine to the government for help. "Another alternative to hard work and responsibility is the judicial system. Why, look at of Rodney King there. He managed to parlay his criminal acts of driving under the influence, speeding, endangering the lives of others, and resisting arrest into a nice little retirement nest egg of about four million bucks. Now, I can't guarantee that if you go that route the police will use too much force to subdue you, but the way things are going you can probably collect something just for getting arrested. Since the police are automatically the bad guys, you should be able to get them on some kind of technicality. "Or you might try the criminal justice system overseas. Break the law and get punished under their guidelines. Then me and Ma will raise a ruckus over how barbaric their customs are and get the politicians and the media involved, and who knows, you could be looking at a lucrative movie deal.
"Actually, the TV-movie, talk show circuit, or tell-all book options are probably your best bets. Just about any heinous criminal activity, or deviant sexual behavior can get your foot in the door. Remember though, son, the Menendez brothers already did the blow-away-your-parents-and-then-claim-you-were-abused angle, so I wouldn't recommend that. You may want to see a psychotherapist about any possible repressed memories you might have though. "As for your personal life, all I can tell you is to play the field and don't accept parental responsibilities if you get someone pregnant. After all, she could get an abortion if she wanted so don't feel like you're obliged to support her. Make sure you live with someone before getting married, and if you do eventually have children, make sure you don't spank them or say anything critical - your kids could come back and sue you for assault and battery on their self-esteem. "And make sure you don't mention God, or any of that religious stuff, around people. If you really feel a need to have religious faith, keep it to yourself. You can still believe in God, just don't act like it. "Son, I know there's a lot to learn and the rules are changing, but as long as you look for the easy way, claim victimhood as your mantle, sue people at the drop of a hat, break the rules when it suits you, make good political connections, tell lies when necessary, seek power rather than truth, and put your faith in government instead of God, you too can be successful. Just remember, son, this is still America - the land of opportunity! Why, some day, you could even become President!" Editor's Note: Brad Erickson, Pine River, is a guest columnist for the Lake Country Echo/Pine River Journal. His commentary pieces appear periodically on the editorial pages. His views do not necessarily reflect those of Echo Publishing management or staff.
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 83
GRAPEVINE, NOVEMBER, 1994, cont. THE FOLLOWING WAS READ AT A RECENT WWII U.S. Air Force REUNION AND I THINK VERY APPROPRIATE FOR OUR GROUP AS WELL, CHANGE JUST THE NAMES & PLACES AND THERE YOU ARE ..... We assembled here today are temporary survivors of an important chapter of world history that cannot be forgotten and must always be an integral part of any history ever to be written. Our Nation has participated in several major conflicts during this century. All of us here today were involved in the most destructive of them all. War is a terrible and wasteful thing and I pray we never need experience another. But it also brings together men and women from all walks of life, from every State of the Union and many Foreign Nations. Conflict binds them in a common cause and forges friendships that can last a lifetime, although more often are terminated when wars end and each of us goes our separate ways. During these few days we will try to recapture those years of youth, friendship and common cause, but don't be disappointed if sentiments of those bygone years cannot be entirely recalled. After all, we are older and, perhaps, a little more cynical, and for sure a little more senile. We've lived many years and had different experiences: married and re-married; raised families and lost friends and loved ones. But I know we all keep memories of our youth stored safely in a special corner of our hearts and minds. And they include: Those years in Port Moresby, Dobadura, Nadzab, Lae, Hollandia, Biak Island, Mendoro, Leyte, Lingayan Gulf, Mangalden (Honey) and Clark Field (Florida Blanca)...Yes Manila, Townsville, Brisbane and Sidney .. the A-24, P-40, the faithful A-20 and finally the B-32. The jungle rot, salt pills, poker games, volley ball, soft ball, the constant heat and constant rain....mail call, mess call, sick call, guard duty and KP..side arms, short arms, the coveted jeep and the sturdy 1/2 ton...powdered eggs, spam, shingles, dysentery, warm beer and cold showers...cigarette rations C rations, K rations and a tiny bit of combat hootch when available. Looking up at tree tops and close enough to watch the grass grow... Everything strikes a nerve and brings back a memory-some pleasant, others distastful--but all a part of our past youth. Some of which we now recall only vaguely but which will always remain a part of us. We are here today because of the sacrifice of others and in many cases due to our own good fortune. So, a toast to us all; to our past, to our present and to our future...however long or brief it may be. Let this be our hope: when we reach that " final reception center ", after our final tour of duty, the First- Sergeant- in- Charge will bellow: This guy is from the 312th BG. Open the gates Gabriel !" J.T. Happy 388th Sq. 312th BG 5th AF SWPA (A-20 Havocs)
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 84
GRAPEVINE, NOVEMBER, 1994, con't. Some photos from STL Sept. '94
Left photo: Larry Hecker Clare Hecker, Bobbi and Bill Kirschner, David and Lucille Davies, Ed & Donna Betts
Claude & Dorothy Girard, Bill & Dreena Compton John Gratz, David & Rhonda Saaks
Top left: Bob & Ilse Dedman and Sam Mosley. Right Bob Dedman
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GRAPEVINE, NOVEMBER, 1994, con't. Some more photos from STL, Sept.'94. Eat your heart out you guys that missed it.
Okay, here is a list of the BULL-Shooters, you figure out who's who : Maxine (Ref/puller) Jim winchester, and Bill Kischner; Ex.President and Present President Russ Derickson & David Davies, discussing the finer points of dropping birds, (Clay not London); Joe Schneider, Bill Kerschner, Jim Winchester, J.T. Happy & Earl Heinrich; Left-Right Standing, Jim Winchester, David Davies, John Calamaro (Shoot Chair.) Bill Kirschner, Ken Calame, Maxine, Russ Derickson, Seated, Lloyd Hubbard and Earl Heinrich
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 86
GRAPEVINE, NOVEMBER, 1994, cont. And even more photos of the STL BASH, Boy did you procrastinators miss one.
Ed & Joan Flynn; Dean & Alice Miller; Bette Happy; Vic hassler.
use Dedman and the very famous Spirit of St, Louis. STL. Sept. 1994. TWA Gala Anniversary
Lord, how long ago was this ? LGA- CVG ABQ-Winslow, LaeBiak. my goodness.
TARPA TOPICS. NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 87
GRAPEVINE, NOVEMBER, 1994, cont. BARNEY RAWLINGS has written a super story about his adventures, after crash landing a B-17 in a field during WWII in Belgium. Anyone involved in the underground that operated during the occupation of France during WWII will recall the danger the Free French took when hiding American Aviators and funneling them out of Europe to Spain and other places at the risk of not only their lives but sometimes the lives of whole villages. There was no telling who was in the grapevine and who was a collaborator. Many American Airmen owe there lives to these courageous un-named people. At least that's what I get from this first hand account of an American Pilot, down in Belgium, funneled through Paris, and handed off to Spanish Police and interned, and later released . I told Barney when we were flying together on Martins, when he came back to Domestic to check out as Captain, he should put his adventure into a book. I' m glad he has finally done it. If anyone misses the opportunity to read this adventure, they will be missing one of the great factual stories of World War Two. Call Barney at 203-537-0807 and convince him to put this on the bookshelves. What an adventure, scary though it may be. God was that 50 years "OFF WE WENT " (Into the wild blue yonder ). ago.
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 88
GRAPEVINE, NOVEMBER, 1994, cont. The Grapevine received the following notes and letters: From Dorothy A. Nicolai of Branford Ct. , A Retired Hostess, who sends an address change for Capt. Lyle Hincks and says " Capt. Hincks is going through some difficult times having lost his wife and having a change in living accommodations. I know he would appreciate hearing from his many friends--recalling old times and learning of all the new changes taking place. Over the years, Lyle contributed greatly to TWA and I hope that his work will not be forgotten. Sincerely, Dorothy A. Nicolai The new address is: 3006 McNiel, Wichita Falls Tx. 76309 Tel. 817/696-1422 From Denise Storck Troyer and Family: It is with regret that I must inform you of the death of Ada Storck, 107 Sequoia, Lake Jackson, TX. 77566-6013. She was the widow of Capt. Gail Storck who passed away in 1989. Mother had advanced Alzheimer's Disease and after almost five years in the nursing home, died very peacefully on 12 May, 1994 We three surviving children feel that we had the best parents ever. They were excellent grandparents and taught all of us the Christian work ethic. They taught us to be " Company" people. We have always strived to do our best for whomever we worked. We want to thank you for sending the TARPA TOPICS. It kept us informed of TWA activities and of the friends of Mom and Dad. Dad. was an excellent Pilot. As we travel, lo, these many years now, there has not been one who could match his smooth landings ! We miss Mom and Dad so much, but also realize that they are now together again rejoicing in a new life. Those who knew Mom and Dad, knew what great friends they were, An example for us to follow. Wishing all of you well, Denise Storck Troyer and Family From Ray Schmidt : Ray's wife Ruth had a mild heart attack in STL and she should be out of the hospital now and back in Palm Beach, Fl . around the 1st. of October. Also G.J. "Jay" Taylor is having a battle with a lung down in San Antonio Tx. How about a note or a card to help the fight. Hope you doing much better Jay , Check Essential.
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 89
GRAPEVINE, NOVEMBER, 1994, cont. The grapevine received this message just before deadline 01 Ocrober, 1994 From Andrew McCarthy , Wellesley, Ma. : I regret to inform you and all the members of TARPA, that BILL BLESCH passed away on 28th of June, 1994. Panama City, Fl. All members of TARPA send their sympathy to Barbara and family of BILL. More information will follow in the March issue of the TARPA TOPICS in March. '95 ***************************.***************
I SUPPOSE YOU COULD CALL THIS MY SWAN SONG. I HAVE DONE THE GRAPEVINE FOR THE TOPICS FOR FOUR YEARS. AFTER FOLLOWING GREAT GRAPEVINE EDITORS, ORVILLE OLSON AND DICK GUILLAN AND OTHERS BEFORE THEM, IT'S TIME TO HANG IT UP. I COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT THE GUIDENCE OF THOSE GREAT GUYS. THEY SET THE STANDARDS AND THEY WERE TOUGH STANDARDS. THERE IS NOTHING MORE SAT! SFYING THAN WRITING FOR THE MANY MEMBERS OF TARPA. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK RUSS DERICKSON FOR VOLUNTEERING ME AT 2330 BACK IN '90 BEFORE I WAS AWAKE TO FUDGE. BELIEVE ME YOU WILL NEVER KNOW HOW MANY GREAT PEOPLE THERE ARE IN TARPA UNTIL YOU TAKE ON A VOLUNTARY POSITION. I AM GLAD TO SEE SOME OF THE YOUNGER ( 60 PLUS) PEOPLE GETTING INVOLVED. I WOULD ESPECIALLY LIKE TO THANK ALL THE FOLKS THAT SENT NEWS, ARTICLES, FUNNIES, AND ALL THAT GOOD STUFF THAT KEEPS ALL THE FOLKS IN TARPA INFORMED ABOUT WHAT OTHERS FOLKS ARE DOING. THE GRAPEVINE IS OUR CONNECTION. YOU GONNA TELL ME YOU DON'T LIKE TO HEAR WHAT ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE YOU WORKED WITH FOR GOD KNOWS HOW MANY YEARS, ARE DOING ? SEND IN SOME STUFF. HAD A GREAT VACATION? LET OTHERS KNOW SO MAYBE THEY CAN DO IT TOO. ANYWAY, IT'S BEEN SUPER. THANKS RUSS, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU DID FOR ME. TO THE NEW TARPA TOPICS GRAPEVINE EDITOR, JUMP IN THERE AND ENJOY. YOU WILL HAVE A BALL. ALL THE PEOPLE OF TARPA ARE THE GREATEST. MAYBE WE CAN HAVE A RULE THAT ALL TARPA VOLUNTARY JOBS ARE ONLY FOR TWO YEARS, THEN EVERYONE WILL GET A CHANCE TO HOG A LITTLE OF THE FUN. SEE YOU ALL IN PALO ALTO ....... I' M OUTTA HERE. J.T.
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 90
HANK
NEW
GASTRICH...
GRAPEVINE
EDITOR
Born in St. Louis, Mo. long, long ago (Mar '24). First airplane ride in gull-wing Stinson from Parks Air College to over-fly Boy Scout Camp. Graduated East St. Louis High School February 1942. Started learning to fly that summer in Funk (?). Enlisted in the Navy's V-5 NavCad Flight Training Program September 1942 (it was then a seven month program). Graduated as an officer, gentleman, and naval aviator June 16, 1944 - 17 months later. In next nine years, in and out of Navy 4 times. Left Navy in July '53 for EAL training class scheduled Sep 1. Class canceled and started with TWA in Nov'53 class. Captain upgrade May 1960 and first bid at EWR in winter 1962 after seven plus months as EWR " co-pilot move-up Captain " . Probably greatest delight as "move up Captain" was replying to Idlewild Approach as for where flight 702 operated was to reply, "From Dulles to Idlewild continuing on to London and Frankfurt." I only flew the Dulles-DCA-Idlewild legs...but senior CO-PILOTS who recognized my voice NEVER knew THAT! Retired medically (high blood pressure) in Nov '74. Flew a Connie a little for shortTARPA's new Grapevine Editor, lived operation from Palau, Hank Gastrich Micronesia Territory to Nagoya, Japan with sushi tuna 1987/88. Gave weekend FE and ATP seminars for AAL Captain " Ed Horton's JET EXAM. Was " discovered by John and Martha King on 10 July 1989 and agreed to help write FAA Training Manuals and video scripts for FAA pilot/mechanic certificates. So I guess I am still learning to fly. John King says I am flunking retirement. Something I learned last week: In 1967, a second of time was redefined in terms of the frequency of radiation of a cesium atom. Now, a second is defined as an interval of time during which the cesium atom oscillates 9,192,631,770 times. How about THAT? And TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 91
who counted? And how many times for a "split second?" Also, according to John P.V. Heinmuller, one of the FAA (then the CAA if anything?) observers for Lindbergh's New York-to-Paris flight, freak wind conditions existed over the North Atlantic on May 20-22, 1927. The pressure patterns were arranged in such a way that the net drift acting upon the Spirit of St. Louis was zero. It was still left for " TWA's Captain Howard Hall to come up with the "North Atlantic pressure-pattern method of crossing the pond. First marriage (Mary Lee) ended after 38 years with her death. Five kids and nine grand-children from that relationship. A second marriage was of considerably shorter duration...( Written on 27 September 1994.)...End ' Many of us knew Henry E. "Hank" Gastrich on the line but many didn t.... So, above is " " a short "Bio" written by Hank, with a few of his observations added for good measure. As the headline informs you, Hank has graciously volunteered to be our new GRAPEVINE Editor so please note this change and send your GRAPEVINE material to him. (See this issue of Editor's Desk or your Directory for Hank's address.)...Ed.
Seeing his first American football game, the Englishman watched one of the teams go into a huddle. "What do you think of football?" asked his American friend. "It's not a bad sport," answered the Briton, "but they have too many Committee meetings." "Before I take your case," said the counselor, "you'll have to give me a $200 retainer." "All right, here's the two hundred," agreed Bernie, handing over the money. "Thank you," he retorted, "This entitles you to two questions." " What? Two hundred bucks for just two questions! "Isn't that awfully high?" "Yes, I suppose it is,"said the lawyer. "Now what's your second question?"
DEFINITIONS OLD AGE:
When it's not so hard to avoid temptation as it is to find it!
PRODIGY:
A child just as smart at four as he/she will be at forty.
POLITENESS:
Not speaking evil of people with whom you have just dined until you are at least a hundred yards from their house.
MIDDLE AGE:
The time when you can do just as much as ever, but would rather not. Having the choice of two temptations and choosing the one that will get you home earlier.
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 92
Adam & Eve On a Raft, Sil Vou
s Plait
hortly after Paris was liberated in 1944 the Air Transport Command commenced scheduling ICD flights into Orly Field. Originally our crews were assigned to the Hotel Normandy on layovers. The Normandy in those days was no Plaza-Athenee or George Sank, true, but the sheets were clean and comfortable and, compared to the barracks around the airport, was pretty much "down town."
S
It was and still is located near the Rue St. Honore and Ave. D L'Opera. The Paris Opera House stood a little to the north, the Louvre a little to the south, Place Vendome a little to the west and Harry's Bar, without Harry, was around there somewhere. Anyway, on one of my first trips into Paris I awoke about 2 a.m. as hungry as a wolf. I dressed quietly in the dark to avoid disturbing my roommate...we bunked two in a room those days...and headed out on my own to find something to eat. Walking up the broad avenue towards the dark Opera I paused beside a sidewalk grating. What was that haunting melody? It sounded a lot like "Music In the Night" but that couldn't be. After all "Cats" wasn't even a "Memory" yet. Although at that time the City of Light was rather dark, a full moon bathed the area in a silvery blanket making it easy to find your way around. Then, on approaching the Place Vendome I noticed a light shining in the doorway of a building facing the tall column in the center of the square on which Emperor Napoleon once again stood. I decided to investigate... A pizza parlor, maybe? However I found the light came from the famous Ritz, 15 Place Vendome, which had been vacated by its owners and was presently occupied solely by a US Army Sgt. who was deeply engrossed in a paperback novel. I knocked at the open door and the Sgt., noting my ATC uniform, motioned for me to come in. The formerly luxurious lobby was not stripped and the large, walk-in safe located behind what once was the concierge's desk, had swung open. It had, in former days, contained fortunes in gems, jewelry and banknotes the property of Kings and Queens, Princelings and Princesses, Barons and Bankers but was now completely bare. As "Papa" had not as yet returned there was no gin. And there was nothing to eat in there either. "Well!" barked the Sgt. "Whadda you want?" I explained that I was hungry and wondered if he could direct me to the nearest diner.
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Adam & Eve...cont'd. "Diner! In Paris? You got to be kidding! The closest White Castle I know of is in Jackson Heights down on Astoria Blvd." I turned to leave. "Wait a minute." The Sgt. relented somewhat. "I think there's an all-night joint up on the Chawmps. But you gonna have to hoof it. The Meetrow folds at midnight. It ain't no BMT you know." He returned to his paperback. I had no trouble locating the Champs Elysees as everything seemed to point towards it and the way was well lighted, but I was amazed by its size and artistic construction. Of course New York's 2nd Ave. is wide all right and Queens Blvd. has a few trees if you go far enough east, but nothing in New York or the entire USA could compare to this. At this early hour traffic was nearly nonexistent except for an occasional military vehicle or a taxi. The broad sidewalks were deserted except for a barracks-bound GI or two and a few French civilians coming from or going to work. Finally I found what must be the "all-night joint" the Sgt. had referred to, a dimly lighted building with an empty taxi parked in front on the sidewalk. Although there was no "Eat Here" sign in evidence, I could make out a giant replica of a snail, twin antenna, shell-like hump and all just above the front door. I had heard that fried snails were quite popular in France so that must be their specialty. Although neither my palate nor my pocketbook could handle a breakfast of escargots, I figured they might flip flapjacks too. So I cautiously entered the place. It was a restaurant all right. An impeccably attired waiter, apparently pleased to have a customer, led me to a table and handed me an immense menu, printed all in French. Well, I was hankering for a couple of poached eggs on toast, French or whatever, but figured it would be as difficult to order French toast in France as Bombay gin in Bombay. After several unsuccessful attempts to order verbally, I borrowed the waiters nice, new Parker pen and wrote "two eggs " on the menu border. The waiter disappeared into the kitchen returning with the Chef but not to where I sat but to where a group of locals were obviously sizing me up. They all took turns studying my menu-message with much shoulder shrugging until one of them, apparently the taxi driver judging by his cap, came up with a good suggestion and he immediately took off in his taxi with a rattle and a wheeze. A short time later he returned with a passenger...and what a passenger! He was a tall, gaunt individual wearing a sweeping black cape. In fact he was completely attired in black although his face seemed nearly covered with a blank mask. The Chef gingerly greeted him, showed him my notation and then pointed me out. Menu in hand the apparition headed directly towards my table. Desperately I glanced around looking for a possible exit. But before I could escape he arrived at my table, pointed a bony finger at an item on the menu that read "Oeufs Sur Le Plat," then rasped: "
How you want them? Straight up or over easy?
"
When the midnight snack finally arrived it was long after midnight and was far more than just a snack. There was a large platter on which rested two freshly fried eggs, jumbo size with their eyes wide open, accompanied by stacks of hot buttered toast. Side dishes of green beans and a rack of toasted muffins were provided as was a large cup of steaming coffee, without milk of course but who cared. TARPA TOPICS. NOVEMBER 1994. Page 94
Adam & Eve...cont'd. As I left the cafe the sun was slowly rising in the east. Appetite now slaked I wanted only to get back to the Normandy and crawl into my half of the warm bed. I checked my handful of francs. True, there were far fewer now but the meal had been worth it. I guessed there were enough to finance a cab ride back. The taxi was still there, parked in front, its driver dozing over the wheel. I shook him awake and said: "Hotel Normandy." But he shook his head sadly "Non, Monsieur" and then showed me why. Pulling a crank out from under his seat he dipped it into his gas tank, holding it up for my inspection. The crank pins were barely covered. Looked like we were at the point-of-no-return even before we could leave. I motioned for him to wait and dashed out to flag down a couple of MPs in a Jeep. I explained the situation and after flashing a US fin managed to convince them to go along with my request to siphon some stateside ESSO into the tiny taxi's tiny tank. They obviously thought I was off my rocker but my short-snorter did the trick. So all topped-off now we took off in a cloud of gas fumes and a couple "Wheeps" out of the horn as he pinched the rubber bulb. With the rising sun bathing the Boulevard in sparkling light I could now really appreciate the Champs Elysees with its wide, central avenue paralleled by the lovely tree lined side streets. Yes, indeed, Paris always was, still is and forever will be the World's most beautiful city. We pulled up to the Normandy just behind a small bus containing an inbound ICD crew. The taxi driver, all smiles, helped me alight but positively refused to accept my proffered tip, highly unusual for a Parisian taxi-man. But then it wasn't every day his tank was filled with so high octane petrol. I greeted the crew but they were too tired to chat as they lugged their val-packs and flight kits into the hotel. All, that is, except Henry, the Flight Clerk. I told him about my fine meal. "Oh, we had breakfast too at the Army mess," he countered, so I sympathized with him for having the same old Spam-in-a-pan again. "Oh, Non! Non, Monsieur!" (Hank liked to show off his High School French whenever he crossed the Channel.) "Ze oeufs sur le plat...magnifique! Comprehende?" "Oui, oui, Henri Yes now I see. But where were you When I needed thee?" .....End
HAGAR THE HORRIBLE/ By Chris Browne
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 95
THE CHOCO-HOLIC CAKE CAKE One 18.25 oz package deep chocolate cake mix One 4oz package instant chocolate pudding 4 eggs 1 cup milk 3/4 cup sour cream 1/3 cup butter, softened One 12oz package (2 cups) Nestle' Toll House semi-sweet chocolate morsel 1 cup chopped walnuts GLAZE one 6oz package (1 cup) Nestle' Toll House semi-sweet chocolate morsels 3/4 cup heavy cream. CAKE Preheat oven to 350 F. In large bowl, combine cake mix, instant pudding mix, eggs, milk, sour cream and butter. Mix until blended. Beat at high speed for two minutes. Stir in Nestle' Toll House semi-sweet chocolate morsels and walnuts. Pour into greased and floured 10 " tube pan. BAKE at 350 F for 55-65 minutes COOL 15 minutes, remove from pan. Cool completely, Pour Glaze evenly over cake. CHILL until set. GLAZE Combine over hot (not boiling ) water, Nestle' Toll House semi-sweet chocolate morsels and heavy cream. Stir until morsels are melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Cool 15 minutes. Makes one tube cake NOTE: This recipe make 12 Texas size cupcakes. Use paper liners and zap with vegetable spray. Fill and bake for 30-35 minutes at 350 F. Serve cupcakes warm with 1 table spoon warm Glaze over the top l can't say it will extend your life, but l quarantee when you go you'll be smiling SHRIMP and BACON Mix 1/4 dejon mustard with 1/4 honey and spred on one side of bacon. Cut lengths to go around peeled large raw shrimp. Bake on rack at 350 F 'til bacon is crisp. ( Don't over cook ). THE PERFECT DIET " Eat all you want---But don't swallow it "
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 96
"Ole 386"- N1945 by Dick Davis
Nearly twenty years after Ona Gieschen stepped off TWA Flight 541 in St. Louis, my long time friend, Al Wagner, bought a Douglas DC3. (Price? $15,000.00) . The aircraft, Serial # 3294, N1945 (TWA 386), had been sold by TWA to Wisconsin Central, later to become North Central Airlines , modified to their configuration, and put on the line in daily use. (NC 728) Sometime later it was sold to "Century 2000", an Air Travel Club operating in Florida. "Ole 386" made club trips to Merida and Yucatan for weekend getaways. The ferry trip from St. Petersburg to San Diego, it's new home, was via Houston and El Paso. Elapsed time 7.7 hours. Except for financing the fuel, "Ole 386" gave him no problems. As events would prove, "Ole 386" would never give him a problem. His original dream was to fly scenics around San Diego under Part 135 , but it did not work out - even with free champagne.
TA RPA TOPICS .....NOV EMBER 1994 ..... Page 97
A particularly memorable flight over sunny San Diego found the happy passengers drenched with Al's champagne at $5.00 a person. After the flight, while the crew was unwinding in the airport saloon, Al inquired about how much money we'd made. The stews looked blankly at each other — they had forgotten to collect anything ! No wonder the passengers were delighted ! In late 1971 and early 1972, Al organized the "Coronado Flyers Air Travel Club", under Part 123. The logo, and the name originated from the Coronado Yacht Club "crown emblem", with suitable wings in place of their anchors. Pacific Southwest Airlines, based in San Diego, liked the old DC3 and gave us a lot of assistance. At the same time they were changing crew uniforms from green to "confederate gray" , so we inherited some snappy uniforms. At that time I became a member of the Board of Directors, and Operations Officer. I had finally reached the top. We flew several training flights, (sometimes charging aspiring co-pilots $5.00 an hour just to sit in the right seat, duly warned "not to touch anything" especially those backward rigged Coronado Flyers Crew mixture controls on the Wright 202A engines.) and Al spent a lot of time writing manuals and filling out endless government forms. In September of 1972, the FAA issued him a certificate, and he was in business. "Ole 386" was working again! On December 5, 1972, out of Montgomery Field, Ramona and Carlsbad airports in southern California with Capt. Stu Carson, then with Pacific Southwest Airline (PSA), and Bob Young of the FAA, I added the DC3 to my Airline Transport Rating. "Ole 386" was still showing pilots how it could perform. At about the same time, my wife Marcia attended hostess ground school, courtesy of PSA, and was treated to a surprise FAA oral exam in the cabin of the DC3. Marcia still gets a little annoyed when she realizes I knew it was coming and did not say anything. She passed, and like a lot of us wanted to "go get a drink" afterwards. Meantime the sale of memberships at $5.00 each had been proceeding, and on March 9, 1973, our first trip departed for Loreto, Baja, California, Mexico. Margaritas were served by our charming hostesses in stylish uniforms, we buzzed the hotel so they would send out the towns fleet of taxicabs to the dirt field west of town, (no radio anywhere in the area) a mariachi band greeted the happy members on arrival Friday
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 98
afternoon. The package sold for $89.00 per person, and included dinner that night, three meals on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday and Bloody Mary's on the way back. They needed them. With full tanks, Pemex 100 octane was 35 cents a gallon, we buzzed the hotel again (no reason this time) and headed back to the USA. On arrival at Calexico to clear US Customs we found San Diego below limits, and heavy snow in the mountain passes between us and home. Our happy group ended up in a charter bus to San Diego. The nearest thing to panic was at the drive up window at MacDonalds when the bus pulled up for burgers all around. "Ole 386" came happily home the next day, covered with ice. Some things never change! One of our stewardesses planned to get married, so we decorated "Ole 386", loaded the wedding party, minister, flowers and all. The ceremony was held at exactly 5,280 feet over her home in LaJolla, CA, complete with a "Mile High Club" pin. We were sweeping rice out of the airplane for weeks. The airplane flew some RADAR calibration flights under contract to Ryan-Teledyne, a trip to South Bend, Indiana, and many more trips into Mexico. My last flight in #386 was on June 22, 1974 to Cabo San Lucas, Baja, California, Mexico. Took a group of Scuba divers. How much do all those lead belts and tanks weigh? Harassment by the FAA, nitpicking the operation to death finally caused the demise of the club. The safety of the operation was never questioned, but they stole all the enjoyment from a lot of members. Ours was not the only club so affected. My logbook shows I did not fly the aircraft for TWA, but I logged 34 hours and 27 minutes for the "Coronado Flyers Air Travel Club". I thought I was the last TWA pilot to fly her, but a new day is coming, and she will be back in the air again. "Ole 386" was sold to an attorney in Torrence, CA and delivered to Long Beach on October 17, 1974. (Sale price - $17,000.00.) It was still running "like a watch" . It's fate after that is not known. Where did "Save a Connie" find her. Maybe another reader can fill in the gaps. If the light and the angle is right, I'll bet you can still see the outline of the Blue Goose through the paint on the vertical fin. Probably some TWA red under there also. Al has manuals and "a lot of other stuff', that he is willing to donate to the cause...End
Montgomery Field, San Diego, CA TARPA TOPICS. NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 99
The enclosed article might be of interest to many of our "older duffers" who receive the TARPA (TOPICS) magazine ...... ' Ned' MacKrille
For Those Born Before 1945 Author Unknown
W
e were born before television, before penicillin, before polio shots, frozen foods, Zeros, plastic, contact lenses, frisbees and The Pill.
We were born before radar, credit cards, split atoms, laser beams and ball-point pens; before pantyhose, dishwashers, clothes dryers, electric blankets, air conditioners, dripdry clothes and before man walked on the moon. We got married first and then lived together. How quaint can you be? In our time, bunnies were small rabbits not Volkswagens. Designer jeans were scheming girls name Jean, and having a meaningful relationship meant getting along well with our cousins. We thought fast food was what you ate during Lent and outer space was the back of a Riviera Theater. We were born before house-husbands, gay rights, computer dating, dual careers and commuter marriages. We were born before daycare centers, group therapy and nursing homes. We never heard of FM radio, tape decks, electric typewriters, artificial hearts, word processors, yogurt and guys wearing earrings. For us, time sharing meant togetherness, not computers and condominiums. A chip meant a piece of wood, hardware meant hardware, and software wasn't even a word! We hit the scene when there were 5 and 10 cent stores where you bought things for five and ten cents. Ice cream cones were sold for a nickel or a dime. For one nickel you could ride a street car, make a 'phone call, buy a Pepsi or enough stamps to mail one letter and two postcards. You could buy a new Chevy coupe for $600; but who could afford one? A pity, too, because gas was 11 cents a gallon. In our day cigarette smoking was fashionable. You mowed grass, Coke was a cold drink, and pot was something you cooked in. Rock music was a grandmother's lullaby and AIDS were helpers in the principal's office. We were certainly not born before the differences between the sexes were discovered; but we were surely born before the sex change. We made do with what we had. And we were the last generation that was so dumb as to think you needed a husband to have a baby. No wonder we are so confused and there is such a generation gap today!
TARPA TOPICS. NOVEMBER 1994. Page 100
TOPICS MAILBOX 38 Crag Lane Levittown, N.Y. September 15, Dear Chuck: Julie and I neatly enjoyed the St. Louis Convention, one of the greatest if not the greatest TARPA Conventions to date. John and Patti Gratz deserve a Lot of credit. They did a terrific job. TARPA TOPICS was a great help too in bringing all the details of the many and varied activities to your readers' attention including forms and instructions covering everything from Hotel registeration to Saturday evening's banquet and "Sentimental Journey." However I was very sorry that I wasn't able to contact you personally . I Looked for you at the business meetings and the hosnitality room. In fact I came down early for the Friday business meeting hoping to catch you before the meeting started. And although I was glad to see and hear you at the mic during the meeting I wasn't able to stay afterward because of the"Grant's Farm tour. Julie would-have scalped me if I missed it: Anyway I was pleased that your recommendation to cut TARPA TOPICS publication to three issues instead of four was approved. This 411 give you and ell concerned time to work out the present, pressing problems and, hopefully, permit resumption of the full four issues a year in the future. By the way, have you read Barney Rawlings' excellent book: "Off We Went (Into The Wild Blue Yonder)"? It is very welt written and holds your interest from start to finish. His description of service in the Eighth Air Force as a bomber pilot based in England during WW2 was most interesting and his experiences, after being shot down in Belgium, as he tells them, are fascinating. Somehow he managed, with assistance from the wench Resistance Organization, to make his way out of Belgium, down through occupied Francs, over the Pyrenees into Spain, to Gibraltar and, finally , was flown back to the H.K. He returned to the USA June Loth, 1944 on a TWA-ICD C-54 and arrived at Mitchel Field about the same time the eastbound C-54 I was FRO on landed at Stephenville. I don't know if the book is available to the public or not. It is published by Morgan Printers, Inc., Washington, North Carolina. I know many retirees would thoroughly enjoy it. Once again, Chuck, I am sorry we didn't get together in STL. It's been quite a while since you were flying out of JFK and livi ng in Malverne on a quiet street just south of Southern State's Exit L7. I remember frequently chatting with you about training scheduling etc. in Hgr. 12 and every once in a while Georganne, who was Hostess Supt . would ride home with the car pool Bill Elsner , Tony Tarricone and I ran for many years, probably so you would have the car to drive home at the end of a trip. Right? Very best regards,
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 101
WILLIAM A. DIXON 8021 Pinot Noir Court San Jose, CA 95135 408-274-2798 July 2, 1994
Mr. Herb Kelleher Chief Executive Officer Southwest Airlines, PO Box 36111 Dallas, Texas 75239-1611 Dear Mr. Kelleher: Possibly you saw my letter in the June 13, 1994 FORTUNE Magazine relative your leadership of Southwest Airlines. In any event, my main purpose in writing is to ask that Southwest not eliminate the eligibility of TWA current and retired employees to purchase reduced rate $25 one-way passes. I have heard rumors this may happen because of controversy over Southwest's schedules being removed from airline reservations systems. I flew Southwest for the first time this year. The on-time service and employee attitudes were outstanding. I live in a adult retirement community and have recommended Southwest to several neighbors, which I never would have done if I had not experienced your excellent service. Employees and retirees of TWA are among your top boosters! So, please don't erase this group by cancelling their opportunity to fly Southwest on passes. Best wishes for the continuing success of Southwest. Also, I wish to put in a good word for one of your most knowledgeable pilots, Captain Tom Street. Sincerely,
William A. Dixon Retired TWA Captain
TARPA TOPICS. NOVEMBER 1994. Page 102
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. Herbert D. Kelleher Chairman of The Board, President & Chief Executive Officer Love Field P.O. Box 36611 Dallas, TX 75235-1611 (214) 904-4110
July 25, 1994
Captain William A. Dixon 8021 Pinot Noir Court San Jose, California 95135-1433 Dear Captain Dixon: It pleases me more than you know that a veteran of the airline industry with such a distinguished background gives our Company such glowing ratings! It is indeed a tribute to our 14,000+ Employees. I'm delighted to tell you that Southwest Airlines' pass agreement with Trans World Airlines is solid, and we have no intention of making any changes. We look forward to having you and other retirees/employees of TWA onboard our flights. Best regards,
Herbert D. Kelleher HDK/bss Copy to:
P.S.
Paul Sterbenz, Vice President Flight Operations Dave Ridley, Vice President Marketing & Sales Gail Moffat, Manager Marketing Administration & Pass Bureau Tom Street, Houston Captain
I'm in total agreement about Tom!
TARPA TOPICS.....NOVEMBER 1994. Page 103
WILLIAM A. DIXON 8021 Pinot Noir Court San Jose, CA 95135 408-274-2798
Sept.15,
1994
Mr. Charles Thibaudeau, TWA Senior VP - Employee Relations P.O. Box 20007, Kansas City, MO 64195 Dear Chuck: To my dismay, I learned at the recent STL convention of TWA-s retired pilots, that TWA's retired employees will suffer a new degradation of their 7R retirement passes. I understand that the new Pilots Working Agreement provides that all active pilots will be eligible for Class 7 passes, where formerly 15 years service was required. This no doubt will be extended to all employees. It denigrates a retirement prerogative in effect for many years and was accomplished without due process or any consideration whatsoever to the rights of the retirees. This group always has been a loyal and active supporter of the airline; our thanks is a retiree pass take-away. How nice if TWA and the pilots negotiating committee had enhanced the retiree pass privilege instead of assaulting it! What should be done, and I have promoted it for years, is that all employees' passes carry their initial seniority number into retirement. The "R" designation would be deleted. Active employees would continue to receive i mproved vacation passes based on current policy. The impact of such action on active employees would be minimal, and would be fair to everyone. Working employees can't seem to realize that they will some day retire, and that pass seniority becomes even more i mportant at retirement age. In contrast to TWA, United Airlines' retiree passes outrank all active employee passes! I am unable to recall any consequential improvements in retiree insurance or pass programs in the nearly 17 years I have been retired. Isn't it about time for a reassessment of TWA pass policy as it affects retired employees? A copy of this letter is being sent to the presidents of the TWA Seniors Club and TARPA, and William Compton. Sincerely,
William A. Dixon Retired Captain TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 104
Capt. D. B. Rawls President & Director
Capt. W.T. Malone Secretary & Director
Capt. R. L. Kaye Vice Pres./Pres. Elect
Capt. J.M. Billings Treasurer & Director
& Director
Capt. Darwin E. Johnson Conv. Chmn. & Director
Capt. W. R. Krepling Vice Pres. & Director 774 Lullwater Road, NE
Capt. Ronald J. Askin Director
Atlanta GA 30307-1238 September 16, 1994
Captain Charles E. MacNab, Editor 1865 Penny Royal Lane Wentzville MO 63385-4302 Dear Chuck: Thank you for the nice compliment on our magazine, REPArtee. What we are looking for is steady improvement, and of course, there is plenty of room for that. When I took over as Secretary & Editor, I hoped to emulate the old Life Magazines of the 1940's — slick paper, pictures, and stories. We even used a Life cover in the back as a pin-up. It was a picture of a WASP which was the designation for the women pilots who ferried aircraft and towed targets in World War II. One of our guys was their instructor at the airport in Sweetwater, Texas. I did a story on them. We would be flattered for you to use any of our stuff in TARPA TOPICS. No permission or credit is necessary. Several retired Eastern pilots started with TWA, and all of us pass your publication around so everyone can share in the enjoyment of reading it. The story I liked most was the one about the original transcontinental route where you flew half way and then finished on the train. Atlanta is a big railroad town, and we board The Fall Leaf Special every autumn to see the leaves turn color. The train is 13 cars pulled by Norfolk & Southern's number 611. It's worth the ride just to hear the whistle. Most of our REPA Executive Board members have computers, and all of us are on Prodigy. I am BHCT55A, if that is any use to you. Thank you for your note. Yours sincerely,
Secretary & Editor
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 105
FREEMAN R. BOSLEY , JR. MAYOR
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR CITY OF ST. LOUIS MISSOURI
CITY HALL - ROOM 200 1200 MARKET STREET SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI 63103-2877 (314) 622-3201 FAX: (314) 622-4061
TWA Retired Pilots Association Convention September 6-10, 1994 St. Louis, Missouri Dear Friends: As Mayor, and on behalf of the citizens of St. Louis, it gives me great pleasure to extend greetings to you on the occasion of the TWA Retired Pilots Association's conference. We are proud to be the host city for a prestigious group, such as yours. As you participate in your scheduled activities, you will see that St. Louis is a unique and exciting city. St. Louis is internationally known for the Arch, the Blues, the Baseball Cardinals and our wonderful zoo but we're sure that during your stay you'll find the real secret to our success -- it's the people. Best wishes for a most successful event and pleasant visit to our city.
Freeman R. Bosley. MAYOR FRB/lr
TARPA TOPICS. NOVEMBER 1994. Page 106
September 23, 1994
Mr. Chuck MacNab TARPA TOPICS 1865 Penny Royal Lane Wentzille, MO 63385 Dear Chuck: A hearty thank you to TARPA for their wonderful comments and support during the recent convention and TWA Open House. I especially appreciate the opportunity to address the assembly. I am proud to note that Clipped Wings contributed $865 through the sale of raffle tickets in conjunction with the Open House. Additionally, we continue to extend our hands to active flight attendants and other TWA personnel in need. During the Open House, Clipped Wings hosted a successful fashion show depicting our flight attendant uniform collection from 1936 to the present. As always, it was a big hit and we recruited several new members along the way. I have recently written to the TWA Board of Director's emphasizing the tremendous network of support this airline has at their disposal. Between TARPA, the Seniors Club, and Clipped Wings, we can collectively pool our efforts to assist TWA during these challenging times. Our organization looks forward to taking part in your next convention. Sincerely,
Rachael P. Marvin International President 3534 Shoreline Circle Palm Harbor, FL 34684-1743
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 107
British Airways Concord to London Bett and I were fortunate enough to get a special deal on BA thru TWA to fly the Concord from JFK to London LHR . We left on the 6th July and got back the 12th. We came back from London LGW ( Gatwick ) to STL and MCO. on TWA. 747. The flight, BA 2, left JFK at 0900 so we had to go up the night before to be able to get up early enough to get to the BA terminal by 0800. The Check-in at the BA Terminal was absolutely painless. The Concord has it's own area. Tickets, Baggage, the whole deal is 100% First Class. They must have one person for every passenger. The Concord lounge was all gray and tan. There was a full bar,( 0800 in the morning), help yourself, there was fruit, pastry, juice (all kinds), Coffee and newspapers from all over the world. England, and the International Herald Trib. When BA says the concord leaves at 0900 they mean 0900. We boarded about 0845 and were served a glass of champagne and they closed the door. The Captain introduced the crew and said that the Co-Pilot would be flying this leg. The Co-Pilot then came on the horn and gave the London weather, the flight time and the route. We backed out of the gate at 0858. The taxi time was less than 8 minutes. I'm sure they had their ATC clearance before startup. The takeoff was with full after-burner and really shoved you into the seatback. The takeoff roll was 47 seconds and our speed at Vr was 250 Kts. The T.O runway was 22R. We made a left turn out and outside the three mile limit there is no 250 Kt. restriction below 10,000 feet, so away we went. On the climb there were a lot of strange sounds even for an old Mach .85 driver. Mostly a kind of Buzz. After the AB's were turned off at 1500 feet, the sound level went way down. There was almost no turbulence. The climb angle was unbelievable. 20-22 degrees. We passed Mach One at FL240 with no noticeable sounds or wiggle. From this point on it was merely what we call cruise climb. when they reached Mach 2.00 at FL 500 the Temp. was -65C and the TAS was 1270. This was 28 min. after TO. The A/C has 104 seats. All Gray leather and tan cloth. The windows are tiny and I do mean TINY. Of course there is nothing to see anyway. At 50-58,000 feet you can see the curvature of the earth. There are three galleys. One in the front. One in the middle, and one in the rear. The Heads are in the same area. There was no movie and no entertainment. The meals came in courses. The Cabin is about the size of the new TWA "Comfort Class". The trays are small so only one course at a time can be served. But who needs entertainment for only three hours ?
TARPA TOPICS. NOVEMBER 1994. Page 108
We cruise climbed from FL500 at Mach 2.00 to FL 590 with the TAS varying from 1350 to 1370 depending on the temperature, witch varied from -65 to -54C. We started decent at 2hours and 42min. into the flight from FL590. With 600 miles to go they slowed to Mach 1.55 and then descended to Mach 1.01 at FL400 and 280 mile to go. There was no feeling at all decelerating through Mach One at FL380 but then we started with the buzz again. The Galley area was very warn as the temperature on the A/C skin was approx. 600 Degrees. By the way, the cabin altitude never passed 6700 feet. At 10,000 ft. we were doing 490 and the temp. was -01C. As you can imagine there was no delay landing Heathrow. We landed on runway 28R using about 5/8th of the total length. and Shutdown at the Terminal at 17:33 London time (We landed at 17:24 just 3hours and 16 min. from off to on. WOW!!! My little bride Bette is now a SUPERSONIC Lady.
EDITOR'S REMINDER The new publishing schedule will begin in 1995. The first issue will be published in March. Deadline for material will be February 1. Subsequent issues will be published in July and November with deadline dates the first of the month prior to the month of publication(June 1 & October 1). Please try to get me your publication material as much before deadline as possible. Thanks again for your cooperation.
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994 . Page 109
Capt. Richard A. Davis Secretary/Treasurer TARPA 449 Santa Fe Drive, #200, Encinitas, CA 92024
Dear Richard: Please be advised of change of address from 2363 Perich Court, Mt. View, CA 94040 to Apt. 422, The Westmont, 1675 Scott Blvd.Santa Clara, CA 95050 with new telephone number 408 247-1205 from old number 415 968-5265. The TARPA officers and staff have done the best of any retired airline group in keeping their members informed . Thanks for your very fine publications and service. Sincerely,
W.K. Owen Capt. AAL - Retired. 1925 Greenbriar Lane Eureka CA 95503 21 Sept 1994 C.EMacNb,ditor TARPA TOPICS Wentzville MO Dear Chuck: To the few of us who are left that is no mystery plane. It is the J5 powered Stearman Instrument Trainer in which we trained and took our SATR ( Scheduled Air Transport Rating ) flight test from a Dept of Commerce Aero Inspector. The open hood over the rear cockpit folded back like a baby buggy top, and it was dark in there, and cold in Feb 1936 even wearing a winter flying suit. Chick Fredericks was my instructor. Sincerely
Capt H W Truesdale Ret
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 110
NEW MEMBERS...WELCOME ...... (Read
across)
(R) ARNOLD DAVID L. CAPT. (DIANE) 12626 SUNSET AVE. #8 OCEAN CITY MD 21842 410-213-2111
(A) BARRIER PHIL CAPT. 1918 OBERLIN ST. THOUSAND OAKS CA 91360 805-497-1561
(R) BECKER ROBERT G. CAPT. (MARY) 208 CYPRESS DR. KINGSLAND GA 31548 912-673-7382
(R) BLOEMER VICTOR G. CAPT (SHIRLEY) 137 LADUE AIRE DR. ST. LOUIS MO 63141-8059 314-576-1968
(A) BRENAN MICHAEL H. CAPT (ROSELYN) 16525 SADDLE CREEK RD CHESTERFIELD MO 63005 314-537-3868
(A) CHAPMAN ROBERT D. CAPT. (NANCY) 30 BOWER RD. MADISON CT 06443 203-245-1305
(A) DAWKINS WILLIAM L. CAPT. (BARBARA) 1708 SCARBOROUGH RD. HIGH POINT NC 27265 910-883-8706
(S) HAMLIN JOHN B. MR (SYBIL) PO BOX 84 VANDALIA OH 45377-0084 513-890-2678
(A) KLEIBOEKER RON CAPT (KAREN) 4020 KEY HARBOR DR. LAKE ST. LOUIS MO 63367 314-561-3709
(R) LOVELESS CHARLES C. CAPT. (JOAN) PO BOX 728 PLEASANT HILL OR 97455 503-741-0265
(H) PIPER VELMA B. MRS (WILLIAM F.) 2592 TREEHOUSE DR.. WOODBRIDGE VA 22192-1322
(A) PITTS REX A. CAPT 3 SPRUCE ST. E. PATCHOGUE NY 11772 516-654-1908
(R) REINWALD NEAL O. CAPT (JOAN) 2240 SOMERSET DR. FLORISSANT MO 63033 314-838-2277
(R) SCARBOROUGH JOHN CAPT. (KATHERINE) 9 BROARD ST. STONINGTON CT 06378
(R) SHANK GEORGE E. CAPT (MICHIKO) 7810 E. 160 th ST. NOBLESVILLE IN 46060-9273 317-773-6544
(A) TRACY, Jr LEONARD J. CAPT (JACKIE) 97 WOODSMUIR CT. PALM BEACH GARDENS FL 33418 407-625-4152
TARPA TOPICS. NOVEMBER 1994. Page 111
CHANGE OF ADDRESS ...... (Read across) (R) ADAMS C. EDWARDS CAPT. (DEANIE) 11016 COLVOS DR, N.W. GIG HARBOR W A 98332-9590
(E) AMBROSE WILLIAM M. CAPT. (DORIS) 2805 BACKMAN DR. SEBRING, FL 33870 813-385-4225
(R) ARBUTHNOT GEORGE N. CAPT. PO BOX 1740 LAKE PLACID FL 33852-1740
(H) BARRETT EVELYN MRS. (WILLIAM G.) 5 THE NEWS SOUTH 7TH GENEVA IL 60134-2629
(R) BECKNER RICHARD R. CAPT. (CONNIE) 857 OAKWOOD DR. MELBOURN FL 32940 407-254-5508
(R) BLOCHOWITL ROLAND A. CAPT. (DONNA) PO BOX 472 IOLA WI 54945-0472
(R) CRISS EDWARD M. CAPT. PO BOX 658 POWELL WY 82435 307-754-3594
(H) CUMMINGS ERIKA H. MRS . (ROBERT) 6 CHINKAPIN CT. HOMOSASSA FL 32646
(R) DOERY FRED CAPT. (NAN) 36 LAUREL DR. MONROE, CT 06468 203-261-9099
(R) EARLEY ROBERT J. CAPT. (VIRGINIA) 2740 CHILDRESS DR. LAS VEGAS, NV 89134 702-254-8304
(R) EDDLEMAN GILBERT H. CAPT. (SHIRLEY) 10417 GOLFERS WAY SPRING HILL FL 34608 904-666-9846
(A) FLINIAU MICHAEL M. CAPT. (MARGARET) 332 PALISADES DR. FOUR SEASONS MO 65049-9261 314-365-3212
(A) FULLER, DI EDWARD M. CAPT. (CHERYL) 4427 E. OLIVE BRANCH WAY ANAHEIM CA 92807-3504
(A) GILSON HERBERT CAPT. PO BOX 172 EAST WAKEFIELD NH 03830
(R) HALL ERIC CAPT. (MYRA) 13101 TALL SHADOWS LN FAIRFAX VA 22033-5009
(C) HUTCHINSON BOBBI MRS 5321 NW 83RD PL KANSAS CITY MO 64151-1017
(R) JONES MILTON D. CAPT. (BARBARA) 104 CRESTVIEW DR. COTTAGE GROVE OR 97424
(R) JOSEPH HOWARD CAPT. (MARY) 761 N.39TH CIRCLE MESA, AZ 85205 602-396-2320
(R) KAPPLER BERNARD J. F/E (NICOLE) LES MARES LE CHESNE BRETEUIL SUR ITON FRANCE 32297491
(R) KELLY ARTHUR E. CAPT. 2501 WIGWAM PKWY,#225 HENDERSON NV 89014 702-897-6920
(A) LAPE F. BRUCE CAPT. (LANNA) (E) LAMBERT GORDON W. CAPT. (MARGARET) PO BOX 682877 PO BOX 26900 PARK CITY UT 84068-2877 ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87125--6900 505-291-3121 TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 112
CHANGE OF ADDRESS ...... (Read across) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (R) LEWELLING A.B. CAPT. (CHARLINE) (H) LARSON ELLA MRS. (ROBERT M.) 15695 SW OLD ORCHARD PL 3147 DOLBEER ST., APT 7 TIGARD OR 97224-3517 EUREKA CA 95503-5672 503-996-3605
- - - -
(H) MILLER DOROTHY MRS. (RED) 5 PALMER TER. RIVERSIDE CT 06878-2103
(R) MOSER J.B. CAPT. (JEANNE) 10713 VALLEY FORGE CIR. KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406 215-783-7147
(R) MOSS JACK C. CAPT. (ROBERTA) 3200 LAKE PARK WAY LONGMONT CO 80503
(R) NEWMAN WILLIAM L F/E (COOKIE) 4768 SILVER HERON DR. MELBOURNE, FL 32934 407-242-6330
(S) OWEN W.K. CAPT. (MILLY) APT. 422, THE WESTMONT SANTA CLARA CA 95050 408-247-1205
(H) PORTER BARBARA MRS. (JIM) 10232 CONSER ST. OVERLAND PARK KS 66212-2510
(R) REYHER CHARLES R. CAPT. (SALLY) 1324 35th AVE, N.W. SALEM OR 97304 503-371-6791
(E) RICHWINE DAVID W. CAPT. (VI) 17 WEST WIND CT SENECA, SC 29672 803-882-1116
(H) SARGENT FRANCIS MRS. (FRANK) 2601 HICKORY LN EMPORIA, KS 66801-5973 316-342-7932
(E) SCHMIDT ARTHUR C. CAPT. (DOROTHY) 355 N. TURKEY PINE LOOP LECANTO FL 34461 904-527-7019
(A) SOUTHAM DON CAPT. (PAULA) 1024 D. TESON RD. HAZELWOOD MO 63042 314-731-3572
(H) STAIHLBERG-BARTH TEDDY MRS (PAUL STAHLBERG) 20 SIMPSON ST, APT F GENEVA, IL 60134-2481 708-232-7249
(R) STRIGHT TRACY M. IRO (EILEEN) 12277 N. 84 th PL. SCOTTSDALE AZ 85260 602-951-6191
(R) TYNAN CRAIG C. CAPT (MARILYN) 28149 VILLAGE 28 CAMARILLO CA 93012 805-389-9509
(R) VASILAROS NICK F/E (GERRY) 306 LEEWARD IS CLEARWATER FL 34630-2307 813-586-1996 or 818-341-2244
(E) WHEELER JAMES W. CAPT. (DORIS) 6810 CORVALLIS RD. INDEPENDANCE OR 97351 503-838-1182
(R) WILKINSON THOMAS G. CAPT. (DIANE) PO BOX 136 FREEDOM NH 03836
TARPA TOPICS. NOVEMBER 1994. Page 113
EDITOR'S REMINDER The new publishing schedule will begin in 1995. The first issue will be published in March. Deadline for material will be February 1. Subsequent issues will be published in July and November with deadline dates the first of the month prior to the month of publication(June 1 & October 1). Please try to get me your publication material as much before deadline as possible. Thanks again for your cooperation.
TARPA TOPICS . NOVEMBER 1994. Page 114