CONVENTION '95 ...Pic's GRAPEVINE
by Hank Gastrich
The
NOVEMBER 1995
FUN...IN ......
...PALO ALTO
THE ACTIVE RETIRED PILOTS ASSOCIATION OF TWA
CONTENTS TARPA TOPICS THE MAGAZINE OF THE ACTIVE RETIRED PILOTS ASSOCIATION OF TWA* FEATURE ARTICLES:
DEPARTMENTS:
6
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE John Gratz, Pres.
19
SECRETARY-TREAS. REPORT 4 Dick Davis, Sec-Treas.
TOO MUCH LEMONADE by Annemarie Conway
31
EDITOR'S DESK Chuck MacNab
5
AIRLINE TRAVEL by Charlie Davis
50
TARPA TOURS by Chuck Hasler
45
51
FLOWN WEST Coord. by Bob Widholm
53
89
GRAPEVINE by Hank Gastrich
69
HEALTH NOTAMS by bob Garrett
97
TOPICS MAILBOX
105
NEW MEMBERS
115
TARPA BUSINESS Meeting & Reports TARPA 1995 CONVENTION Reports & Pics
SHORT STUFF Arenas flies Pope to Rome BALLADS by Charlie Davis
3
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.: Harold Neumann accepting the Grieve Trophy in 1935
TOPICS is an official publication of TARPA*, a nonprofit corporation. Editor bears no responsibility for accuracy or unauthorized use of contents.
Published 3 times a year 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 Henry E. Gastrich, 11450 Via Rancho San Diego.,#187, El Cajon, CA 92019-4458 (619) 660-1344 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. 1 99 5 /96 PRESIDENT 1646 Timberlake Manor Pkwy, St. Louis, Mo 63017 FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT 3728 Lynfield Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 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 107 Kay Street, Newport, RI 02840 DIRECTOR 1622 W. Canterbury Ct., Arlington Heights, IL 60004 EX-PRESIDENT 233 S. E. Rogue River Hwy, Grants Pass, OR 97527
JOHN P. GRATZ (314) 532-8317 ROBERT W. DEDMAN (804) 463-2032 ROBERT C. SHERMAN (408) 246-7754 RICHARD A. DAVIS (619) 436-9060 HARRY A. JACOBSEN (407) 997-0468 CHARLES E. MACNAB (314) 327-1999 LOU BURNS (401) 846-8626 FRED G. ARENAS (708) 398-1331 DAVID M. DAVIES (503) 476-5378
NOTHING REPLACES GOOD JUDGEMENT ON THE FIRING LINE!
2
TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
Captain John P. Gratz, President 1646 Timberlake Manor Parkway Chesterfield, MO 63017-5500 ' PRESIDENT S MESSAGE
Another great TARPA convention has come and gone. Only the fond memories linger. Bill and Bobbi Kirschner, their co-chairmen, Terry Rager and Ray Hallstein, their wives, Bett and Patti, and a bevy of volunteers hosted a dazzling and memorable event. Mother Nature helped by providing an outstanding scenic locale and perfect weather. The Palo Alto Convention was a special treat for Pat and me because we were able to revisit all of our old friends from our twenty-five years based in San Francisco. The business of TARPA was conducted at one four hour session on Wednesday, September 13. In my opinion this is the best way to arrange our schedule. It allows more concentration on the issues and it avoids conflict with other sport and social activities. I will suggest that it be made standard. Several major issues were discussed and resolved. First, was a resolution by Bill Dixon directing the President to convey to the IAM a copy of a resolution of support for the grievance against the downgrading of pass privileges for retired employees. Copies will also be sent to the TWA seniors and the TWA Senior Vice-President of Employee Relations. The members approved a motion by Al Mundo that a memorial scholarship in honor of TARPA Founding Father Roy Van W. Etten be established. The details are to be finalized by the TARPA Board of Directors. The members also voted to add the Editor of TARPA TOPICS to the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. Approval was also given to an offer by Turner Publishing to produce a book about TWA at no cost to TARPA. This is subject to final approval by the TARPA President. The last order of business was the election of officers. We have a first-rate team and we will endeavor to repay the confidence by providing leadership, improving communications and by preserving all that is the best of TARPA. Let me take this opportunity to wish you and yours the very best of Holiday Seasons and a Happy New Year. Sincerely,
John P. Gratz
3
TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
Richard A. Davis 449 Santa Fe Dr. #200 Encinitas, CA, 92024-1237 November 1995
Secretary / Treasurers Report Another year is coming to a close, and our financial position has pretty much held its own. The cost reduction moves we have made (3 issues of TOPICS and some efficiency moves made by our Editor) have stopped the drain on our treasury. As of convention time we had $56,136.89 in the treasury. Most of it is kept in the Members America Credit Union, the rest in an interest paying checking account. The dues will remain at $25.00 for 1996. If you changed address in the last couple of years, your phone number will probably not be in the new (96) directory. I get a lot of change notices from the Post Office at 50 cents a shot, but no phone info. I also get about twenty-five books back from each issue that are not forwarded because they are second class mail. They cost just as much whether you get to read them or not. Postage for our publications has been about $3600.00 a year, and is going to be higher this year. Please keep me advised of your current address and phone number. There is a dues envelope packaged with this issue. The due date is January 1, but you could send it now while you are thinking about it. Don't forget - no membership cards are issued. Check your mailing label, it will show the year you are paid. . Have a good one !
R.A.Davis Secretary/Treasurer (again)
4
TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
•
EDITOR'S
DESK
•
It was a great convention! A big hand and a hearty "thank you" is in order for all the organizers, workers and all who had anything to do with it. I won 't get into details, as several people have written short pieces which you will be able to read in this issue. Also, our TARPA photographers were busy at work. There are some great photos which show many old friends enjoying the get-together. To those of you who were not able to attend,...we hope we'll see you in Boston in '96. You might note, the Officers and Directors page at the front of the book has some new names on it. John Gratz was elected to be our new President, replacing Dave Davies who did a great job but decided enough was enough. Bob Dedman replaced Carl Schmidt as First Vice President and Lou Burns, still actively flying, replaced Bill Kirschner. Bill plans to retire prior to the next Convention and, thus, in changing his status from Active to Retired, would be ineligible to serve out his complete term. The rest of the Board remains the same. At this Convention, concern was expressed that very few newly retired pilots are joining TARPA. Members lamented this situation and expressed various personal opinions about why this may be so. Perhaps, as time passes, the situation on TWA which negatively impacted many careers will turn positive again. People need to know that TARPA will be here and will be vital for many years to come. So, if you are reading this, are not a member and are eligible, come join us and have some fun. Harold Neumann, who passed away last July 5, is featured on this issue's cover receiving the Grieve Trophy in 1935. Harold was a fine pilot and an outstanding human being. I can personally attest to that, having flown as his copilot shortly before he retired. Harold represented a time when aviators were young men who could climb into a flying machine and, with skill and guts, wander a new and unfamiliar world at will. It was a world of few regulations and few inhibitions. The limits were imposed mostly by cash and courage. The world of flying is far different today and so I thought it would be nice to see the image of a young pioneer aviator, one of our own, receiving a prize for his skill and his courage. Pd like to thank all of our contributors who make TARPA TOPICS possible. Those who write the stories, take the pictures, send the jokes and anecdotes and send me their "stuff"...we couldn't do it without you. A special thanks to Hank Gastrich, Grapevine Editor; Ed Betts, Historian; Bob Widholm, Flown West Coordinator; Bob Garrett, Health and Medical Coordinator; and Chuck Hasler, Tarpa Tours. Without these people and Georganne ' s invaluable help, TOPICS would not be possible. We hope you enjoy this convention issue. Chuck
5
TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
The Active Retired Pilots Association of TWA Palo Alto, California September 10, 1995 BOARD MEETING MINUTES Meeting called to order at 1910 PDT, 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, S/T: C. E. MacNab, Editor: H. A. Jacobson, Sr. Director, W. A. Kirschner, Director. Also present was E. Green, Convention Site Chairman. Minutes of previous meeting read and approved. Treasurers report read and approved. Motion by MacNab directing the President to write a letter to all concerned stating TARPA's position relative to the Pass situation. Approved. Discussion about placing the Editor on the Executive Committee. Requires membership vote. No action taken. Discussion of dues. To be maintained at $25.00 for 1996. Discussion by Ev Green concerning 1996 Convention in Boston. Council 21 to host. Chairman not as yet known. Consideration of moving future conventions to "off " line cities, and the change of dates, to control the high cost of "big city conventions " . Discussion to change the appointment of the Nominating Committee Chairman from the President to the Board of Directors. Requires membership vote. No action taken. Discussion concerning accepting paid advertising in the TOPICS. Continue the present prohibition policy. Discussion concerning Berkeley Insurance using the TARPA Logo. Denied. Discussion concerning donating money for fuel to help the "Connie " get to Reno Air Races. Membership should decide. Meeting adjourned at 2200 PDT Respectfully submitted, R.A. Davis Secretary/Treasurer
6
TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
The Active Retired Pilots Association of TWA Palo Alto, California SEPTEMBER 10, 1995 CONVENTION MINUTES Convention called to order at 0730 PDT at Rickeys Hyatt Hotel, President Davies presiding. Pledge of Allegiance, led by Stu Gilbert. Minutes of previous meeting read and approved. Treasurers report read and approved. Discussion of the D.A.P. Retirement Plan by Joe Montanaro. Announcement that Officers from Clipped Wings and the TWA Seniors were unable to attend. Report by Bob Thompson on the state of The TWA Pilots Retirement Foundation, Inc. Discussion by Ev Green on the 1996 convention to be held at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. Report by Chuck Hasler of the 1996 tours. Following the 1996 convention a cruise to Bermuda is planned. Discussion by Bill Kirschner to allow a book about TWA pilots to be published at no cost to TARPA. Motion by John Gratz to add the Editor to the Executive Board. Approved. (Required 2/3 vote) • Motion by Stu Gilbert to have TARPA President state TARPA's position relative to the pass • situation to the IAM. Withdrawn. Motion by Bill Dixon to have TARPA President forward a resolution concerning TARPA's • position, relative to the pass situation, to the IAM, the TWA Seniors, and the Vice President - Employee Relations. Passed. Flown West report by Bob Widholm. Fifty-five members deceased since the 1994 convention. The names were read and a minute of silent respect observed. • Motion by Al Mundo to establish a scholarship fund of $1000.00 a year in memory of Roy Van Etten. Passed. • Motion to change Article V, Sec. 1 to read ,"eight (8) members". Passed. (Required 2/3 vote) Motion to change Article VI, Sec. 1 to read ,"the Board of Directors shall appoint". Passed. • (Required 2/3 vote) Discussion of absence of younger members, and interest by Ozark pilots. Motion to accept offer from Turner Publishing Co. to print a book about TWA at no cost. • President to investigate before accepting. Passed. Nominating committee presented a slate of officers for the following year. John Gratz was nominated from the floor for the office of president. He accepted. The following were elected. President John P. Gratz Robert W. Dedman First Vice President Second Vice President Robert C. Sherman Richard A. Davis Secretary/Treasurer Harry A. Jacobsen Senior Director Director Lou Burns Director Fred G. Arenas Editor (By appointment) Charles E. Macnab Meeting adjourned at 1130 PDT. Respectfully submitted,
R.A.Davis Secretary/Treasurer
7
TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
Captain John P. Gratz, President 1646 Timberlake Manor Parkway Chestefield, MO 63017-5500 (314) 532-8317
October 1, 1995 Mr. Bill O 'Driscoll, President District Lodge 142 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers 400 N.E. 32nd Street Kansas City, MO 64116 Dear Mr. O'Driscoll: The members of TARPA, The Active Retired Pilots Association of TWA, at their convention September 13, directed that I send a copy of their resolution regarding changes to pass privileges for all retired TWA employees. As you know, long held privileges as to boarding priority were changed in 1994 to downgrade retired employees effectively, and to give priority to active employees. The policy before the change required active employees to attain fifteen years of seniority in order to acquire such boarding priority. The effect of this change downgrades the long standing privileges of retired employees, so that no matter how many were their years of service, they board after newer employees and their families, no matter how little their seniority. It is our understanding that the IAM has filed a grievance on this matter and, we want you to know of our support in the effort to reverse this ill considered and mean spirited policy now in effect. Sincerely yours,
'John P. Gratz President, TARPA cc:
TARPA BoD Pres., TWA Seniors Sr.VP Employee Relations, TWA
8
TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
RESOLUTIONS REGARDING RETIRED EMPLOYEES' PASS PRIORITIES
•
Whereas the unethical and prejudiced downgrading of the pass priority of TWA
retired employees, on November 1, 1994, an action demanded on the last day of contract negotiations by the TWA MEC under the threat that no contract would be signed unless all active pilots were considered senior to 7R pass holders, which induced TWA to accept such ultimatum and, Whereas, TWA felt obliged to extend the pass change to all 25,000 active employees, retiree pass priority was downgraded below them, their dependents and parents, no matter how long the retiree had served TWA, Be it resolved, that the members of TARPA attending this convention on September 13, 1995, go on record as vigorously opposing the continuation of such gross discrimination through the approval of this resolution.
•
Whereas, it is our understanding that the IAM on TWA has filed a grievance to
force a return to the former pass policy, therefore, Be it resolved that the president of TARPA send a copy of these resolutions to the president of the IAM on TWA, and advise him that the members of TARPA appreciate the effort the IAM is making to redress the injustice imposed on the retirees of TWA and, Be it further resolved that a copy of these resolutions and the transmittal letter to the IAM, be sent to the President of the TWA Seniors Club and to the TWA Senior Vice President — Employee Relations.
9
TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
Captain John P. Gratz, President 1646 Timberlake Manor Parkway Chesterfield, MO 63017-5500 (314) 532-8317 October 4, 1995
Mr. Charles J. Thibaudeau Senior Vice-President-Employee Relations Trans World Airlines Inc. Once City Centre, 19th floor 515 North Sixth St. St. Louis, MO 63101
Dear Mr. Thibaudeau, As you know, I received copies of correspondence from TWA MEC Chairman Don Jacobs relating to the Company's policy of boarding OAL and Worldspan employees before retired TWA employees. This is salt in the wound. We fervently hope that you respond in a positive way to the request from ALPA. We would like to see the entire pass situation on the table, but at least we should expect to receive the historic priority over non-TWA passholders as before November 1994. The retired pilots, and in fact, all retirees made every sacrifice necessary to keep TWA going when they were employees. They are still looking for, and finding, ways to help TWA today. They don't deserve to be rewarded with disdain. They deserve respect, and fair treatment.
Sincerely,
John P. Gratz President, TARPA
cc:
TARPA BOD President, TWA Seniors Chairman, TWA MEC
10 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
Captain John P. Gratz, President 1646 Timberlake Manor Parkway Chesterfield, MO 63017-5500 (314) 532-8317 October 4, 1995
Capt. Don R. Jacobs Chairman TWA MEC Airline Pilots Association 3221 McKelvey Rd. Suite 200 Bridgeton, MO 63044-2551 Dear Don, This is to thank you for the letter regarding the unintended consequences of your recent agreement with TWA on passes. We hope that you are able to return 7R passholders to priority over OAL and Worldspan passholders. We appreciate the support of the TWA MEC in this matter. If the whole subject of Exhibit 64 were to be reviewed, I would submit that a better solution for active TWA pilots and retirees would be to lower the class 7 seniority to five years. A class 7 with no charges or paperwork is clearly superior to the present arrangement for active pilots, and five years seniority would cover all the current pilots. For the retired pilots, such a change would keep those with six months to five years at class 8. We believe that the turnover in this group is high, resulting in a churning effect of low seniority employees boarding ahead of retired employees many with three to four decades of service. It would be win-win situation to lower 7R seniority. Thank you again for your consideration.
Sincerely,
John P. Gratz President. TARPA
cc:
TARPA BOD President, TWA Seniors Chairman, TWA MEC
11
TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TO: The General Membership FROM: Dick Guillan •
What do we do in TARPA to encourage the new and younger retirees and eligible active pilots to join our ranks?
•
What do we do in TARPA to encourage the new members to participate in the organization and attend the reunions?
These two questions were raised at the Business Meeting at the 1995 Convention in Palo Alto on September 12th. Considerable time was spent in discussion when the questions were brought up by retired Captain Dave Turner. It was suggested that we again send letters to all prospective retirees with a copy of the TOPICS as was done a few years back. Other suggestions: when riding on a pass, have an application form handy and talk with the crew about TARPA. Active members should also do this while on flight or in the crewroom. Mention that TARPA is primarily a Social organization. Our TARPA TOPICS, published three times a year, is one of the best of the retirees publications, with its fine articles on TWA history and aircraft used by TWA, not to mention the Grapevine, keeping us informed of the activities of our retirees. All these are pluses but are there also negatives which prevent people from joining? What are your thoughts on these questions? I volunteered to send out this letter and to act as coordinator to see that any suggestions you may have about how we might encourage new membership and encourage more participation by present members are relayed to the Board. So, please guys, send your thoughts to me. My address is: Dick Guillan 1852 Barnstable Road Clemmons, NC 27012 (910) 982-2276 Note: This is my business phone and you may get my answering machine. Also, please note the area code as 910. The 1994 Directory is incorrect. Letters would be preferred. Thanks in advance for your cooperation. Dick Guillan
12 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
The TWA Pilots Retirement Foundation, Inc.
PRESIDENT Capt. Fred G. Arenas 1622 Canterbury Court Arlington Mts., IL 60004 708-398-1331
VICE-PRESIDENT Capt. Harry Jacobsen 848 Coventry Sheet Boca Raton, FL 33487 407-997-0468
SECRETARY/TREAS. Capt. Robert R. Thompson 807 W. Hintz Road Arlington Hts., IL 60004 708-259-9718
TRUSTEE Capt. Robert D. Essaf 3917 Wellington Cirde Palm Harbor, FL 24685-1178
TRUSTEE Donald C. Ulrich 15 Circle Drive Algonquin, IL 60102 708-658-7581
THE TWA PILOTS RETIREMENT FOUNDATION, INC. REPORT TO 1995 TARPA CONVENTION SEPTEMBER 1995 - PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA
Ladies and Gentlemen: The TWA Pilots Retirement Foundation was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in the State of Florida, in 1982 (Charter 762206). The objective of the Foundation shall be to provide certain Trans World Airlines cockpit crew members, who retired under any provisions of the TWA Pilot or Flight Engineer Retirement Plans, monetary assistance on a charitable basis as may be deemed necessary to enable them to meet and offset, to some degree, the effects of inflation and to maintain a reasonable minimum standard of living consistent with their individual circumstances. Additionally, the Foundation may provide assistance to certain widows and surviving children of deceased TWA pilots. The Foundation derives its monies for operation from, basically, four sources:
1.
PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS 53 contributors beginning 1994 47 contributors end of 1994 TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS $7,814.20
2.
DIRECT CONTRIBUTIONS 47 contributors in 1994 TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS $7,030.00
3.
TARPA Memorials $400.00
13 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER , 1995
-2-
4.
ALPA CREDIT UNION ACCOUNT DIVIDENDS Total dividends 1994 $5,930.96 Presently paying 5.25%
Total revenues for 1994 were $ 21,175.16 Total grant expenditures for 1994 were $ 17,740.00 Total administrative expenditures for 1994 were $ 236.25 Increase To Account Balance
$
3,198.91
ACCOUNT BALANCE END OF 1994
$142,563.93
Since incorporation in 1982, the Foundation has aided 7 pilots and 3 widows. The total benefits paid through 1994 have been $274,740.00. The total projected benefits to be paid through 1995 will be over $290,000.00. The average monthly benefit to the recipients is $480.00
Robert R. Thompsorf Secretary/Treasurer
14 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
DAP vs
PORT.
PERFORMANCE
WILSHIRE 5000 Total Return
MOD.
PERFORMANCE
*
TWA PILOTS DIRECTED ACCOUNT PLAN/401(K) PLAN
An envelope has been provided in the packaging of this issue for your convenience.
Dues are payable by January 1, 1996. 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 programmed to follow you. 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 (96) 449 SANTA FE DR. #200 ENCINITAS, CA, 92024 A number (999) indicates Eagle or Honorary status and not required to pay dues.
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TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
CONVENTION SITE SELECTION NEWS from Ev Green With that super Palo Alto Convention and the fantastic Reno Air race tour in our happy memory banks, we now look to Boston '96. The Board has approved September 11th, 12th and 13th at the Boston Park Plaza. Thanks to Al Mundo for all the on site hotel surveys and negotiations. September is prime time, and Boston is a theme city so negotiations took extra work. Al enlisted Tony Bullotta, the TWA MEC hotel negotiator to help. While the $110 room rate is more than we are used to paying it is very good for Boston during those dates. Later is higher and the nearest competition is $140. We are now recruiting our Boston '96 Co-Chairman. ABQ, SEA, Virginia Beach, Jackson Hole, Charleston, LAS, PHX and PMX are all on our list to be surveyed for TARPA '97. With the hotel room glut being over and prices moving up, we will recommend to the Board smaller cities at less than prime dates. We solicit your suggestions for future sites. TARPA TRIVIA R. C. Sherman 9/95
18 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER , 1995
TARPA
1995
Special
CONVENTION Section
Katie's Connie
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd. Convention
Camera
The Chairman
Future Pres / Past Pres;
Cleone & Ed Signin' 'em up
Bobbi says "welcome"
Terry watchin' the signup operation
20 TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
Bill
Kirschner Box 3596 Lake Tahoe, NV 89449
TO ALL TARPA CONVENTIONEERS I sincerely want to thank all of you for your participation in the TARPA '95 Palo Alto convention. It was a great success and a lot of fun had by all. I also need to thank my wife Bobbi, Terry and Bet Rager, Ray and Patti Hallstein and last but not least Katie Buchanan and all the hospitality, registration desk volunteers and special event chairmen. With all this talented help, it not only made my job as chairman easier and fun, but they also made your Special thanks must be convention run smoothly and efficiently. given to Bet Rager, Patti Hallstein, Fred Opel and all those who The banquet room was truly a helped on the table decorations. magnificent sight. As a matter of fact the Hyatt took pictures of the room and may use them in future convention brochures. Well done to all involved. And now we look forward to TARPA '96, in Boston. Lets see if we can break a convention attendance record and set a target of six hundred plus. As you know there is a large TARPA population on the east coast and Boston is easy to get to. So guys and gals go for it! Best regards, and see you in Boston
Bill Kirschner Convention Chairman TARPA '95
21
TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd. TARPA
CONVENTION
'95
A FEW THOUGHTS FROM CO-CHAIRMAN TERRY RAGER Bill Kirschner, your Convention Chairman this year, is off climbing Mount Kiliminjaro. In his absence I have been asked to share some of our thoughts about Tarpa Convention '95. My first thought is to thank each of you, who joined us in Palo Alto this year, for making the Convention a success. Without your participation all of our work would have been for naught. Your Chairman, Bill Kirschner, Co-chairmen Terry Rager and Ray Hallstein would like to extend our sincere thanks to the many that helped. For those who volunteered for registration duty, for those who made the flower arrangements, for those who chaired our sports activities, thank you so much. We had 409 registered guests at the convention this year. 378 joined us for the banquet and dinner dance. (We were entertained, in song during the cocktail hour, by our very own Linda Mysen.) Our guest speaker was Peter Goutiere (Author). A bit of wit was offered by Macovy Lane (Mark Twain). 72 participated in the Mirassou wine tasting and dinner. 90 joined us for Sunset Magazine and Filoli Garden luncheon. 43 enjoyed the Stanford University tour and luncheon at Allied Arts. 42 partook of the Stanford Linear Accelerator tour.
Terry and Bill hard at work 22 TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont ' d. 52 enjoyed the Monterey Bay tour. (This was our only known casualty. We left a lady at the Pebble Beach Lodge. We do apologize.) Only 37 took advantage of the San Francisco city tour. (I guess all TWAers have had a chance to visit the city.) 56 attended a delightful luncheon and cooking class hosted by Mary Chamberlin. A popular tour was the NASA Ames Research Center. 108 took advantage of this tour. I was particularly proud of my son, a pilot for NASA, who gave the flight line presentation. The heritage four standard sporting events took a beating this year. (Could it be that we are getting a little older?) 30 hit the Links for golf. Jack Harpster was responsible for the courses and lunch. Ron Ronholm was crowned mens champion. Carol O 'Connell ladies champion. 12 signed up for the Tennis Courts. (Thank Leslie Locke for providing the courts and assistance.) Bud Loury retained his crown. (Thank Bud for setting up the tournament.) Mercedes Munoz won the ladies title. 7 signed up for Trap & Skeet but it had dwindled to 4 when Jim Winchester dropped out because of illness. (Thank Jim for setting up Trap & Skeet.) Lloyd Hubbard got the birds. Bridge had a difficult time getting started. However, with the persistence of Cleone Gruber, a couple of tables survived. Cleone took the helm for Judy Borgmier who was unable to attend. Once again a debt of gratitude must be extended to Katie Buchanan for her ever appreciated work in keeping the Hospitality Area hopping. She has shared her time and " personality for many years to make Tarpa Hospitality "great . The model of the TWA Connie was again a welcomed sight. From your convention committee, "It has been our pleasure " . Bill & Bobbie Kirschner Terry & Betty Rager Ray & Patti Hallstein
23 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd.
Convention
Camera
Russ & Uli Derickson Breakfast at Hugo's
Don & Josie Nealis Arleigh, Mercedes & Bud
"Lois, give me the secret documents!"
Neuman Ramsey & Al Mundo
24 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd.
KATIE BUCHANAN OF LAKE TAHOE From THE HOSPITALITY FACILITY HOSTESS Congratulations to the 1995 Tarpa Convention Committee and its participants As we bid "farewell" at the Rickeys Hyatt in Palo Alto with sore feet and loss of sleep, I hope everyone had a happy feeling that they had attended another one terrific TARPA Convention. I would like to thank all the wonderful gals and guys who helped me "host" the hospitality room. This consists of setting up the bars, bartending and clean up. This year the volunteers were the following: (Please forgive if I omitted anyone). John Emmerton Maxine Ellington Kathy McClintock Dub Youngblood
Bob Dedman Ilse Dedman Walt Waldo Ron Trepas
Connie Ives Dick Atkins Gwen Atkins John Lakin
Joe Pike Didi Young Ben Young Peg Schemel
Special THANKS go to Alice and Dick Escola for the 25 pounds of pistachio nuts that were enjoyed by all. Each nut was stamped with "TARPA." What loyalty!!!
Katie Buchanan
In the past I have been more or less in the background of the conventions and I do know well of all the tedious, tiresome and long hard hours that go into the planning of this annual event. Each year the Committee's original theme has been unique. This year, a cable car music box was centered in a bowl of fresh flowers. This was the table decor for the banquet, plus individual music box Christmas ornaments for each couple. The committee of Bill Kirschner, Terry Rager and bus caller Ray Hallstein with the devoted and faithful assistance of their wives, Bobbi, Bet and Patti was superb.
Next year the plan is to travel to Boston for beans and chowder, to rekindle old friendships, tell a few white lies and exaggerate old stories. I know it should be another fun filled get-together and God willing, I plan to be there. With the holidays just around the corner, may I wish everyone an early but very joyous season with good health, happiness and kindness...KATIE 25 TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd. Convention
Camera .
Bob Dedman watches his winner
Bud & Lucy Elliott enjoy the races
Hey, Lou, let's make a bet!
Dick Drake & Claude Thomas
26 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd.
TARPA
CONVENTION
"95"
HIGHLIGHTS
Another highly successful TARPA convention was concluded on September 13, in Palo Alto, Calif. An enthusiastic group of nearly 400 loud, happy, (except about our retiree passes) flight deck crew members, wives, and friends attended the final festivity, the banquet and dance. The big band played our kind of tuneful music; nevertheless, there were plenty of fast "Mike the Knife" type tunes which inspired a profusion of dance styles and intricate maneuvers. Everything considered, there were probably masses of tired muscles on departure morning! The table decorations, set up under Committee Chairwoman Betty Rager, were nothing short of sensational! The table centerpiece, a beautiful cable car music box surrounded by fresh flowers, was won by a lucky person at each table. A colorful small musical cable car Christmas tree decoration for each couple also graced the tables. Tours were fully booked and ranged from the scientific (we were in the heart of the famous Silicon Valley) to the picturesque, and reached from beautiful Monterey Bay to famed San Francisco. Weather was typically fall California, with cool nights, foggy mornings, and warm afternoons. A gourmet lunch and cooking class conducted by Mary Chamberlin, well-known local caterer and wife of retired Captain Roy Chamberlin (how lucky can he get?) drew 56 participants at $10 each. The same lunch, to be prepared by Mary for 6 persons, was recently auctioned off for $1,900 at a Wente Brothers wine charity function! "Mary's Kitchen" will be featured in a future issue of Sunset Magazine. Principal center of activity was the "watering hole", officially known as the Hospitality Room! Open from Sept. 10 thru Sept. 13, it did a booming business. Presided over, as usual, by the gracious Katie Buchanan, aided by her many volunteer, well-experienced bartenders! The business sessions, even though starting at the ungodly hour of 7 a.m., almost took off on time with the help of a big pot of coffee and a table of sweet rolls. Captain Joe Montanaro reported on the DAP fund and investments, and answered many questions. A resolution endorsing the IAM's grievance to overturn the downgrading of retiree passes, was passed unanimously. Sorely missed was the voice of the sage of N.C., A.T. Humbles. Hopefully, A.T. and wife, Betty, will make it to TARPA "96" in Boston.
27 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd.
Convention
Camera
Bill Ashcraft & Ted Neja
Marcia & Rick Davis, Carl Schmidt
Donna & Ed Betts, Chuck MacNab
John & Pat Gratz
28
TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd.
ANOTHER TARPA
GOES
TO
GREAT
PALO
CONVENTION
ALTO,
CALIFORNIA
IN
'95
YES...they did it again! Bill Kirschner, Terry Rager and Ray Hallstein teamed up as Chairman and Co-Chairmen to make our 1995 TARPA Convention a huge success. We all know who "really" deserves the accolades tho'...Bobbi Kirschner, Betty Rager and Patricia Hallstein were the "road runners". Our "Hostess with the Mostest", Katie Buchanan, planned the hospitality festivities and with the help of those "understanding bartenders", you couldn't help but have a fine visit with many old friends. There were tours galore and hopefully many of you will write in and tell us about them. Al Lusk wanted to visit his old Cell-block C for a reunion at Alcatraz so that's where we went for the afternoon. Alcatraz has been taken over by the National Park Service now and it surely is a popular attraction in the Bay area. The banquet was another huge success. To say it was a little bit noisy is the understatement of the year with about 420 in attendance, all trying to get in the first word. The "ladies" did a fantastic job of decorating each table with beautiful floral center pieces, balloons and musical cable cars. Winners of the sports activities were announced and Bill's friend, Mark Twain, who claimed to be a mere 140 years old, added a lot of spice with his stories. Our business meeting was one to be proud of, starting right on shed-ule, a quick coffee break and finishing early. Our outgoing President Dave Davies, yielded that gavel like a pro. Nominations were made from the floor, followed by a ballot vote and the new Officer Slate is as follows: President: John P. Gratz First Vice President: Robert W. Dedman All the others remain the same. Joe Montanaro gave us his usual outstanding report on the DAP program and fielding those questions like Joe Damaggio in his hey day. Even Dick Davis' minutes were approved as read. Everyone congratulated Dave Davies for his fine work as TARPA President for the previous two terms and wished the new President and First Vice President much success. Now it's time to "Hit the Road" on the Reno Air Race Tour.
29 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd. Convention
Camera
Before the banquet
Banquet night
Bill & June Dixon Thelma & Chic Dyer
30 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TOO MUCH LEMONADE. By Annemarie Conway When I walked up the stairs from the Pebble Beach Golf Shop I saw the back of the bus go around the next curve to the South of the Seventeen Mile Drive. After our stop, my tour bus was leaving Pebble Beach Resort and I was not on it. For a second I stood there in disbelief. My instinct took over and I started to run when a little voice in the back of my head said, you old fool, you can 't outrun that bus no matter how slowly it travels. I looked at my watch; it was 2:33 p.m. My throat hit my stomach and when it bounced back up I ran back into the Pro Shop and asked the driver of the courtesy car to try and catch my bus. I was sure that they would miss me, try to slow down or even stop somewhere. As soon as we drove off, I realized that it wasn't going to work because there was no way to pass any of the cars in front of us. If you ' ve ever been along the Seventeen Mile Drive on the Monterey Peninsula you know how narrow and congested the road is. However, my driver had an ' idea. We would take a shortcut and beat the bus to the gate at Highway One; head em off at the ' pass. Except that it passed before we got there. Now it was 2:43 p.m. Hadn t anybody missed me? I opted to get out at the gate house from where I could get a taxi. There I stood without my cell phone, it was safely stowed away back at the hotel. I was on my own. OK, I can handle that -maybe. I told the guard at the gate my predicament and after a vague expression of total lack of sympathy on his part he told me about Airbus, a shuttle service to San Francisco and San Jose airports. He looked up the number for me. I called and was told that the "next " shuttle would leave downtown Monterey at 4:30 p.m. Later I found out that it was the "last " shuttle. It was now 3:45 p.m. I was also told that if I would make an advance reservation the fare to SJO would be only $24.00. What a great option! For only one Dollar I could have stayed an extra day! Then I had a bright idea -- another one. We had our own airplane parked at Palo Alto, why don 't I call Dick and have him fly into Monterey to pick me up. I left several cryptic messages for him at the hotel before I realized that he couldn't possibly get to the airport before 4:30 or 5:00 p.m. By now the fog started to roll over the coastal hills. The ATC was as busy as a one armed paper hanger and the reason I didn 't reach Dick in our room was probably because he was over at Katie Buchanan's having his second or even third "tootlelie" and elaborating on every shot of his golf game. Back to plan "A". The cab ride from the gate house to the shuttle pick up point took fifteen minutes. I paid my $25.00 to the driver of the Airbus when he asked if I had any luggage and what airline I was taking. Again I had to own up to the stupid thing I did. It seems that the whole world loves an idiot if you just tell it like it is. Did you know that they were still picking strawberries in the fields around Salinas, CA? I had a wonderful drive through the Nation ' s fruit and veggie bowl. On the shuttle I picked up a great tip on putting from Laird Small, the golf pro at Spyglass Hill. I now expect my handicap to drop by at least 5 points. I arrived at San Jose airport with a big smile on my face. The local shuttle was right there and took me straight to the hotel without any wait at all. On board I had the nicest conversation with a charming young UAL (sorry guys) pilot. Dick received my confusing messages only ten minutes before I walked into our room at 7:00 p.m. Nobody had missed me all afternoon. The moral of the story is; when life hands you a lemon, make lemonade OR next time go to the bathroom FIRST. ###
31
TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd. Convention
Camera
32 TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd. Convention
Camera
33 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd. Convention
Camera
34 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd. Convention
Camera
35 TARPA TOPTCS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd. Convention
Camera
36 TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd. Convention
Camera
37 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd. Convention
Camera
38 TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd. Convention
Camera
39 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd.
Air
Races
Camera
Air Races '95, Main Gate
"Big Red"
"Hotrod" Nemesis
P-51's
Parachute time
Snowbirds on the ramp
40 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA 1995 CONVENTION...cont'd. WATCH
OUT
HERE
RENO
COMES
-
TARPA
by Bob Widholm In the last issue of TARPA Topics, Page 55, Chuck Hasler wrote all about the Reno Air Tour and YESSIR, he came through with flying colors. We made all those stops that he spoke of and the only delay was getting the group back on the bus following the wine tasting... Pat Hasler, in her usual charming manner, was so far ahead of the power curve, it was pretty hard for Chuck to keep up, except for the "wheel tour" o'course. That's when we read the mileage on the bus' rear axel and had a pool to see who could "guess" the mileage to Reno. Can you imagine? Chuck Hasler walked off with all the "loot" AND an award metal to boot. Some folks say he made this run before.... Our visits to the Donner Summit Museum and Lake Tahoe were most enjoyable en route to Reno. I think a tour bus is the way to go. Between the Branson Tour and this one, the bus pulls right up to the front entrance and we're on our way. It was only about a two mile walk from the parking lot tho'. The weather was perfect for a great show and our "reserved seats " were dead center. The show itself was on a tight schedule with a combination of Aerobatic performances in a Pitts Special as well as an F-18 Military Fighter. The Races were planned around different Formulas up to the Unlimited Class. Any airplane "buff" who was in love with a Stearman Biplane, AT-6 (SNJ Navy), P-51 and P-38 were in their glory. This show is a little different than the EAA show in Oshkosh in that the latter is more of a "kick the tires" atmosphere. Everything was ab-so-loo-til terrific including the Hasler 's hosting a gala cocktail party. Mary Vande Velde "copped" the award as map reader while Carl Schmidt was "Mr. Personality" on the RA. THREE CHEERS TO CHUCK AND PAT HASLER FORA WONDERFUL TOUR. Frederick N. Opel 21430 Vai Avenue Cupertino, California 95014
September 27, 1995
TO '95 CONVENTION ATTENDEES: If the d.... calculator you received doesn't work, please call me at (408) 2521077 and I'll send you a new one. Sorry about that! Fred Opel (Fred called and said a few of the calculators he gave out at the convention are not working and he wants everyone to have a good one....Ed)
41
TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER. 1995
TARPA CONVENTION '95 ATTENDANCE AINSWORTH, ARKY & BETTY AKEN, SUZANNE ANDERSON, TOM & VIRGINIA ASHCRAFT, BILL & RUTH ATKINS, DICK & GWEN BAAR, RUTLAND & LUCIENNE BAINBRIDGE, BILL & EVELYN BAKER, JACK & DONNA BECK, JACK & SHIRLEY BECK, TOM & DIANE BECKER, HERB BETTS, ED & DONNA BJORK, CLIFF & CHRIS BLANEY, FORD & JANE BRESUN, ERIKA BROWN, JOE & ELIESE BUCHANAN, KATIE BYBEE, JOHN & G1NNY CALIO, JAMES CANAVAN, BILL & SUE CANTRELL, WARREN & DORIS CARLSON, JOHN & HELEN CARNEAL, ED & NORMA CARTER, DICK & BI W E CHAMBERLIN, ROY & MARY CHICHESTER, STAN & KAY CLARK, HARRY & LEE CONWAY, DICK & ANNEMARIE COTTRELL, BILL & LYNN CRAFT, RAY & MARTHA CREDE, JOE CRUICKSHANK, DICK & MARGARET GUSHING, BUD & PATSY DAHL, JACK & MARJORIE DAVIES, DAVE & LUCILLE DAVIS, CHARLES & SYLVIA DAVIS, DICK & MARCIA DAWSON, DICK & JO DEDMAN, BOB & ILSE DENISE, DEE DERICKSON, RUSS & ULI DE VEUVE, JIM & BOBBIE DEWITT, JOHN & JOYCE DIXON, BILL & JUNE DOBRESCU, CHARLES & RUTH DRAKE, DICK DUFRESNE, NORM & JO ANN DUORAK, KAY DURHAM, VON
DYER, CHIC & THELMA EDWARDS, FRANK & JENNIE ELLINGTON, DUKE & MAXINE ELLIOTT, BUD & LUCY EMMERTON, JOHN & DONNA ESCOLA, DICK & ALICE EVANS, FLOYD EXUM, GENE & SUE FARRELL, HUBERT FETHERMAN, BETTY JO FISER, JESSE & JANE FLYNN, ED & JOAN FONTES, MARIO & DODIE FORMER, GUY FRAWLEY, JOE & ALMA GILMORE, JIM GIRARD, LARRY & PHYLLIS GLAZIER, MARJORIE GOUTIERE, PETER & EVELYN GRAF, HARVEY & BURR GRAFF, HUGH & NORMA GRANDSAERT, AL GRATZ, JOHN & PAT GRAY, NORM & CAROL GREEN, EV & JESSICA GRUBER, ED & CLEONE GUILLAN, DICK & PEGGY GUTHRIE, MARK & JAYNE HAGER, JIM & CHRIS HALL, HOWARD & KATHERINE HALLSTEIN, RAY & PATTI HAMMONDS, JIM SR. & MADELENE HAMMONDS, JIM JR. & SANDI HAND, BETTE HANSON, GLEN & JEANETTE HARPSTER, JACK & MARIE HASLER, CHUCK & PAT HASSLER, VIC HATCHER, JOHN & SALLY HEADSTROM, AL HEINRICH, EARL & FRANCES HENDRIKS, KATE HENDRICKSON, JOHN & DORIS HEREFORD, TED HOESEL, CHARLES & ELKE HOFMEISTER, HOWARD & COLLEEN HOLDEN, VERL & TEDDY HOOPER, JACQUELINE HUBBARD, LLOYD & MARGARET
42 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER , 1995
TARPA CONVENTION '95 ATTENDANCE
INGUS, IDUS & JEANNE IVES, LARRY & CONNIE JACOBSEN, HARRY & JEAN JONES, GENE & AGGIE KALOTA, CHET & MARJORIE KAPPLER, BERNARD & NICOLE KELLY, ART KENNEDY, JOHN & ROSEMARY KIDD, JOHN & RAE KIEPER, BOB KIMBALL, ED & USCHY KING, ANNA KIRSCHNER, BILL & BOBBI KIRSCHNER, KRIS KOUGHAN, JACK & JEAN KROSCHEL, TOM & CAROL KUHLMAN, DOUG LACHENMAIER, BOB & DOROTHY LAKIN, JOHN LAMPRELL, JIM LATTIMORE, BE 1 1Y LEIN, JOHN & DANIELE LOCKE, LYLE & LESLIE LOURY, BUD LOWE, SIM & OLLIE LOWELL, VERNON LUSK, AL & MARY MABREY, BOB MAC NAB, CHUCK MARTIN, ED & FRANCI MC CUNTOCK, KATHY MC KENZIE, VERN & EVY MEHEW, BILL & BETTY MEYERHOLTZ, DAVE & BETTY MILLER, DEAN & ALICE MILLER, GEORGE MILLER, JACK & JANE MILLER, ROYLEE & KATHLEEN MILLER, WI W AM & DOROTHEE MOLINARIO, DICK & SANDRA MONTANARO, JOE MOOREHEAD, CLEM & PATTIE MUNDO, AL MUNOZ MERCEDES MURCHAN, LARRY & BETTY MYERS, BUSS & IRENE MYSEN, NORM & LINDA NEALIS, DON & JOSIE NEJA, TED & WIN
The Editor wishes to thank the following people for their support in sending photo' graphs and other "stuff from the convention. The response was very gratifying and, of equal importance, it arrived prior to deadline. If I have forgotten anyone, please accept my apologies ...Ed. Dick Atkins Joe Brown Katie Buchanan Bill Dixon Chic Dyer Floyd Evans Terry Rager Klete Rood Matt Reardon Claude Thomas Ivan & Rose Turner Mary Vande Velde Bob & Fay Widholm Norm Mysen
43 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA CONVENTION '95 ATTENDANCE
NELSON, STU & ARLENE NEWMAN, BILL & COOKIE NIXON, ARLIE NIXON, CLYDE NOONAN, GERRI O'CONNELL, MORRIS & CAROL OPEL, FRED & JEAN PAHL, SUM & MICKEY PARKER, JIM & LINDA PETERSON, CHARLES & LEE PETERSON, JOE & BETTE PETTIGREW , BRUCE & DENNIS PIERSON, LEE & BONNIE PIKE, JOE &JOY POHL, RENATE POLEY, CHUCK & JEAN PRESTON, DICK & MARJORIE RAGER, TERRY & BETTY RAMSEY, NEUMAN & MICKEY RAUB, CUFF, BETTY & ERICK REARDON, MATT REHBOCK, AL & GLORIA RICHARDSON, DEL & RENA RIDEOUT, J.D. & GENEVA RIMMLER, PHIL & ELLEN RISTING, MEL & DONNA RONHOLM, RON ROOD, KLETE & LOIS ROQUEMORE, DON & EVELYN RUDE, JIM & PATTI RUHANEN, ARTHUR & PEARL RUHE, SKIP & MARIE RUSSELL, JOHN & NANCY SALMONSON, ROGER SCHEMEL,PEGGY SCHMIDT, CARL & VICKI SCHMIDT, JAY & BARBARA SCHMUTZ, LEON & ANNA MARIE SCHUMACHER, GENE & HENRI SHERMAN, BOB & ALICE SHIFFLET, DAVID & BETTY
SHIPSTEAD, WES & ARTIE SHURTLEFF, JEAN SMITH, MARIAN SPARROW, CUFF & MARY STAMP, HARRY STOCK, WALTER STONE, DICK & NANCY STRICKLER, CHARLES & ALICE THOMAS, CLAUDE THOMAS, LOU & ROSE MARIE THOMPSON, BOB & MARJORIE THOMPSON, VAN & JEAN THRUSH, MARGARET THURSTON, HUTCH & JANE TOOP, GEORGE & VIRGINIA TRACY, LEONARD & JACKIE TREPAS, RON TRISCHLER, MIKE TSCHIRGI, CHUCK & BETTY TURNER, DAVID & VALERIE TURNER, IVAN & ROSE TYNAN, CRAIG & MARILYN VALACER, STAN VANDE VELDE, ALBERT & MARY VOGEL, TOM WAGGONER, EARL WALDO, WALT & ELLIE WALKER, ANITA WEBER, ALFRED & MEL WEISS, JACK & GLORIA WELCH, TOM & VIOLET WETHERELL, RICHARD & DREAMA WHEELER, HERB & DONNA WHYTE, MARGO WIDHOLM, BOB & FAY WIDMAYER, TED & JANE WILDMAN, LEE & SUE WINCHESTER, JIM & MOT WOLLF, MARVIN & DORIS YOUNG, BEN & DIDI YOUNGBLOOD, DUB & KORKY ZASIO, ART & DEE
44 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TARPA
TOURS
BY PAT &
CHUCK
HASLER
WE HAVE JUST RETURNED FROM THE 1995 CONVENTION THAT WAS HELD I N PALO ALTO FOLLOWED BY OUR NAPA VALLEY TOUR. THEN ON TO RENO . FOR THREE NIGHTS C TWO DAYS AT THE AIR RACES. WE WOULD LIKE TO ROD OUR THANKS TO BILL KIRSCHNER, TERRY ROGER & RAY HALLSTEIN . ALSO TO THEIR LOVELY WIVES, BOBBIE, BETTY & PATTI WHO I KNOW DID THEIR SHARE OF THE WORK. ANOTHER BIG HAND TO KATIE BUCHANAN FOR ANOTHER GREAT HOSPITALITY ROOM THAT WAS HELD OUTDOORS IN GREAT WEATHER, IN A WONDERFUL SPOT CALLED THE MARBLE COURT. ALSO TO ALL THE BARTENDERS,GOLF , SKEET AND BRIDGE CHAIRMEN. ALSO TO ALL THE MANY THERE WERE ALSO MANY ANYWAY IT WAS SUPER THE MORNING (8:30 AM
PEOPLE THAT MANNED THE HOSPITALITY DESK. OTHERS THAT PUT IN A LOT OF TIME & EFFORT. CONVENTION & EVERYONE HAD R GREAT TIME. ) FOLLOWING THE CONVENTION (THURS. I4TH) 46 OF US AND OUR DRIVER (THATS ALL IT HELD) BOARDED THE MOTOR COACH & DEPARTED FOR THE NAPA VALLEY MARRIOTT, LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE WINE COUNTRY. WE WERE FOLLOWED CLOSELY BY THREE
VEHICLES WITH TARPA MEMBERS THAT WOULD NOT FIT IN THE BUS. THE FIRST STOP WAS AT THE EX ARMY BASE, THE SRN FRANCISCO PRESIDIO. WE PARKED VERY CLOSE TO THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE AND EVERYONE SHOT SOME GREAT PICTURES. ON ACROSS THE BRIDGE TO THE WINE COUNTRY WHERE WE VISITED 2 WINERYS FOR WINE TASTING & LUNCH ONE. THEN ON TO THE HOTEL FOR ANOTHER WINE TASTING & AT HORS D' OEUVRES. SOME TOOK THE WINE TRAIN FOR DINNER & A 3 HR. TOUR OF THE VALLEY. THE REST HAD DINNER AT A GREAT RESTAURANT CALLED THE PENGUIN. 8 AM DEPARTURE FRI. MORNING AFTER BREAKFAST. ONE PIT
45 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
& COFFEE STOP IN AUBURN, CA, THEN ON TO THE DONNER MEMORIAL AT TRUCKEE, CA, WHERE THE DONNER PARTY HAD TO STOP BECAUSE OF THE H EAVY SNOW & WERE ALL BUT WIPED OUT IN THE WINTER OF 1846/47. WE SAW R MOVIE & TOURED THE MUSEUM. A LUNCH STOP ON THE NORTH SHORE OF BEAUTIFUL LAKE TAHOE . WE ATE AT THE LONE EAGLE GRILL AT THE TAHOE HYATT RIGHT NEXT TO THE WATER. ALONG THE EAST SHORE OF NORTH THE LAKE & THEN EAST OVER THE MOUNTAINS TO CARSON CITY & DEPARTED FOR TO RENO. WE STAYED 3 NIGHTS AT THE HOLIDAY INN & THE RACES AT 9:15 SAT. & SUN. & RETURNED AROUND 5PM. SAT. FROM 5 TO 7 WE HAD R LITTLE PARTY IN OUR HOSPITALITY RM. , 8' MEDALS WERE GIVEN FOR EXEMPLARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR GROUP: MOST LOQUACIOUS: CARL SCHMIDT-MOST GREGARIOUS: IVAN (SCOOP)TURNERDEPARTED VELD. NEXT MORN. 7:30AM MOST SAGACIOUS: MARY VANDE FOR THE BAY AREA WITH STOPS AT THE SACRAMENTO AIRPORT, THE NUT TREE AT VACAVILLE, CA , SFO AIRPORT & ON TO WHERE WE DEPARTED, BY ALL & THERE SHOULD RICKYS IN PALO ALTO. A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BE PICTURES ELSEWHERE IN THIS TOPICS. ON THE FOLLOWING PGS. ARE DESCRIPTIONS OF OUR 1996 CRUISES & TOURS. GET YOUR DEPOSITS IN EARLY. YOU CAN USE YOUR VISA/MASTER FOR DEPOSITS & FINAL PAYMENTS ON EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE FINAL PAYMENT FOR TURKEY.
Holland America Panama Canal Cruise aboard the beautiful MS Noordam April 27 - May 11, 1996
1996 Boston - Post - Convention Cruise aboard Celebrity Cruise line's 5-Star Zenith September 14, 1996 - 7-Day Cruise to Bermuda
TARPA Goes to TURKEY October 18- 28, 1996
TARPA
Tours
(415)
chuck
&
PaT
454-7478
8 Rustic Way, San Rafael, Ca 94901 46 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
HASLER
TARPA
Goes
October
18-
to 28,
TURKEY 1996
47 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
Holland
America
Panama
Canal
Cruise
aboard the beautiful MS Noordam April 27 - May 11, 1996 14 Days — Tampa to Los Angeles
1996
Boston - Post - Convention 9/14/96 - 7-Day Cruise to Bermuda aboard Celebrity (wise line's 5-Star Zenith
Cruise
AIRLINE TRAVEL
Oh please take pause and hear me out, a mystery to unravel. It has to do with you and me, why do we airline travel? Now long before we've crept aboard our systems are in tatters. The parking lot is full again and lo, so are our bladders. We hurl our car through traffic crunch to seek out valet service. A driver idly takes the wheel and wonders why were nervous. Well great, we're at the terminal and now let's find that jet. But whoa, look at the line ahead, that slow "security" sweat. We grab our bags and race away the gate is to the right, but when the upper level's reached our goal is not in sight. So push and stumble through the horde that's headed for the street. Oh what a pleasure it will be to settle in that seat. We burst into the boarding area and now we've got it made. The agent smiles and shakes his head, "Why sir, Your flight's delayed."
50 TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
SHORT
"STUFF"
A NOTE FROM ED BETTS Ed Betts, TARPA Historian, sends a note apologizing for the delay in writing his article, "TWA and the year 1945. " He says he would like to have it printed this year, on the 50th " anniversary but, " I just can't focus the old eyeballs enough to read these days. So far this year, Ed has had one operation on the left eye and three on the right eye for detached or torn retinas and the recovery is slow. He says, " This is probably job-related, too many pretty hostesses serving coffee or meals in the cockpit. " And, "I would also like to thank all of the TARPA members who answered my request for help with the input, it was great." You'll be back "bunge jumping " in no time, Ed, and we can wait for the article 'till you recover....Ed. GRAPEVINE
EDITOR
NEEDS
YOUR
STUFF
Hank Gastrich, TARPA TOPICS Grapevine Editor, has a new address: Henry E. " Hank" Gastrich 11450 Via Rancho San Diego, #187 El Cajon, CA 92019-5255 (Please note this change and send your GRAPEVINE material to Hank in time for him to format it and send it on to the Editor.... Thanks for your support.)
TWA Captain, and long-time TARPA Board member Fred Arenas, flies the pope to Rome. TARPA Director, Capt. Fred Arenas, was chosen to fly Pope John Paul II on his return trip from Baltimore to Rome on October 8. Fred piloted Shepherd I, a TWA 767-300 aircraft specially outfitted by TWA for The Pope 's journey. Also, TARPA member Jack Exum's wife, Susan, was a member of the cabin crew. The flight flew to Ciampino Airport which was the ' site of TWA s first international service to Italy 50 years ago (1946). TWA flew five U.S. bishops, including Francis Spellman of New York, to ceremonies in the Vatican marking their elevation to Cardinal. Fifty six international jounalists will accompany the Pope on his U.S. journey. The TWA 767-300 was specially reconfigured at TWA's New York maintenance facility. Shepherd I (See diagram on next page) included a special bed and table in the front cabin for the Pope's use. The bed and table were donated to the Stawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center in Kansas City, Kansas from a previous Papal Charter and were borrowed for this trip. They were returned to the museum after the flight.
51
TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
INSIDE VIEW OF SHEPHERD I
TWA 767—300 A/C #16101
1995 Papal Charter TWA is proud to have been selected by the Vatican to be the United States Carrier transporting Pope John Paul 11 during his visit to America. A 767-300 (#16101) has been reconfigured to accommodate the special needs of the charter. The Papal Suite (A Zone) was designed to provide a place for privacy and rest for Pope John Paul II. Special linens were acquired for the bed which includes a beautiful duvet and white duvet cover embroidered with the Papal Seal. Pope John Paul U's seat assignment for take-off and landing: 2-1. All of B Zone was reconfigured to accommodate Trans World One Seats for the Papal Party. The media and other distinguished guests will be assigned seats in C Zone. The service presented on the Papal Charter will be a modified Trans World One service.
52 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
CAPTAIN GEORGE W. LONG May 19, 1923 - June 30, 1995 Retired Capt. George W. Long, 72, of Monument, Colorado, a former pilot for Trans World Airlines and a retired Captain in the Army Air Corps, died June 30, 1995, at a local care center. Capt. Long was born May 19, 1923, in Stubenville, Ohio, to George A. and Louise (Rodgers) Long. He was married Oct. 8, 1943, in San Antonio to Robin Hartman, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Steven E. of Felton, Del. and Matthew R. of Colorado Springs; two daughters, Robin Long Doughty of Sydney, Australia, and Kathrin of Chicago; a brother, Kenneth R. of Huber Heights, Ohio, and a grandson. He was preceded in death by a son, Curt. Capt. Long served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945. He worked for TWA for 38 years. He received the Air Medal, the Bronze Arrowhead Medal and the European Service Medal. He was a member of the Sertoma Club and the Quiet Birdmen. He enjoyed mountain climbing. He had lived in Monument since 1973. He grew up in Clarksburg, W.Va., and had lived in Mountain Lakes, N.J., and Long Island, N.Y.
53 TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
Flown West, cont'd.
CAPTAIN RAYMOND W. WELLS January 17, 1905 - December 14, 1994 Thinking back through all the years of my association with Ray Wells I envision his wry smile, ready laughter and warmth that made one feel comfortable and happy to be in his company. But beneath all that was an exceptionally good airman, administrator and analyst of what was going on and what to do about it. My flying with Ray covered the spectrum from being his copilot, to routine checks by him when I became Captain and a memorable trip to Alaska in the B-17 hunting bad weather when he acted as observer-pilot. Ray loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing and on the Alaskan trip we laid over at Watson Lake, Yukon Territory, Canada waiting for bad weather as we often did in the B-17 operation. The undefiled waters of that pristine lake demanded it be fished. Ray managed to borrow a fishing pole and tackle from a GI and promptly caught a Pike so large it broke the pole! There wasn't any place to buy fishing tackle in the wilderness, but Ray got a first class new pole in Kansas City and I returned it to the GI at Watson Lake on our next trip north. He was born in Duluth, Minnesota, January 17, 1905, but grew up in Blackwater, Missouri, graduated from Kemper Military School, Booneville, Missouri and RoseHulman Polytechnic Institute, Terre Haute, Indiana. With all that behind him Ray 54 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
Flown West. cont'd. took off for a career of many positions and responsibilities starting with the Army as a second lieutenant in 1927. During his early Army hitch Ray was assigned to the Philippines where he learned to fly, as an aside from his Army duties, in a Jenny. Jennys to Jets wasn't an idle remark as concerns Ray, he did it! Later he transferred to the Army Air Corps and graduated Kelly Field, and served two years until being hired by TWA in April 1935. The list of jobs within TWA is impressive, Captain, then check pilot, assistant chief pilot LGA, Chief Pilot, Superintendent of the Midwest Division at KC. I served for about a year as the Midwest Region Chief Pilot working for Ray, before I was put in the System Chief Pilot job. It was not only a pleasant time, but one during which I realized his administrative abilities. His decisions were quick, fair and logical. Ray was not one to expound at length on matters and I don' t think pilots ever realized how many times he supported them and made decisions in their favor. He was sent as consultant to help the Irish Airline, Aer Lingus, get started and spent almost a year doing that. Then to Cairo and the job of Regional Director Africa-Middle East Region. He returned to New York International as Check Pilot until his retirement in 1965. But that didn't end Ray ' s aviation saga - on retirement he went with FAA and eventually became Chief, Technical Standards in the Flight Standards Service. Finally, in 1973, he retired and moved to Florida where he lived until his death. Ray was married to Vera Mary Esmond - Bettye. They had two children, Pamela and Gregory, and four grandchildren. Ray knew farming and was handy with tools and built a 32 foot Chris-Craft boat from a kit. He was mentioned in many books and articles, made a record from New York to Lisbon of 5 hours and 8 minutes in February 1964 - twelve years passed before anyone broke that. He was a QB, member of the National Aero Club, Royal Aero Club of Egypt( wonder if that still exists?) and a host of other organizations. It was a great career, never marred by any mishaps, and one that played an important part in aviation's airline development. But mostly I'll remember that wry smile and good humor, fairness, understanding, and excellent airmanship. He flew by the creed he preached. When he gave the final line check to a new Captain - along with his congratulations - he always added, "You're now one of the highest paid pilots in the world - for C 's sake fly like it!" What great people we ' ve all been so fortunate to know. Written by Bob Buck
55 TARP A TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
Flown West, cont'd. THE AVIATOR by H. Denis Neumann I I remember a child, late, Creeping down the stairs. Listening in the dark to Adventures told and never Heard again. II A finger tracing High in summer skies, Fleecy, white, a line forming, Letters forming, drifting Breaking, words .. . Skywriter! Art form, life style lost through The years; Heads back, fingers pointing eyes following, Straining to see that moving dot, Moving finger write - not in Block but script! "Chevrolet" and "Coca Cola" "One of the best!" He was, my father was. "What a day! " he'd say, looking Skyward. "A day for skywriting!" A statement, flat, knowing, Undisputed. The Best He was the best Of the best! III Hands strong Scarred Burned by the sun. Thick stub Fingers. Mechanics Hands, pilots, farmers Father's hands. My father's hands. Old man,
dozing in the sun hands soft and white; what lost cries of adulation still whisper in your ears? "NUMBER 1! HE'S NUMBER 1" Crowds roaring, Mighty engines thrashing Into life! Barnstorming! Air Racing! Speed, Excitement, Death.. . Old man, Dozing in the sun What memories shake you so? "
RIDES... $2.00!"
"Why on a good Sunday we could make $100.00!" Stubble fields, linen, Leather And summer haze. Eyes Hawks eyes, Blue Quick, Decisive! What do you see, Old man, on that far horizon? "Only the best survive! " They say. My father survives. Just Waiting now, waiting To go West. This epic was written in 1985 by Denis as a tribute to his father.
56 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
Flown West, cont'd.
CAPTAIN HAROLD E. NEUMANN May 17, 1906 - July 5, 1995 Ernest Hemingway described character as "grace under pressure!" A more fitting description of Harold Neumann could not be found. Achieving legendary status in life is a rarity few ever claim. Harold Neumann's formative years as an Illinois farm boy led to a flying career stimulated by his overwhelming drive to soar above the fields as he tilled them. Anecdotes abound among Harold's multitude of friends and pilot peers. Modesty prevailed with Harold, which deprives us of the true wealth of his lifetime's exploits... as a boy, husband, father, farmer, pilot and more importantly, with an unbounded sense of honesty, morality and humanistic concern for others. Harold's quiet, even shyly, soft-spoken manner belied the richness and intrigue of his life encounters. As he sat with his pilot peers, his accounting of spectacular events were dispatched with short quips, desensitizing the gravity of the event, whether it entailed his skillful expertise or sheer fortune... forever minimizing any heroics on his part. 57 TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
Flown West, cont'd.
Those privileged to have known Harold Neumann are enriched with the intriguing accounts of many of his flying accomplishments. When circumstances appeared to broach a hazardous outcome, Harold was fast to credit fortune over skill. Friends differed. Even authorities agreed in favor of his talented experience in managing a mishap. Harold Neumann leaves a wealth of tales which will be related among pilots and friends for eons to come. There's little doubt that embellishment or some distortion of fact will occur, however, the situations recalled are certain to be anticlimactic to the reality of the actual events. Rather, Neumann's career as an airline pilot is enriched with tales to be shared with others beyond his contemporaries, especially the generations of airline pilots to come. Having known Harold Neumann, his peers could write volumes on his exploits as all find pleasure in forever lamenting the highlights of his illustrious career.
Harold Neuman in little "Ike" at the peak of his racing career
Harold's contemporaries (such as Busch Voigts, Jack LeClaire, Chris Carper to name but a few) are blessed with first hand accounts of myriad tales involving Harold. His flying encounters enriched any session of "hangar flying" among pilots. His background as a barnstormer, race pilot, skywriter, aerobatic winner, flying farmer and airline pilot offers an untold wealth of humorous anecdotes. A personal note is offered. Harold sponsored me for membership in the Quiet Birdmen at Kansas City nearly four decades ago (he commented that the hangar needed some younger pilots at the time). The most memorable contact with him in a cockpit occurred on a DC-3 when he was checking me: After takeoff at Kansas City, the left engine failed with billowing smoke shrouding the engine cowl. Harold merely observed my actions (closing the throttle and feathering the engine) and remained silent. Only when I mentioned the engine was streaming dense smoke did he lean from his seat to view the scene, with the wry remark, "Well, it sure is smoking... but I don't see any flames ... let's tell them we're coming back!" His soft-spoken words suggested a stoic calm belying any semblance of excitement... the epitome of "grace under pressure!" Looking back, I came to appreciate how effectively his unruffled mentorship influenced others in managing trying situations. Harold's aviation judgment and decision-making strengths stemmed from fundamentally sound, albeit simplistic logic. An example is his view of "it's better to ice-up in a climb than in a descent... 'cause at least you'd have more altitude!" His
58
TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
Flown West, cont'd. wisdom in flying matters always seemed to work for those adopting his sage observations. In farming, Harold shunned the role of remote, arm-chair management. Even the toughest task of hay-making found him "bucking" the bales of hay for storage, and later, helping to load the trucks as he sold his crop in the winter. Neighbors gauged their farming activities by "what Harold was doing!" His racing skills were noted by the famed Benny Howard when he chose Harold to fly his (Howard's) plane in the most important air race competition meets of the day. Harold was quick to credit Benny for the winning strategies, saying, "all I did was follow Benny's plan to beat the other guys planes!" And that he did, winning the Thompson and Grieve trophies in the same year of 1935. As an octogenarian, Harold won first place in aerobatics in the Sportsmen's class at an airshow in Kansas. His skill at skywriting brought accolades from the clients hiring him. Friends chided him, wondering why his handwriting was not as legible. Harold grinned broadly with the left-handed compliment from his flying buddies who knew of the demanding precision in skywriting.
Harold Neumann's monocoupe... "Little Mulligan."
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Flown West, cont'd.
Captain Harold Neumann & TWA 707
To the FAA, Harold's operations and maintenance of his lovable Monocoupe, Little Mike, was at best, unique! The aptitude of a farm boy in matters of mechanical maintenance was both adaptive and creative. Harold was exemplary in "rigging and making-do " in keeping Little Mike airworthy. The use of available materials sufficed most of the time. A rag with a wire attached served as a manual choke (in the intake) when starting the engine; once started, he retracted the cloth with the convenient wire... not a patentable idea! A string from a fuel pump switch to his open cabin door was most effective in turning the fuel pump off as the cabin door blew closed... from the prop blast as the engine started and the
engine-driven fuel pump took over. Renaissance Man? Quite likely! Harold's legacy to aviation is affirmed. Honors galore embellish the Neumann's study, which are all well-deserved by one who rightfully claims the role of aviation pioneer. Moreover, Harold Neumann is regarded by his multitude of friends as a gentle man who has enriched the world with his love for the land, the air, and his fellow man. Harold and "Ike"
The usual silent toast was given Harold as word of his passing was received at a recent meeting. All thoughts were focused on his happy landing... one more time.
The preceding article appeared in the August, 1995 Quiet Birdmen (QB) publication. Author unknown.
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Flown West, cont'd.
CAPTAIN HOWARD E. HALL February 3, 1902 - August 12, 1995
Howard was born on February Oklahoma, the first child of birthplace, for Oklahoma was Wash"] the Chief of the Kaw family friends.
3, 1902, in his Grandfather's log house near Ponca City, Hattie O. and Weldon H. Hall. He took pride in his still largely Indian territory; and Washunga, ["Ol' tribe, and Sajumway [another "blanket" Indian] were
The first years were spent around Kaw City, Oklahoma, where Howard's father carried mail on a twenty-six mile, rural mail route, with a team and buggy. Carrying the mail, his Father was one of the best paid men in Kaw County, and a farm he had leased had prospered; but the Hall family became excited over new ranch land that was being opened for settlement near Ricardo, New Mexico. Howard's father and a few other men went out to inspect the land and found what appeared to be lush cattle country. Being "young and full of vinegar", and wanting to try something exciting and different, they joined a group of young settlers and moved all the Hall family belongings [household 61
TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
Flown West, contd. furniture, three cows, a team of mules, two hogs, ducks, geese and turkeys, one wagon and a plow] in a box car on the Santa Fe Railroad which ran close by Ricardo. The women and children travelled in a passenger car. The venture proved a failure. Drought had struck New Mexico, and crops failed. In a short time, all their funds spent, the family returned to Oklahoma with only the clothes they were wearing. Disappointed but not discouraged, they started over. Their next adventure took them to Lamar, Colorado, where Father Hall went into business. Howard attended Lincoln School and the Lamar Union High School, and soon became a very active and vigorous young man. He was an excellent athlete, often winning the one hundred yard dash in track and field events, and was an outstanding football player. Adventure and active work suited his life-style, so in his early manhood, he and friends travelled each year to Kansas to take jobs in the annual wheat harvests where they could earn "big money". To the great concern of his Father and Mother, Howard often traveled to and from the harvest fields by hitching rides on freight trains that ran from Colorado into Kansas, only forty miles away. After High School, he attended the University of Colorado, but it was soon apparent that the pedantic life was not to his liking. In time, his parents enrolled him at William Jewel College, a Baptist school in Liberty, Missouri. As attractive as the school may have been, it didn't fit his lifestyle either; but he stayed with it for two years before returning home where he worked at various jobs. It was obvious that Howard, like his Father and Mother, was " young and full of vinegar" and wanted to try something different. In 1926, aviation in the United States was gaining momentum. Congress passed the Air Commerce Act giving the Department of Commerce wide controls over civil aviation; and The United States Army established the Army Air Corps and began training pilots. A primary school was opened at March Field, California, and an advanced training school at Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas. In 1927, Lindbergh's flight across the Atlantic caught Howard's attention, and he became enthralled with flying. In July of that year he loaded his two brothers and a sister into his new Model A Ford Coupe [equipped with a stylish rumble seat] and drove to Denver to be among the thousands that welcomed Lindbergh to Colorado. The event changed his life. Howard obtained an appointment to the Army Air Corps in 1928, and was sent to March Field. Like his Father and Mother, he was anxious to start a new adventure and flying proved to be exactly what he had been looking for. After graduation from the Army Air Corps Advanced Flying School at Kelly Field, Texas, he was assigned to a bomber squadron at Langley Field, Virginia, where he flew big Martin bombers. During the Christmas holidays of 1928, President Coolidge took up residence at Key West, Florida, and Howard was assigned to fly the President's mail to him on a weekly basis. He was proud of the assignment and resolved to reliably 62 TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
Flown West, coned. fulfill his obligation to the President of the United States. Early in 1929, financiers and promoters also became enthralled with flying and planned to establish the first transcontinental passenger airline in the United States. Charles Lindbergh was employed to help map a route across the center of the United States, from New York to Columbus, Ohio; to Kansas City, Missouri; and west to Glendale, California, by way of New Mexico and Arizona. A Ford company pilot, John Collings, arrived at Langley Field in a shiny, new,
Photo of the original TAT pilots, taken on the steps of the Post Office Building in St. Louis just prior to the beginning of operations .. Courtesy of Capt. Floyd D. Hall
all-metal airplane: the Tri-Motored Ford. It was the first of its kind with corrugated all-aluminum skin for strength, and a spacious cabin designed to accommodate passengers in luxury. John Collings job was to recruit pilots with large airplane experience to become the first pilots of a new air line, Transcontinental Air Transport, Inc. Howard signed up; so did thirty-two other pilots who became his life-long friends. In July, 1929, the inaugural flight took place. Passenger flights could not be made over the route between New York and Columbus, Ohio, at night, since the airways had not been provided with beacon lights to make night flying possible. Passengers were put aboard special Pullman cars on a train in New York, and transported over night to Columbus, Ohio. The train stopped alongside the airport outside of town, so that passengers could leave the train, walk across the road to the Port Columbus air terminal [under a canopied and carpeted walk-way], and board their Tri-motored Ford for the first air portion of their trip. They would fly to Waynoka, Oklahoma, where they once again boarded a train for an overnight trip to Clovis, New Mexico, and still
63 TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
Flown West, coned. another airplane for the final portion of their flight to Glendale. The whole trip would take less that forty-eight hours... coast to coast. The President of TAT and other officials and dignitaries made up the passenger list for the first flight. At Port Columbus, Henry Ford and his son Edsel and Harvey Firestone joined the passengers for a special pre-flight breakfast. Lunch of cold cuts, salads and sandwiches catered by Fred Harvey Restaurants was served out of Indianapolis, their first stop, on lavender linens with simulated-gold flat ware. Amelia Earhart, the famous woman aviatrix joined the flight at Clovis, New Mexico, for the final leg to Glendale... Howard and his friend Captain Earl Fleet were the pilots assigned to fly the first air portion of the trip from Columbus to Waynoka , Oklahoma. But, the next day, on the second east-bound flight, there were no passengers since the east-bound passengers had all gone on the east-bound inaugural flight the previous day. So Howard and Captain Fleet flew the empty airplane out of Waynoka to Columbus... Howard was very proud. So began his life-long dedication to airline flying. Because of his youthful appearance, he was soon named "Sonny Boy Hall". In the spring of 1930, specialized air mail planes were added to the Ford fleet. Howard and two friends, Ted Ashford and Harry Campbell were assigned to St. Louis to fly the mail. They lived in the luxurious Jefferson Hotel, three bachelors making big salaries and enjoying every minute of their exciting young lives. Howard ' s younger sister was now attending Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and each day after lunch, the girls were restricted to their rooms for a rest period. So the three mail pilots buzzed the girl's dormitory [to say "hello" to Sonny Boy's sister] each time they passed overhead and each time, the girls ran to their windows and waved their towels to the flyers. The custom became so disruptive to the school curriculum that the President of the college finally demanded it be stopped. TAT readily complied. In 1931, Howard was assigned to Newark, New Jersey, [in the early days, the younger pilots could be assigned at the Company's discretion] to fly newer, faster mail planes. The airplanes were reputed to cruise at airspeeds near two hundred miles an hour and were considered the finest air-mail planes in the airline industry. But, the airplanes had a problem. Their engines failed frequently. Jack Zimmerman, another good friend from the original TAT group, crashed on take-off at Pittsburgh. Still another, Harry Campbell, cavalier in brown and white saddle shoes, argyle socks, baggy plus-six knickerbockers, leather jacket and helmet and goggles, was forced to parachute from his airplane, one dark night, after its engine threw a propeller blade and broke completely away from the airframe. Harry landed in his parachute in the Mississippi River, only a few miles from the airport at St. Louis. The baggy pants and heavy shoes almost dragged him under, but he was pulled from the water by a passing fisherman. Howard survived his assignment to mail planes without incident, however. In 1934, after a political upheaval in the United States that blamed big business, and
64 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER , 1995
Flown West. cont'd. especially bankers and promoters, of mis-management and even fraud, the air-mail contracts of all airlines in the United States were cancelled, including the TWA contract. [TAT had become TWA by merger with Western Air Express.] Lacking funds, the air transportation industry that had started only a few years before, quickly came to a stop. Howard and all other company pilots were thrown out of work. They retained their expensive, although somewhat curtailed, life-styles by pooling their money and drawing from the hat what they needed to cover their most urgent needs. When operations resumed later in 1934, TWA received the first of the DC2-DC3 type airplanes that would become the backbone of the air transport industry in the United States; and Howard bid for and flew them throughout the system. In 1940, a magnificent four-engined Boeing "Stratoliner" entered service, providing the first pressurized, sleeper, airplane service in the United States. Howard became one of the first Captains to command the Stratoliner, until the fleet of airplanes was requisitioned by the government, after World War II began. He flew them to England at the beginning of the war and then flew a new Douglas C-54 under contract service to the Air Force by the Intercontinental Division of TWA. During World War II, Howard flew over much of the world for the Intercontinental Division, carrying government officials, military personnel, soldiers, and sailors, as well as Admirals and Generals. Early in the War, Howard was one of the pilots who proudly returned the famous Tokyo Raider, General Jimmy Doolittle, to the United States after his escape from China, following the Tokyo raid. During the height of the War in Europe, ICD ambulance C-54's returned many severely wounded personnel from England to the United States. Bad weather and long distances were major problems for heavily loaded airplanes crossing the north Atlantic, for head winds associated with north Atlantic storm systems challenged fuel supplies for the longer flights. Early in the north Atlantic Operations, pilots and navigators, as well as meteorologists, noted that the storm systems often tracked northward along the Atlantic Coast of the United States and then swung out into the Atlantic, east of New Foundland and south of Iceland. The storm systems were "low-pressure" systems that revolved counter-clockwise around their center. Winds aloft followed the counter-clockwise movement of the air mass surrounding the storms so that winds aloft generally blew from southwest to northeast on the south side of the storm system, and from northeast to southwest on the north side. If pilots could find a way to navigate along the southern edges en route to England, and along the northern edges on return from England to the United States, considerable time [and fuel] could be saved. With the help of his navigators and weather forecasters, Howard developed a navigation procedure to follow the pressure contours of the storm systems to gain the tail-wind assistance. The plan became known as "Pressure Pattern Flying" and was widely used in flight planning across the north Atlantic. After the end of World War II, TWA's Intercontinental Division became the International Division and TWA became known as Trans World Airlines. After a short time in the International operations, Howard returned to the domestic division in the United States flying the new Lockheed Constellations.
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Flown West, cont'd.,
In 1959, he became one of the first TWA pilots to qualify as Captain on jet transports that brought significant changes to the air line industry in the United States, and around the world. He was one of the pioneer pilots on airplanes that would shrink the world in terms of air travel time, until no place on earth was more than twenty-four hours in flying time from any other place on the globe. After thousands of hours and millions of miles of flying around the world, he retired from active flying in 1962, without damage to the airplanes he commanded or injury to his passengers or crew. He remained a dedicated airline pilot, loyal to his company and his fellow airline pilots, in constant pursuit of flying excellence and was often sharply critical of incompetence in commercial air transportation. He found office and administrative work dull, and avoided management positions, preferring the challenge and exhilaration of the cockpit to the confinement of an office. He sometimes humorously scoffed at "swivel-chair pilots who fly a desk". He had found his life's work in flying and gladly dedicated his life to it. He died on August 12, 1995, one of the last of the original TAT pilots. The preceding was written by Captain Floyd D. Hall.
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Flown West, cont'd.
IRO RAY W. DAVIS June 29, 1920 - June 28, 1995
R. W. Davis, Fit. Eng. and IRO passed away on June 28, 1995, one day short of reaching his 75th birthday and Eagle status which he dearly wanted to reach. He took Bob Sherman's, advice at one of the many TARPA conventions we attended and had me write a few lines about his aviation career, before the lung cancer became too aggressive. Rusty started his 44 year aviation career in December of 1940, graduating from Roosevelt Aviation and was hired by Wright Aeronautical in Paterson, N.J. The following year he went with Piedmont Aviation as a line mechanic and in January went to ACCRA with P.A.A., returning to the U.S. in November of 1942. On January 15, 1943 he signed with TWA-ICD and was stationed in Prestwick and then Iceland, returning to the states in February of 1945. After a "pep talk" from Al Brick, he applied to F/E school in K.C. and checked out in May of 1945. He flew on I.C.D. until December of 1946. We were stationed in Rome until April of 1948. Rusty flew as F/E, then I.R.O. when that opened up, and back to F/E on his 60th birthday until his retirement in February of 1984 at the age of 62, when he said "he didn't know anyone in the cockpit anymore". He flew on every type of equipment TWA had, but the 'Connie" was his favorite.
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Flown West, cont'd. He was on the first hijacking that ended at Damascus with Dean Carter, and only saved his shoes and the plane's Bible which I still have. He flew the Saigon and Zambia air lifts and altogether made 2,152 Atlantic crossings. On his last, flight #881, January 26, 1984 from Athens the crew had 409 years of seniority and many of the passengers made joking remarks about "experience versus senility". Rusty loved what he did and often he said he would do it for free if he had other means to care for his family. He leaves his wife of 50 years, Jean; two sons, Michael and Gary; a daughter Kathi Schatzel; four grandchildren Michael Jr., Kevin, Sarah and Connor. He was buried on July 3, 1995 in the family plot in Hurley, N.Y. He so enjoyed the TARPA reunions and re-telling all the tall tales and hangar stories and when TARPA TOPICS came he devoured it right away. Remember him in your thoughts and prayers. He loved you all. Written by Jean Davis
CAPTAIN CARROLL D. WOODS September 19, 1918 - July 17, 1995
CAPTAIN ROBERT F. MANNING July 18, 1914 - August 8, 1995
68 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
HEAR ON THE
WHAT DO YOU
GRAPEVINE By Hank Gastrich
NEW ADDRESS 114-50 Via Rancho an Diego #187 El Caton, CA 92019-5255 TEL: 619-660-1244 PAX:619-660-1555 convention I moved! I missed the Alto. I should be fired! And I have 2 days to produce at least 6 more pages for
in
Palo
this issue's Grapevine. Firing is too good ... think of something else! The move was because we (the bank and I) bought a new con-dough-minimum. I had to find a way to get more deductions and it was buy the condo or find a widow ... with 8.2 kids and then, woo her, wed her and deduct her! The 8.2 kids was to zero out with the IRS. I figured if I was going for deductions, go whole hog! The condo is the better idea ... I keep telling myself. I've already made the first payment which leaves me only 359 more. I suggested 359 payments at $300/mo and a final balloon of whatever the balance might have been and was really surprised by the response I got. Not that they even acted as if they seemed to consider the idea, but at the language they used. I never knew bankers new words such as they used. All in all, I like condo living, albeit, it's not a great deal different than apartment living ... just a place to lay your hat and coat and a few friends. Not t000 many letters from you all this issue. The mail has to pick up or I'll have to start reminiscing about layovers we had together at Dessie's Vandalia Valhalla, George's Hotel in New York (either the prince or the king) ... one was in Noo Yawk and the other in Gay Paree. I hesitate to call it that in the mid-90's ... and how about the Bat-a-clan in Geneva? Remember you all, I never went to all these places alone!!! Now, if I can get them damned grapes in the right place to keep Chuck happy, Ill have it made.
69 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
GRAPEVINE NOV (cont'd) BILL DOYLE
BLOOMFIELD, NJ
Dear Hank, My wife and I are living on our was t000 chicken to use it! Ed.). Right now the boat there from California in 1993. We mainland in the winter, chasing the warm
sailboat. (I had a picture of a canoe but we are in the Sea of Cortez having sailed sail down the Pacific side of the Mexican weather. In the spring, we sail north to La
Paz in Baja California, basing out of there until summer heat chases us back to the U. S. Then, for 3 months we travel around on our '89 Harley-Davidson (I had a chicken to use it. Ed.). before starting the picture of a bicycle but I was t000 migration south again. In '96 or '97 we will take Caribbean for a while. After that,
the boat through the Panama Canal and cruise the who knows? Maybe across the Atlantic. It's a great
life, Regards, Bill MURRIETA, CA JAMES MEAGHER Hank, Per your request to name those I might recognize in the photo of the first retirement party, (July TARPA TOPICS), I scanned the photo with the naked eye to no avail. I searched again, but this time with my trusty magnifying glass and lo and behold, I recognized a very nice lady - OH! that's my ex-wife But I don't recognize that young dude sitting next to her. Best personal regards, Jim Mea gher ED's Note: Thanks a helluva lot Jim. There were over a hundred people and 3 waiters in the two pictures, but you're note let me see exactly where you and your ex-wife were sitting ... Only room for a joke or two (and not one of Wayne Severson's). A couple of old guys were golfing when one said he was going to Dr.Taylor for a new set of dentures in the morning. His friend remarked that he had gone to the same dentist two years before. "Is that so?" the first said. "Did he do a good job?" " Well, I was on the course yesterday when a fellow on the ninth hole hooked a shot," he said. "The ball must have been going 200 miles per hour when it hit me in the testicles. That," he added, "was the first time in two years my teeth didn't hurt!" Why some women and men are different; a woman will buy something "On Sale" at a 10% discount and charge it to her credit card at 18% interest ... but of course, not our wives.
70 TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
GRAPEVINE NOV (cont'd) JOHN HALE
MARBLE FALLS, TX
BALTIMORE AT ELEVENTH KANSAS C/7 r. MISSOURI 64105 13 July 1995 Dear Editor: This stationery is a happy reminder of the halcyon days when 12th and Baltimore was still downtown Kansas City, and the K. C. Athletic Club still offered $1/per day memberships to TWA types, and a pass-through door from the bar to the locker room permitted a pitcher of beer to nullify any physical conditioning a handball session might provide. Furthermore, the Continental's top floor was the Playboy Club, now long since departed. After a post-class handball session, I invited three compadres upstairs for some pre-dinner refreshments. Our hostess was a knockout in Bunny costume who could have been a centerfold in any Playboy issue. She took three orders, but our fourth seemed to have lost his tongue. (Names are here omitted to protect the guilty.) "Sir, would you like to order?" "Yes -(gulp) - I'd like a piece of beer." Yes, this is a true story. Would I - Honest John - lie to you?
John Hale NEW ADDRESS: Box 281 MARBLE PALLS TX 78654 P. S.: When I was an instructor in K. C., I submitted the $1 per day membership in the K. C. Athletic Club as a reasonable actual expense. Denied. So, I resubmitted my reports for additional expenses for meals. THOSE were OK. Gluttony won over physical conditioning.
TELETYPE 816 556-2430
71
BOB GREENLEE. Manager
TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
AREA CODE 816 421-6040
GRAPEVINE NOV (cont'd) ROBI MUELLER
DENVER, CO HUGS...
It's wondrous what a hug can do, A hug can cheer you when you're blue A hug can say, "I love you so." Or, "Gee. I hate to see you go." A hug is, "Welcome back again," and, "Great to see you! Where've you been?" A hug can soothe a small child's pain, and bring a rainbow after rain. The hug! There's no just doubt about it... We scarcely could survive without it. A hug delights and warms and charms. It must be why GOD gave us arms! Hugs are great for fathers and mothers, sweet for sisters, swell for brothers. And chances are you're favorite aunts, love them more than potted plants. Kittens crave them. Puppies love them. Heads of state are not above them. A hug can break the language barrier, and make you're travels so much merrier. No need to fret about you're store of 'em; the more you give there's more of 'em So stretch those arms without delay ... and give someone a hug TODAY! PAT NEUMANN
Redwood City, CA
Dear Mr. Gastrich, Denis and I want to thank you for keeping in touch with Harold while he was with us in California. He enjoyed hearing from you and your letter brought back happy memories for him. His passing on July 5th was peaceful and we are blessed that we could be with him to wish him God speed on his final "flight west. We were please also to have gone to Oshkosh this year and to ride in "Mr. Mulligan" for an air racing demonstration. It was a wonderful tribute to Harold and his love of speed and daring. Sincerely, Pat Neumann (Harold' s daughter-in-law) Los Osos, CA BEN YOUNG Dear Hank, Enclosed find photo of Dick Escola, TARPA First Vice President Carl Schmidt, and Ben Young standing in front of Ben and Didi's 1942 Fairchild 24W. This occasion was the Merced, CA Annual Antique Fly-in & Air Show in early June this year. Dick and his wife Alice are both members of the committee that puts this huge fly-in on every year. Regards, Ben & Didi Young
72 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
GRAPEVINE NOV (cont'd)
194-2 Fairchild
F24W
Dick Escola, Carl Schmidt, Ben Young
GLENVIEW, IL
JOHN WITTEN
Deer Hank, Eye just got me wun of them thar compter thins an boy, is it grate. Its got spill chickin and a dikshunary an a this are us, whatever that is. Sew eye thught I'd right two ewe. Sumtyme ago, eye think eye red that materal fore the Grapevine was bein Iuked four. I went through my flies that I had collected over the yeers and came up with the enclosed "stuff". Sum of it is not politically correct. Hoap ewe kin use it. are president may object.
So Mrs. hillary,
continued on next page
73 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
GRAPEVINE NOV (cont'd) Use wat ewe kin and do wat ewe want with the remindeer. right now eye am reedin bout how ewe use awl the softwhere. Man this machine is wunerful. Fine periodical, the TARPA TOPICS, keep it up.
Ed's. Note: John, your letter was a joy to receive. It was what we "in the trade" call, "Camera-Ready" and I was able to use it just as it came from the envelope ... I'm only sorry I had to use it over two pages. " I gave ME the opportunity to type "continued on the next page. I noticed THAT after I had printed and pasted, so it stays ... and whatever John has - I caught. Oh yes, my "spill chicker" is shot to hell! I ask it to spell check and it just prints, "WHY?" San Jose, CA BILL DIXON This letter was addressed to Dave, Dick Forristall, Chuck and Robi Mueller. I print it here, perhaps again, because I think the information merits being passed along! Reference my May 19 letter to Chuck Thibaudeau asking if retirees were eligible for the Alamo Rental discount for employees listed in the April SKYLINER, we are. I received a call from the Marketing Department that retired employees are included in all TWA partnership benefits, such as the one with Alamo. Apparently our permanent pass card is sufficient ID. Too bad this fact is so often left out of SKYLINER stories. It is obvious retirees rank below the bottom of the totem pole! Sincerely, Bill Dixon A FEW OF AVIATION'S GREATEST LIES from John Witten I' m from the FAA. I'm here to help you! Me? I've never busted minimums. I fixed it right the first time; it must have failed for other reasons. All that turbulence spoiled my landing! I'm a member of the mile high club. Sure I can fly it-it has wings doesn't it?
74 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
GRAPEVINE NOV (cont'd) DENNIS CROWLEY
Glencoe, MO
Dear Dick, Thanks for the issue of "Tarpa Topics." I have already enjoyed it. As a new member .it took me 29 years to become elgible to join but I' m glad to be here. My new address and telephone: Dennis M. Crowley 17203 Le Foret Ct.
TWA AIRBUS-340 Glencoe, MO 63038 Tel: 314-458-1673
If you are wondering about the Airbus stationary, it still may be the next aircraft to join TWA's family ... possibly the A-321 or A-340 ... Although I still have 9 years left, I do enjoy reading about all the great pilots I flew with in the "Good ol days" ... Thanks again, Dennis Dick's note: Hank- Chief Pilot STL-JFK/Director Fleet Trng. NEW MEMBER! Ed's. Note: To Dick, if Dennis reads about the problems I caused ol Charlie Church re: the papal flight and wants his money back, tell him you FIRED me! Ed's Note: To Dennis, WELCOME aboard Dennis. Don't believe that stuff about Charlie Church, etc. I have to submit 20/22 pages for each issue (which shows you how hard up the Grapevine is for news) and I sometimes get carried away. JAMES McINTYRE Dear Chuck,
Deerfield, NH
Thought you might enjoy the enclosed cartoon. Any people we know? Someone recently asked, "What do you retired guys do to keep busy?" so I sent him my business cards. Where did we find the time to fly? Regards, Jim
75 TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
GRAPEVINE NOV (cont 'd) Oceanside, CA
RAY TOLIVER
Thanks for the info and TARPA forms, which I have completed. Also sending you a short resume plus a list of aircraft flown (Ed's note: from which I am "pirating the good parts). I joined TWA in late March of 1940 and was transitioned to DC-2 and DC-3's on 29 May 1940 with Frank Busch. I was stationed at La Guardia. Flew co-pilot on DC-3's and Stratoliners for Trimble, Blackburn, Gove, Mesker, Heath, Southworth, H. Campbell, J A Collings, Niswander, Moomaw, Heideman, Terry, Eischeid, Kratovil, George, Pat Gallup, Woolsey, K. Fairchild, Robey, and Bill Piper, plus perhaps a few others. Charlie Maynard and I were Lts. at Mitchell Field, NY and joined TWA together. In 1941 we took a laeave-of-absence- from TWA together and joined Canadian Pacific RR Air Service (later became RAF Ferry Command) in Montreal and flew A-29 Hudsons and LB-30's (B-24's_ across the Atlantic to Prestwick, Scotland. I retired from TWA sometime late in 1941 and in April 1942 went back to the USAF. Maynard went back to TWA. Sincerely, Ray Toliver Monocoupe Seversky Fleetwing Spartan Spitfire Wellington
Listed below are some of the aircraft Ray flew PT-19 Fairchild PT-22 Ryan Kinner PT-14 WACO P-39
P-40 B-10
Stinsons Brewster Avro Anson Moraine Saulnier Blenheim Zero
P-6E Curtiss
Lockheed P-80 F-86 Sabrejet Douglas OA-4 B-40 Vega
B-26Marauder Howard DGA
Beaufighter Hurricane
Mosquito
Tiger Moth Potez Macchi 202
Kingfisher
Globe
Singer Island, FL
LARRY FAUCI
Dear Dick, Will miss all my watering hole layover friends, like Ed Lincoln, Steve Beauford, and Jim Philpot. Still keeping busy with fire departments. Palm Beach Shores needed a new chief so I left being a hose man at North Palm Beach and now drive the Chiefs car in a real nice little town. Anyone dropping anchor near the Palm Beach inlet give me a call beeper is 554-2915. All the best Larry Fauci Ed's Note: OK Larry, but can I blow the si-reeeen?
76 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
GRAPEVINE NOV (cont'd) GEORGE DUVALL
LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ
Dear Hank Just finished reading the latest copy of TOPICS and want to congratulate all of you who put it together. I know it is a big job and it keeps getting better all of the time. I had hoped to be able to attend the convention this year but my legs are giving me more trouble all of the time so I won't be able to make it and will miss seeing many old friends. I will be thinking about all of you and waiting for the next issue of TOPICS to know what takes place. I did make a trip to Madeline Island with my nephew in July but soon found out I could not do much traveling unless the doctors come up with a miracle. I was sorry to hear about Harold Neumann but he has not been well for some time. You fellows keep up the good work and I am sending a check to Richard Davis to do my share! Right cordially, George
Ed's. note: (and a long one). The crosses are included with George's letter because I remember that George Duvall, an elder in the Presbyterian Church, was the Captain of TWA's first (I think) papal flight. I've already told George this story, which he had never heard, but because of his flying that "special flight" along with the more or less hand-picked crew, I was able to add one more gray hair to ol" Charlie Church's head. Charlie was Chief Pilot at Idlewild when the flight was made I believe. At any rate, I was "on the carpet" facing Charlie and trying to explain why some lady passenger on one of my flights had written a letter with a complaint regarding my arrival announcement at Vandalia, Ohio ... which greatly upset her because, technically. we landed in Vandalia with Dayton ticketed passengers. Charlie kept asking me "why" I had said Vandalia, and I kept replying, "because THAT is where the airport is." It finally got down to Charlie stating, rather positively, "Well if you have to say Vandalia, please add 'serving Dayton, Ohio!' I sullenly agreed, and not being totally happy with what at best could only be called a "split decision," as I started to leave, I said, "Okay Charlie, but one more thing. You really blew it with that crew you picked for that papal flight! I should have been part of that crew!" THAT got Charlie's attention! "You? YOU?" he almost shouted ( I never knew any one who could put so much invective into a little word like 'you'). "I hand-picked that crew," Charlie went on. "Can you even give me one good reason why I should have put YOU (he said it like a dirty word) on that flight. Just one!" I didn't know he had purplish veins in his temples, but they were fairly visible now. Anyhow, I answered, "Well Charlie, you had George Duvall as Captain. George is an elder in the Presbyterian church." And I went on with the rest of the crew ... naming them and the ethnic or religious reason why they had been selected. One of everything. Baptists, Catholics, I believe an India Indian girl,
77 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
GRAPEVINE NOV (cont'd) right on down the line. Charlie answered, somewhat wearily, "Exactly! NOW ... tell me, why should YOU have been on that crew ... give me one reason!" He was repeating himself, but I was almost to the door making my exit. As I reached for the handle, I asked, "One of everything Charlie Right? Tell me, where was your sinner? WHERE was your sinner," and with that I was through the door and gone. I remember however, Charlie had dropped his head to his arms which had been folded across the desk, and while I can't be sure, I thought I heard him sobbing softly. Charlie, I love you, and wherever you are, I love you. Kansas City, MO
BUD WIELT
I am still flying and giving instruction, and bi-annual flight checks. I have a miniplane, a midget biplane that I built and a Piper 22-20 Pacer with a 150 Lycoming.
Good luck to all, Bud E. Wielt
78
TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
GRAPEVINE NOV (cont'd) DICK ESCOLA
Winton, CA
7967 Meadow Dr Winton, CA, 95388 April 7, 1.995 Dear Dick; Please forgive my tardiness with this years dues. With all the work you do, it would seem that I could at least be prompt with the money. Alice and I have been away from home quite a bit this year already. In January we headed for Auckland, New Zealand and boarded the Pacific Princess for a two week cruise. We hit all the major ports of interest on the East Coast of both the North and South Islands including Milford Sound before heading across the Tasman Sea for Hobart and then on to Melbourne and Sydney. After Sydney, we headed for Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef for three nights before coming home. After being home for ten days we went to Honolulu for three weeks to house-sit for a friend, so now it's catch-up time at home. To keep busy when we're at home, I'm on the Board of Directors of the Castle Air Museum Foundation that operates a display of 43 military aircraft. With Castle AFB closing, it's becoming a big job to keep the Museum operating and financially sound. Also we belong to the Merced Pilots Association that puts on the Merced West Coast Antique Fly-In the first weekend in June every year. You are all invited to attend the 2nd & 3rd. We usually judge over 400 antique, home built and war birds, and another 500 planes fly in to attend the event. Quite a few TWA ers come and it's always fun to see them. We're looking forward to the Convention in Palo Alto - see you then. Fraternally,
Ed's Note: Dick did such a beautiful job of formatting his letter, I plan to just put the Grapevine logo at the top, his name and address, and then this note at the bottom. For the March issue, please send 22-24 pages exactly like Richard did ... I'll hang a heading on 'em and of McNab will never know the difference!
79 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
GRAPEVINE NOV (cont'd) BILL DIXON
San Jose, CA
Dear Hank, Chuck sent a copy of July TOPICS to Walter Cronkite through CBS, pointing out the article AN EVENING TO REMEMBER - I wrote about the Cronkites. Proving what a thoughtful guy he is, he wrote the following (Mr. Cronkite's letter follows). He is partially retired from CBS but appears busier than ever with other activities and his company, Cronkite * Ward & Company, producing TV programs, etc. Not bad for age 78.
Bill Dixon
Walter Cronkite
CHAIRMN
July 13, 1995 Dear Bill: What a nice piece that was that you did for Tarpa Topics! It brought back a lot of memories of our experiences together in the old Muehlebach . What a shame that great old hotel stands abandoned, forlorn and empty! If you ever decide to squander some of your frequent flier miles and visit New York again, Betsy and I would like the honor of another dinner. (If you promise, of course, to write another piece!) All the best,
Walter Cronkite
80 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
BLAKE OLIVER Formerly Volusia Aviation Service, Inc.
New Smyrna Beach, FL
1994 Aero Circle • New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32168 • (904) 427-7424 Fax: (904) 427-7747 July 7, 1995.
Capt. Charles E. MacNab, Editor TARPA Topics 1865 Penny Royal Lane, Wentzville, MO 63385 Dear Capt. MacNab, I read with great interest the article about Capt. Rollison's Laird Speedwing which he told me about when I flew engineer with him out of SFO. It's good to see it's flying. When my father died in 1987 (who was one of Dale Myers' students in 1932) I retired since I was always very junior and would never fly aline flight as captain. Among his airplanes was the sole survivor Fleetwings Seabird which I very carefully restored to nearly original condition. We have won many trophies with it, one being Grand Champion at Sun 'N' Fun. In 1992, we flew it out to California to meet up with Channing Clark and his prototype Seabird. It was the first time since 1938 that they were on the same ramp together. The first fly-in was Watsonville, we met up with Didi and Ben Young. I hadn't seen him since the Boston days! Anyhow, he told me about TARPA and I have been a member since, flying my own Beechcraft Baron to San Diego and to St. Louis. We spent the entire month in California, attending Merced where I ran into my friend Capt. Dick Escola, who I did oiler on the 707 for at SFO. We then spent a wonderful time at Ben and Didi's place and flew to Porterville together. This fall, I plan to re-cover the wings and do away with my father's pitot-static system which never worked right and the BT-13 fuel guages. We then plan to go back to California next year and do the antique fly-ins again. If you would be interested, I could supply you with an article and pictures for a future "Topics".
Blake Oliver.
"Enjoy the Economy of Quality" Complete Airframe & Engine Service 81 TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
GRAPEVINE NOV (Cont'd)
Blake Oliver's Fletwings Seabird Model F-5 Serial No. 502 Engine: Jacobs R-755 A-2 300 HP Range - 600 NM / 5 Place / Cruise 115 Kts. Ft. Lauderdale, FL
STAN BUDRIS
Stan is an of Newarker - Council 110. His letter to Dick had some bad news in it, in that Stan is legally blind due to macular degeneration having taken its toll on both eyes. Rather than print the letter, I called Stan and spoke with he and his wife Helen. His spirits are high, considering the foregoing and the fact he has some prostate problems and possible kidney problems. My main reason for putting this in are: (1) Toward the end of the year, Stan and Helen will be moving to: 15691 Cypress Creek Lane, Binks Forest, Wellington, FL. 33414, and (2), How about some of you (like ALL) giving Stan a call? I'm sure he would like to hear from any and all TWA'ers and especially from the old Newark bunch. Not that Stan has forgotten, but remind him of the time when Newark was down to 10 bids - 7 flying flight 323 et al, and 3 reserves. It wasn't funny then, but I'm sure you and he can laugh at it now.
82 TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
GRAPEVINE NOV (cont'd) RON TREPAS
Costa Mesa, CA
Hi Hank, Just returning from 3 days aboard the USS NIMITZ operating off of the San Diego Area. The trip started 9 July with our arrival at COMNAVAIRPAC NAS North Island. We were given a briefing, then to air operations VIP lounge. We later boarded a 28 passenger twin turbo prop COD aircraft. The flight out to the NIMITZ was 35 minutes and we arrived aboard via an arrested landing, 105 knots to 0 in 2 seconds at 1245 hours. Our stay was extended to 3 days from 2 due to a standown of flight operations on Sunday. We were escorted throughout the carrier after a briefing. Dinner with the X-O and department heads. Monday we observed flight operations from "vultures" row on the 07 and 08 decks. We then proceeded to the AGP (Arresting Gear Position) to observe landings from the stern. A briefing by RADM Browne, a checkout on night visual goggles, Ready Room, Combat Control, Air Control, etc. all with briefings. We were shown all areas of the flight and hanger decks, bridge, etc. Dinner the second night was with RADM Browne, X-O and Captain J J Quinn and other department heads. Our second group of 6 had arrived and joined us. After dinner, off to " vultures row" for night operations. The approaches at night start at 6,000 feet and a 21-mile ILS to "MIRROR" landing straight-in. The F-18's are catapulted off on computer auto pilot (hands off) and can be landed at the #3 wire on auto-pilot! The F-14 full after-burner takeoffs at night were spectacular! The NIMITZ has a crew of 5,500, with the majority in the 17 to 23 years old range. They are a great crew and very knowledgeable of their assignments and the carrier. Of the 5,500 on board, 450 are females who work in all assignments; the crews all work well together . On 11 July, we were all presented with a certificate of our visit. We departed the NIMITZ at 1330 hours at 0 to 128 knots in 3 seconds by a steam catapult. It had been 42.5 years since my last arrested landing and catapult shot aboard the USS BENNINGTON in an F9F-4. Our group consisted of 6 Association of Naval Aviation Members and two writers. One of the writers was Joe Vogel, an Associate Professor at Ohio State University in Columbus. He remembers our 707 landing there. Our invitation came from RADM Bien during a lecture he gave our association. This is an on-going program of Naval Aviation education for the public with groups of 8 going out whenever conditions allow. Go if you get the chance, but be prepared for much walking and up and down 12 decks of ladders several times during each day. Our own pilot to the NIMITZ was Tanya. What an experience! Best Regards, Ron Trepas Pictures follow
83 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
GRAPEVINE NOV (cont'd)
UPPER PHOTO: Ron Trepas coming aboard USS MIMITZ in a T-2 COD LOWER PHOTO Ron Trepason board USS MIMITZ
84 TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
GRAPEVINE NOV (cont'd) Rantoul. KS
JOE SCHNEIDER Dear Chuck,
I don't know how I missed you in STL last year, but look forward to seeing you in Palo Alto/Reno. Enclosed are two photos. One is my home-built Challenger taken last October (6 PS equipped) when the leaves were starting to color, and the other picture was taken at Lakeland, Fla. during the EAA's Sun 'N Fun fly-in. (Similar to the Oshkosh event). Guy Fortier's Stearman was built in 1943, the others pictured, considerably before 1943! (Guy, Keith Vaconcellos and Skip Gatschet). Having lived in the Rantoul area for 18 years, I now know why you left the farm. Nuff said. Stay in touch. I enjoy the "TOPICS." Thanks! Joe P.S. The other attendees from TWA at Sun 'N Fun were, self, Gene Schnebelt, Bill Whiteside and New Jersey's finest, Horace Geeley. Where were you?
85 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
GRAPEVINE NOV (cont'd)
Guy Fortier, Keith Vaconcellos, Gene Gatschet ALEC HODGINS Dear Richard, My wife Jeanne (22 year year old son are sailing the
Walla Walla, WA WA cabin attendant-retired) and Daniel, my 15 Caribbean in our 54' Gulfstar. Mail is slow
to reach us. adventure about five months ago in our We started our sailing wonderful ship in Hurricane Andrew and sixty foot Gulfstar, but lost that were rescued at sea. It is wonderful to receive TARPA TOPICS and refresh my memories of all my friends at TWA. Yours truly, Alec Hodgins P. S. Current address: Alec Hodgins 1004 N. Cherry Street Walla Walla, WA 99362-1745 Ed's. Note: Sorry to hear you lost your 60 foot boat - I'll give you a better one now that I read the bad news. Note 2: I think the reason your mail is slow is the mailman is delivering it to Walla Walla which is not in the Caribbean ...is it?
86 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
GRAPEVINE NOV (cont'd) JOHN WITTEN
Glenview, ILL
1. AIRFOILS-- Swords used by early pilots for dueling 2. AIRSTRIP-- Inflight performance by exotic stewardesses 3. AUTOMATIC DIRECTION FINDER-- Instructor 4. AEROBATICS-- What you tell your instructor you meant to do when he asked to see a stall 5. BANK-- Owner of airplane 6. BOX OFFICE-- Cockpit before womens lib 7. CHOCKS-- Piece of wood that lineboy slips off front of wheel anytime he catches pilot not looking 8. CLEAR THE PROP-- Moving all admiring young ladies away from front of the plane, thus enabling handsome instructor access to same 9. COCKPIT-- Term women ' s liberationists really hate 10. DE-ICER-- Substance found in next definition 11. DIVE-- establishment catering to instructors 12. DOWNWIND LEG-- Probably has to do with #2 but we ' re not sure 13. DRAG-- The act of inducing the instructor to enter the airplane 14. ELEVATOR-- Device the tower uses to raise or lower the approach end of the runway 15. FAR-- Opposite of near 16. FINAL APPROACH-- Last pass pilot makes at girl before flying away 17. FIXED BASE OPERATOR-- Aircraft dealer after vasectomy 18. FLAPS-- Spirited discussion between Pilot and tower 19. GROSS WEIGHT-- 350 lb pilot (or, too often mother-in-law) 20. HOT AIR MASS-- Usually found near pilot ' s lounge 21. HOOD TIME-- Italian pilots smuggling drugs 22. KNOTS-- What stalls do to stomachs (also, objects found in tiedown ropes the size of which are inversely proportional to the value of the aircraft 23. LAZY EIGHT-- Well-known fly-in resort ranch in Nevada " never " frequented by instructors or military pilots (sometimes referred to as item #9) 24. LOOP-- Prominent landmark associated with interstate highways, often used as navigation device by J-3 pilots 25. NOSE WHEEL-- Steering wheel located in front of pilot ' s nose 26. P FACTOR-- Present when multi-engine instructor pulls mixture on right engine and student feathers left engine 27. PILOTAGE-- Airplane driver over 17 years of age 28. PLOTTER-- Fixed base operator who connives to keep prices up 29. PROPWASH-- Refers to tales heard in item #11 30. ROGER-- Common name used by tower operators, especially at large student training facilities 31. RPM-- Initials of large corporation which builds most tachometers 32. RUNWAY-- Walkspace of exotic stewardess 33. SKYJACK-- Device for changing aircraft tires
87 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
JOHN WITTEN
by Charlie
"Black
Dog" Davis
t was an extraordinary charter. It came up suddenly and there was no time to put it up for bid. The schedule clerk started calling reserves and only had to make three calls. The first question Captain Ralph Meeker asked was, "What kind of a charter is it? "
I
"An 0-49 Connie, all coach, L.A. non-stop Kennedy, deadhead home.
"
"Who are the passengers?" "Eighty finishing school students, all female." "What's their age bracket?" "I'd say sixteen to eighteen." Then he added, "Think it over." "How about departure time?" "It's seven A.M. now. How does nine o'clock suit you?
"
"Be there. Gerald Stumpf had just moved up to the right seat from a senior engineer's niche and was totally disenchanted with what junior copilot reserves got stuck with. His chief worry was when and if his eyeballs would ever be white again after a long series of red-eye specials. He was asleep when the phone rang and decided not to answer it. After the fourth ring he became conscious enough to realize that he was on a twenty-four hour standby. The questions he put to the schedule clerk were the same as Captain Meeker's as was his final, "Be there." Cody McDowell, who was way down on the flight engineer list, got his call, and positive that he was being assigned to a flight that nobody wanted cut the schedule clerk short before he could state the particulars. In a raspy voice, intermingled with a hacking cough, Cody mumbled something about, "Sore throat, fever and chills, think I got the flu." The schedule clerk was familiar with this subterfuge and it always amused him how quickly all of the symptoms disappeared when the details of a highly desirable charter were disclosed. "Yep, eighty, mostly seventeen or eighteen. This is a plum. I'll get somebody else. Won't be a problem. Take care of yourself." "Hold on! Hold on!" Cody cried out, still trying to keep his voice a little hoarse. "Let me spray my throat and pop a couple of aspirins. I'm pretty sure I can make it. As a matter of 89 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
fact, you can count on it. " The Connie was parked some distance from the passenger exit to the ramp and as the girls began to make their appearance, Ralph and Gerald mashed their faces against the captain's side window so they could view the spectacle. If any flight engineer was ever to receive an award for a thorough, exterior inspection of an aircraft, Cody would win, hands down. Every item, to be preflighted, had been eyeballed for the last hour and a half and when the entourage reached the steps, he scurried aft and began peering intently at the underside of the fuselage from a position adjacent to the boarding process. Four hostesses were assigned to the flight and they made a collective visit to the cockpit just before engine start. Their remarks were appropriate to the occasion. "Eat your hearts out, guys. Cody, don't you have a stiff neck from staring at the bottom of the airplane for such a long time? " Turning her attention to the captain, one of them, with a note of sarcasm in her voice, asked, "When would you like to start a cockpit tour, before or after takeoff?" They filed out, giggling, and closed the door. It was immediately reopened and a voice cried out, "Jail bait." Ralph The cockpit tours did begin, in earnest, within minutes after they were airborne and by the time the flight reached the Colorado River nearly all of the "eighty" had spent time on the flight deck. They were physically attractive and some, indeed, would have done well in a beauty contest, especially in the body contour department.
watched
Gallup slip by to the
north
and
then
said, loudly and
with authority, Their interests were chiefly concerned with the instrument panel and youthful inquisitiveness "Now hear this." was manna for the cockpit crew. Later, Gerald would inform his cohorts that he had lost track of the number of times each one of them had said, "Lean closer and you can see the instruments more clearly". As the flight continued on, the procession dwindled and the trio became pensive and alone with their thoughts. There were occasional remarks bearing on their circumstance. "Captain, would you mind turning off that air vent? It's blowing away all the body scents." Cody's nostrils were twitching and he had swiveled his seat around and was inhaling in all directions. I'm just a down and out copilot," Gerald said, gloomily. "But do you think any of them would marry me for the perks, you know, passes, hotel discounts?" Ralph gave him a disgusted look. "They own airlines and hotels."
90 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
Cody piped up, "But just think how stimulated they 'd be when we came in from a flight and told them how exciting and full of surprises the trip was. " Both Ralph and Gerald swung their heads around and gave Cody a look of disgust. Ralph watched Gallup slip by to the north and then said, loudly and with authority, "Now hear this." Cody and Gerald slowly came out of their reveries and gave Ralph inquiring looks. "I have something that just might grab you, " Ralph said. When he didn't immediately continue and started eyeballing each one of them, Cody, somewhat impatiently, and anxious to get back to his fantasizing said, "Well?" In measured tones Ralph said, slowly and distinctly, "Three into eighty four are twenty eight ... apiece. Dwell on it." "
That' s nice, " Gerald said. "There's certainly a plethora of dwelling material."
"Is that it?" Cody asked. " Nice figuring." "No," Ralph said. "There's more, quite a bit more." Gerald settled back in his seat and folded his arms. "Well let ' s have it. We only have seven more hours to go. " "Now stay with me on this," Ralph said, "I've been conducting a sort of appraisal where you two chaps are concerned and if I make a statement I hope neither of you will be offended. Nothing personal, just cold, hard facts." ...if I make a statement
I
hope
neither of you
"No, " Ralph said. "As a matter of fact, what I am about to disclose and suggest should further enhance your romantic dreams. "
will be offended. Nothing
Cody winced. "Will those facts destroy all the nice things I've been dwelling on?"
personal
"In that case, let ' s have it. My dweller is starting to peter out. "
"OK,OK. Thirty years from now, retired pilot's convention. The three of us meet. Say we've been skipping most of the get-together's and haven't seen each other for some time. Typical conversation: "What have you been doing? You look great, " Ralph pauses, then adds, "A lie, of course. " "Nothing."
91
TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
"How's your health?" "Well, I had the prostate deal. You?
"
"Yeh." "New hip." "Me too. " "Worst deal are my darn dentures. Tried to eat a steak at a restaurant last week and the uppers slipped loose and fell right in my mashed potatoes. Had to fish around. Everybody saw it. " Ralph winced. "It could happen. To continue."
But first, I
"How's the family?"
entitled to a more
"Well, my son's grand kids are blah, blah, blah, and my daughter 's family are blah, blah, blah. How's yours?" "Blab."
thought
you
were
than likely forecast of your golden
years.
Cody and Gerald stared blankly at Ralph for a minute then Cody asked, "What's all this got to do with division?" "Everything. But first, I thought you were entitled to a more than likely forecast of your golden years. Now stay tuned. In 1944 I was stationed at Albuquerque and flying Liberators for MATS. We had to run some brass down to Panama and over Nicaragua we ran out of fuel. It was all jungle but luckily, and man, I mean luckily, someone riding in the nose spotted a clearing." Ralph paused and Gerald started fidgeting. "But what's this got to do ..." Ralph interrupted him and said, "Stay with me. We're almost there. Belly landed and sluiced along into the woods. No one hurt. We were there ten days before a helicopter spotted us. Ran out of food on the airplane but it didn't matter. There was grub everywhere. Fruit, nuts, river full of fish. Gained weight." Gerald and Cody exchanged glances. "Uh, huh," Gerald said. "So." "I kept the log, got the heading and geography down pat. Can't miss." "Can't miss what?" Cody asked. "Are you guys with me?" Ralph said, disgustedly. "What's behind that bulkhead?" 92 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
"Dwelling material," Gerald said and let out a great sigh. Ralph placed a hand on the yoke. "All it takes is a little pressure and guess what ... Dynasty! Give an Albuquerque fix and check out. No radar. Straight shot at Valhalla!" "You mean, kidnap?" Cody asked and gestured toward the cabin. "Negative, negative," Ralph said, emphatically. "Wrong terminology. Rescue mission." He shook his head. "Think about it. Can you imagine the dismal futures these sublime creatures have stored up for them? Suitors all preselected, from the best families, of course, where they're gonna settle, number of progeny ... Like I said, rescue mission. Slip her down into the meadow. Try to grab some trees where she won't be spotted and tell the gals that our radio's dead and it might be a day or two before somebody comes along." Ralph's delivery became even more intense. "Now They order us remember, these aren't ordinary females. They're rugged. Heavy into sports, indepenaround and when dent, resourceful, vigor, you know, that private school stuff. Two days later they've hiked they do, we jump. all over, spotted the fruit trees and are swimming in the river. A week later they're all Gotta keep them organized and have kind of a government going. " happy. "Where does everybody sleep?" Cody asked. "We're in the old Lib fuselage and they're scattered, some in the Connie but only a few. Remember, they're the outdoor type, thatched huts and even a tree house." "What do we do?" Gerald asked. "We're sort of lackeys. They order us around and when they do, we jump. Gotta keep them happy. In two months everybody 's clothes are shot. We 're in loincloths and the gals have come up with all sorts of things. Some of them have bras and shorts made out of bark and think this over. Very few bother with the upper bit. Outdoors most of the time so the " group 's all nutbrown and healthy. "Isn't there lots of crying and carrying on for home and hearth?" Cody asked. "Not a tear. Remember, they've all been away to school since they were six years old.
"
"I wish you'd move along," Gerald said. "You know, the division bit." "OK. Three months go by and they're beginning to eye us, speculatively. We're not bad, ' beard, long hair, hard bodies. Meetings are being held and we hang out and don t interfere. " Play it cool.
93 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
"What's happening in the states? " Cody asked. "Biggest search ever, aerial and ground. We gave an Amarillo estimate so they're probably combing the airway. Yeh, and guess what? They're about to start singing ballads about us. " Gerald settled back in his seat and began to sing in a quavery tenor. "They disappeared that fateful day, just packed a bag and flew away." "How about this?" Cody said. "Where have they gone, that eighty four, the cockpit crew could tell you more." "All "Now," Ralph said. "Big powwow. Many appraising looks are cast at our persons. Finally, we're summoned, and there it is, three into eighty four. But wait, no confused or shoddy pairing of male and females. Impressive, exotic marriage ceremonies take place. We are nothing short of sensational in our appearances. Our headdresses are covered with hibiscus and orchids and flowering tendrils entwine our legs, terminating in slippers made from lichen and moss. How's that sound to you? Later, we'll remark on the fact that we looked like roosters, not coincidental, actually."
the
become
babies
strapping
eighteen and
male
year-olds
then,
guess
what.
They either toss us in the river or put us on a spit."
"What next?" Cody asked, eagerly. "Yeh. Hurry up. I can see the Sandias," Gerald said, and added jokingly, "Decision time.
"
"Right. One year later, healthy, robust babies are all over the place. We're on litters of course, carried everywhere, little pipe stem arms thrust up, feet twitching, bellies protruding, naturally, since we're gorged with juices, berries, nuts and fish. And for vitality our wives have located some weird tree, that when tapped, leaks out a magic nectar that keeps us steamed up. " "How about a futuristic version? " Cody said. "All the male babies become strapping eighteen year-olds and then, guess what. They either toss us in the river or put us on a spit." Gerald picked up his mike. "Albuquerque VOR ... OK for an Amarillo estimate?" When he " finished transmitting he looked inquiringly at Ralph. "Is that it? End of dream? Not really, " Ralph said, and put the airplane in a shallow right bank. When the RMI read a hundred and forty degrees he leveled the wings. "Not really," he repeated. "Unless litter "
94 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
time doesn't appeal to you." Five minutes later they were well off the airway and Ralph was whistling the theme from, 'They disappeared that fateful day'. Cody began to fidget and Gerald said, "Hey, this is " gonna throw my Amarillo estimate off. Maybe we better... He jerked a thumb toward the airway. Cody spoke up in a strained voice. "Uhh, Captain, I got a date with one of the hostii tonight. Hate to disappoint her." ' "Wouldn t you like to have it in the jungle?" Ralph said. "OK. Guess not. Well, back on the airway. Too bad." He shook his head and started whistling the theme again.
Epilogue alph's seventy-fifth birthday occurred during the week of the retired pilot's convention. He had not attended one for five years and felt that since he was well past, 'three score and ten', and approaching a figure that he could not comprehend and didn't want to think about, it was time to renew old acquaintance.
R
As he entered the hospitality room he began scanning. Everybody did it. It was a conscious effort to recognize, or ay r to recognize, fellow crew members. He still had good peripheral vision, and with drink in hand and idly chatting, faces, even at a distance, came into focus. Ralph immediately recognized Cody and headed his way, making up his mind en route that be would not say, "You look great," even though the old boy did look pretty healthy and hadn't lost any hair. A hearty handshake and Ralph thought, here it comes. Nearly everybody said it, regardless. "Ralph, you look great, " Cody said. Ralph said, "You don't." Cody laughed and punched him on the shoulder and said, "Thanks a lot, you old relic." They grabbed some drinks and traditional reminiscing got immediately underway. A short while later, Cody broke off in the middle of a sentence and shifted his gaze to someone approaching from behind Ralph. He began to grin and said, "Don't turn around. Betcha ' can t guess who it is." Gerald stood behind Ralph without speaking and Cody said, "Give him a hint." " "Do you think they'd still be singing ballads about us? Gerald said.
Ralph swung around and said, "You look awful," and noticed that Gerald was on a par 95 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
with Cody as far as physical appearance was concerned. "I was just about to say that about you. Hey, do you remember that ditty we sang in the cockpit? " "Of course," Ralph said. "I'll bet you guys don't." "Try us. " Ralph raised his hand like a conductor and dropped it down. Gerald and Cody's voices rose (they were well into their third drink) above the din. Cody did a solo of his rendition and then the trio belted out the lyrics more than once. Crew members stopped visiting and stared at them, some with a good deal of concern. End
NEW
MATH
At a circus exhibition, a customer walked into an exhibit of native peoples and was surprised to see a very large woman seated on a hippopotamus while two small women reclined on animal skins. He concluded, "That the squaw of the hippopotamus was equal to the sum of the squaws on the other two hides." Courtesy...Scotty Devine, Ed., RUPA Newsletter. (UAL retired pilots)
THE FLYING FOGEY' S ODE The moment was here, the last flight home. One pefect landing, no more to roam. And he did it well, he "greased" it in. The Tower cheered. Such noise! Such din! He smiled and waved a fond goodbye. Stepped to the ground and heaved a sigh. It's over, he thought. It's finished. Done. I fought the fight and I have won. The journey's complete, I've my hearts desire. To finally become a RETIRED flyer. Though our group be small, our skill's always enhanced. For WE can fly by the seat of our pants. We know how to do it. We're calm. Debonair. We're the flying Fogeys, OL' FOKKERS OF THE AIR.
96 TARPA TOPICS.... NOVEMBER, 1995
HEALTH
NOTAMS
by Bob Garrett
Hope everyone had a great time at the convention. We had a HOT summer in Tennessee with the highest ever temperatures set in August. I am sure that everyone is ready for some cool weather and looking forward to Turkey Day and all the trimmings (less the fat and sodium). I have gathered a few tips and health notams to keep your old high school figure and looks.
Why Low-fat
Low-Fat?
food is all you hear over and over again! Fat is bad for
your health. The following information comes from the latest research on the dangers of a high fat diet. Obesity: High fat, with high calories tend to lead to weight gain-a problem among an increasing number of Americans. A recent survey found that one in three Americans weighs at least 20% more than the ideal body weight due to high fat in their diets. Heart: Excess body fat has been linked to high blood pressure, a proven risk factor in heart disease. High fat diets lead to high cholestrol, another primary risk factor. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 30% of total calories from fat. Diabetes: The risk of diabetes is two times greater in folks that are mildly overweight (20% above ideal weight); five times greater risk in those moderately overweight (20%-30% above ideal weight) ;and ten times greater if you are more than 30% over your ideal weight. Stroke: Studies have proven that people with high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes-all conditions associated with high fat consumption-are stroke risks. Prostate cancer: A Harvard School of Public Health study reported that men whose diets included a lot of red meat had two and a half times the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer than those with low-fat diets. Lung cancer: High fat diets may increase the risk of lung cancer, even for nonsmokers! meats, dairy A study of 2000 women found that those with diets high in products and oils were up to five times more likely to develop lung cancer than women who eat a low-fat diet. Skin cancer: A recent study found skin cancer patients on 20% fat in daily calories had fewer tumors than those with diets containing 40% of calories from fat.
97 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER , 1995
Please give a special Welcome to our newest columnist to the Topics, the Tooth Fairy. Because those of us over 65 lost our dental insurance (and some of our teeth), the Tooth Fairy has agreed to offer us some healthy tips for keeping our pearlies in good working order. If you are nice she might even show up at your place to check your mouth or other body parts. Age proof your teeth? Tooth enamel is tough but still is prey for cavities. Simple activity such as brushing too hard, drinking fruit juice, carbonated colas, sugary, starchy ,acidic foods can erode your enamel. After eating sugary, starchy foods, brushing or rinse your teeth can reduce cavitycausing bacteria. Sipping soft drinks through straws helps to keep the sugar away from your teeth. Use a soft bristles toothbrush that is gentle on the enamel. Make sure you are getting enough calcium, phosphorus from your food. Look for orange juice with calcium added, low-fat or nonfat cheese and plain nonfat yogurt. Use a fluoride toothpaste and fluoride rinse if your local water system doesn ' t contain fluoride.
Mouth rinses. Experts recommend dentist prescribed rinses containing chlorhexidine or over -thecounter rinses approved by the American Dental Association containing eucalyptol,menthol,methyl salicylate and thymol.
Will Laser Dentistry replace the dentist's drill? Lasers are focused beams of light that have the potential to zip through sensitive tissue and bone, without as much blood and discomfort. Unfortunately, no laser has been developed that can safely operate on bone or teeth. What lasers can do now is reshape malformed gums, recontour gums and whittle down gum overgrowth resulting from medication side effects, assist in gum grafting and sterilize sores. The approved lasers are called Nd: YAG,CO 2 and argon lasers. Some dentists are hawking lasers for everything from cavity prevention to root canals. These uses are still experimental so be wary of wild claims. For legitimate laser dentists, ask for a referral from a local university dental school or your state's dental association. Dentist specializing in periodontics may also be more familiar with laser technology.
The Tooth Fairy says: Brush and Floss to prevent Tooth Loss.
98 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
The following was condensed from articles sent in by Captains' McClure and W.0 Jacobs. ---------------------------------------------High Pilot Death Rates Airline pilots die younger than the general population, according to study published the early 90's in Flight Safety Digest. The research was done by two insurance specialist using data from ALPA and foreign Airline Pilot Associations. For unexplained reasons pilot death rates rose sharply in the years immediately following retirement but then dropped below the general population. The number of non-American pilots who died between 55 and 59 was 36.5%, double the average rate for nonpilots in their countries. Among U.S. pilots between 60 and 62, the death rate was 21.5% compared to 14.7% for nonpilots; between 63 and 65 it was 23.8% while nonpilot rate was 15.1%. Nearly 70% of American pilots died in the nine years after normal retirement compared to 45% for nonpilot males. After age 69, the pilot death rate dropped to below the general population for unexplained reasons. These findings may come as no surprise to retired pilots but many professionals express surprise that such a study has taken so long and not received more attention. Many reasons have been given for these unexplained statistics. Stress,tension,pressure,anxiety,frustration, fatigue or all of them. Deregulation and corporate raiders may have contributed to higher pilot mortality figures. Given the present financial state of the airline industry, it is unlikely that any new research will be done on this important subject. Zinc Supplements Can Delay Some Prostrate Problems? Much has been written about prostate problems and possible cures. Some recent treatments include heat to shrink the gland, laser incisions to open the obstructing tissue, balloon dilation similar to those used in the heart and legs and metal springs to prop open the urinary passage. Natural treatments for prostate has its promoters with some successful results. Natural treatments consists of maintaining a lowcholesterol diet and mineral supplements. The mineral, zinc, has been reported to be effective in reducing the prostate within two months. Men with low levels of zinc in prostatic fluids have high levels of prostate enlargement. In addition to zinc, one to two tablespoons per day of cold-pressed flaxseed oil may help. Also, you can add sunflower oil or soy oil to your diet. These supplements should be available in most health food stores. The Case for Magnesium Magnesium deficiency was big news about 15 years ago but have since faded from the medical scene. As many as 90% of Americans may suffer from low magnesium as a result of too much junk food; mineral-deficient water, excessive use of diuretics; phosphate binding of carbonated soft drinks, making it unabsorbable; excess alcohol consumption; chronic use of laxatives; diarrhea; and some antibiotics. The average American gets only 40% of the recommended daily allowance so it is important to take a supplement. One of the important unknown uses of magnesium is for cardiac emergencies. Also, it may be helpful in preventing hardening of the arteries, obesity and anorexia nervosa. As always, check with your doctor before trying any information in Health Notams.
99 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
Heart Laser An Alternative Last year, a new surgical procedure, called transmyocardial revascularization(TMR) was performed at Audubon Regional Medical Center in Louisville. Using a newly developed Heart Laser, it pierces 15 to 30 one-millimeter-size holes through the outside wall on the left side of the heart to create a secondary circulation system. The outer layers of the heart heal almost immediately, but the continued beating action forces the holes to stay open in the interior, diffusing oxygenated blood into the oxygen-starved tissue. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently put the Heart Laser on the fast track toward being approved for general use by granting an expedited review to the laser's maker, PLC Medical Systems, Inc. of Milford, Mass. In initial trials of TMR last year, 40 patients treated at Audubon had Class IV angina, the most severe classification of chest pain on a four-step scale. Clinical results at six other U.S. hospitals showed 83 percent of patients had a reduction of two or more angina classes after the surgery. There are 25 Heart Lasers in use around the world, and more than 600 TMR procedures have been performed, according to PLC Medical Systems. A TMR procedure costs an average $12,000 with a five-to-seven day hospital stay while an average heart bypass surgery has a nine-day stay and a $42,000 cost, according to Audubon. Besides Audubon, other hospitals participating in the second phase of the clinical trials on TMR are Seton Medical Center in San Francisco, University of Pittsburgh Hospital, Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York, St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee, Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Texas Heart Institute in Houston and Rush Presbyterian Medical Center in Chicago. Elderly Can Test Heart Risks After years of conflicting results, the largest study of its kind found that elderly patients' levels of "good" cholesterol can be an important indicator of their risk of dying of heart disease. It is well-established that low blood levels of "good" cholesterol, HDL or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, are associated with heart risk among younger adults. So are high blood levels of total cholesterol, which includes both "good" and "bad " cholesterol. But in the elderly, scientists have come up with conflicting results. That has led some researchers to speculate that abnormal cholesterol levels may be less sinister in the elderly; that people who have made it to old age are not susceptible to damage from cholesterol. This would make cholesterol screening -- recommended by the government for all adults -- pointless in elderly. In a new government study, involving 3,904 men and women ages 70 to 90, those with low levels of HDL cholesterol were 2 112 times more likely to die of heart disease than those with high levels. The five-year study ended in 1989. High total cholesterol levels were less consistently a predictor of heart deaths in the elderly, researchers said. But the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol was consistently important in assessing risk. Elderly patients should always consult their doctors about whether they should be screened and treated, based on the patient's health, life expectancy and wishes.
100 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER , 1995
Ultrasound Drug Patch Tested Using ultrasound, insulin and other drugs could one day be painlessly injected . Tests show than an ultrasonic unit applied to the skin can cause-insulin or some other medication to go through the skin over a period of time. Sound waves causes the skin to be more permeable and to absorb the drugs. According to reports, the system works by using sound waves to force air pockets in the thin, outermost layer of the skin to oscillate. This causes the tightly bound cells to become misaligned and allows even large molecules of medicine to slip inside. Ultimately, an ultrasound unit may be combined with a medicinal patch saturated with a drug.
Tests Reveal Defective Valves An X-ray test can help doctors decide whether potentially defective artificial heart valves implanted in 45,000 people worldwide are likely to break and should be replaced. The exam is intended for people who carry one brand of heart valve, widely used during the 1980s, that is prone to breaking apart, a disaster that is usually fatal. About 1 percent of the valves break each year so doctors are reluctant to remove them as a precaution, since the replacement surgery itself is fatal in 3 percent to 5 percent of cases. This new exam can spot a structural defect that often precedes complete failure of the valve and replace the valve before it breaks. The device, called the Bjork-Shiley Convexo-Concave mitral valve, was implanted in 86,000 people between 1979 and 1986. About 45,000, one-third of them in the United States, are still alive. So far, the valve has broken in 572 people, killing two-thirds of them. Reseachers at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich. tried the new detection method on 315 patients. The work was financed by the valve's maker, Shiley Inc., a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc. The valve pivots on a tiny wire strut, and a defective weld can make the strut snap. The strut has two legs, and often one leg breaks before the other. The new test uses a high-resolution X-ray technique called cineradiography to look for a broken strut leg. The doctors assume these valves are at high risk of breaking completely. The doctors identified 11 patients who appeared to have a partially broken strut. Surgeons replaced their valves and 10 indeed turned out to be defective, while the other one was undamaged. One of the patients with a defective strut died during the surgery. During 1 l/2 years of follow-up, the doctors calculated that five valves should have broken. However, after the 10 bad ones were replaced, there were only two valve failures, both of them fatal, among the 315 patients.
101 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
Anti-Chocolate Drug Sought Are you a chocoholic? Plenty of us are! Chocolate is the food most desired by women who binge eat, because of a brain chemical that gives them physical pleasure from the sweet indulgence, says a University of Michigan nutritionist. Chocoholics are not just people who need to shed weight, but can sufferer medically defined disorders that cause severe food cravings and huge eating binges, often followed by vomiting or laxatives to fight the resulting pounds. About 1 million Americans, mostly women, suffer from one such disorder, bulimia. Antidepressants that affect the brain chemical serotonin offer help to some binge eaters, but not all, and can cause side effects. Doctors are looking for better alternatives. Surveys show that women who binge most desire foods high in fat and sugar while men crave foods high in fat and salt. The brain naturally produces opiates, drug-like chemicals that cause pleasure sensations and are linked to addictions. Animal studies show that these chemicals could be a trigger for sweet, fatty cravings. And consuming such foods made the brain produce even more of the chemicals. When normal opiate production was blocked in rats, they chose their normal feed over previously tempting sweets. In tests, 41 women were offered their favorite foods, from pretzels and jelly beans to chocolate chip cookies and chocolate ice cream. Half received injections of naloxone, a drug used to treat heroin overdoses which blocks brain opiate receptors and the rest got a placebo of salt water. Naloxone made bingers eat notably less, 160 fewer calories per meal. Their chocolate
consumption lowered in favor of lowerfat foods like popcorn. Naloxone is available only intravenously, which makes it impractical for chronic bingers. A larger study and more proof is needed before offering these drugs to chocolate bingers. Why do Dieters Overeat? Dieters may be driven to overeat because of low amounts of a key chemical in the brain that suppresses appetite, a study suggests. Serotonin is made in the brain with a building block called tryptophan, which the brain gets from the bloodstream. The new study suggests that dieting shortchanges the brain on tryptophan delivery, reducing the production of serotonin. The shortfall in serotonin could give dieters the urge to overeat, report researchers at Littlemore Hospital in Oxford, England. Twelve healthy women were tested before and three weeks after starting a diet of 1,000 calories a day. The women had lower levels of tryptophan when dieting. In addition, structures in the brain that respond to serotonin were more sensitive, suggesting there was less serotonin available. In a dieter, the brain senses that those structures, called receptors, aren ' t getting enough serotonin and tries to fix the problem by creating urges to eat. Drugs that suppress appetite by acting on the receptors are already in use, but scientists may be able to find better ones. More research is needed to find out how important each system is in producing eating urges.
102 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
Alzheimer's Mutation Isolated mutation found only among some German-Russian immigrants has been identified as the gene to cause the early onset of inherited Alzheimer's disease. Scientists say the discovery may speed development of drugs to combat the brain-destroying disorder. Researchers isolated the gene by probing the chromosomes of a group known as Volga Germans, who have a very high incidence of Alzheimer's before the age of 65. The mutated gene was found on chromosome 1 and linked directly to causing the brain disease. Two reports on the discovery was published in Science, the journal of the American Association for the Science. The new Alzheimer's Advancement of makes a protein that is closely gene reportly produced by an Alzheimer's gene related to protein Gene may speed the chromosome 14. This similarity found earlier on development of drugs to on a fast track for understanding puts researchers formation in the brain of amyloidwhat causes combat Alzheimer's. substance that is toxic to brain beta, a gluelike cells and is a primary feature of Alzheimer's. The two proteins may have common functions even though they are produced from different genes. Once the function of these proteins is found, researchers can develop a drug to block the disease. This may solve the mystery of early-onset AD (Alzheimer's disease) and clear a path for scientific research that wasn 't there before. Alzheimer ' s is a progressive disorder that slowly disables the brain. It first erodes memory and eventually wipes out all brain function, causing death. About 4 million Americans have Alzheimer's. It is the fourth leading cause of death, killing about 100,000 annually. More than 90 percent of patients develop the disease after the age of 65 and some studies suggest that about half of everyone over the age of 85 is afflicted. But it was the early onset, before age 65, that led to discovery of a genetic cause. Researchers found the mutations by analyzing the genetic makeup of family groups in which early-age Alzheimer's occurred in generation after generation. The chromosome 1 gene was tracked down when scientists led by Gerard D. Schellenberg of the Seattle Veteran's Affairs Medical Center studied the genetic makeup of families descended from Germans who migrated to the Volga River area of Russia in the 18th century and then on to the United States in this century. Early Alzheimer's is very common in this small group.
A
103 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
What's wrong with a bowl of hot high carbohydrate noodles? The noodles are fried in artery-clogging palm oil and as much as 1500 mg of salt have been added. Check those labels closely.
SHORT
ONES!
Alcohol, Beta-carotene, calcium, exercise, weight, fat, fruits, vegetables, saturated fat, selenium, vitamins A,C, D, E? Only one of these suspected risk factors or protectors was consistently linked to the risk of prostate cancer in a new study from Stanford School of Medicine. The results showed that men who consumed more than 30 grams of saturated fat per day had roughly twice the risk of advanced prostate cancer than men who ate less than 11 grams of sat fat a day. No other diet, supplement or exercise regimen seemed to matter. Aim for 10 grams or less per day! High Blood Pressure? These tips may keep you off or get you off medication. * Lose weight. * Cut sodium to no more than 2400 mg a day, preferably 1800 mg. Avoid foods with more than 480 mg per serving. *Walk briskly, jog, swim, cycle, or aerobics 30 to 45 minutes a day, 3 times a week. * No more than 2 servings of beer, wine or liquor a day. * Eat at least 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Both are high in potassium and reduce cancer risk. Confused about butter or margarine? If it's a stick, avoid both! A tablespoon of stick butter has 7 grams of sat fat! Margarines aren't much better. Their sat fat plus trans fat can have up to 5 grams of clogging fat. Get a tub. Whipped butter in a tub has less fat than stick. Best choice- a low-fat tub margarine. Take a look at Promise Ultra, Parkay Light or Country Crock.
How about a delicious glazed, frosted or kreme doughnut for breakfast? Many are fried in shortening containing trans fats. Check the Golden Arches nearly fat-free Apple Bran muffins next time. But skip the large fries( 22 grams of fat and 450 calories)! Lean Ground Beef? Apparently, there is no such thing as low-fat ground beef. Only ground beef that's 90% lean meets the government's definition of "lean". But even this has 11 grams of fat in 3 ounces of cooked meat. That's a fifth of a day's dose of artery-clogger (sat fat). The same amount of ground turkey breast without the skin contains just 3 grams.
Some OnLine tips for Senior Cybernauts. You can access the SeniorNet at http://www.seniornet.org or 800747-6848. Dues are $25 a year plus a one-time $10 fee. Also available on America OnLine and Microsoft Network. The Seniors Computer Information Project (http://www.crm.mb.ca/scip/ ) contains a lot of info on housing,medical, recreation and legal. Try the Social Security Home Page( http://www.ssa.gov ) for SS info. That's it for this issue. Til next time, Stay Healthy!
104 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
Sept. 21, 1995 Dear Chuck, I finally found my records and log book for my Flight Instructors days. George W. Long - Class 43H As Aviation Cadet received his first dual flight with me at Sikeston, Mo. in the 309 Flight Training Command on Feb. 19, 1943. Due to weather, there were several days of no flying. He soloed on March 17, 1943 in snow showers. George graduated on April 19, 1943 from Primary Flight School with 60 hours of dual and solo time. He was in the Normandy invasion flying 47's pulling gliders. The next time I saw George was 1947 or 1948 at the Kansas City flight ready room in a TWA uniform. Sincerely, Earl Heinrich
10410 E. Prince Road Tucson, AZ 85749 August 18, 1995 Capt. Charles E. MacNab TARPA TOPICS 1865 Penny Royal Lane Wentzville, MO 63385 Dear Chuck: I was saddened to hear of the passing of Capt. Ray Wells. I flew many International trips with him. He was a fine gentleman and pilot. I know that his many friends will miss him too. Sincerely, L. G. "Lou" Cook 105 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TOPICS MAILBOX, cont'd. Capt. R.L. Kaye President & Director
Capt. W.T. Malone Secretary & Director
Capt. Ronald J. Askin Vice-Pres./Pres. Elect & Director
Capt. J.M. Billings Treasurer & Director Capt. Darwin E. Johnson Cony. Chmn. & Director
Capt. D.B. Rawls Vice-Pres. & Director 774 Lullwater Road, NE Atlanta GA 30307-1238 July 7, 1995
Capt. K.P. Sorensen Director
Captain Charles E. MacNab, Editor TARPA TOPICS 1865 Penny Royal Lane Wentzville MO 63385-4302 Dear Chuck: It is always a special day when we receive TARPA TOPICS, and this is another splendid issue. They keep getting better all the time. We of Eastern have always looked on TWA as the glamour airline, hauling all those movie stars of Hollywood. The beautiful picture of the Constellation on the cover reminds one that TWA was non-stop and trans-continental—always admired by other airline pilots. The pictures of San Francisco on page 9 stirred the memories for me, for in 1928, the Coca-Cola Company transferred my dad from Toronto to Oakland for the purpose of introducing the popular soft drink to the West Coast. Most everyone lived in Oakland and worked in San Francisco. You took the streetcar on Park Boulevard to the Key System train or downtown to the Southern Pacific. Then one enjoyed a fast ride through town and out to the end of the pier where one boarded the ferry. It was a twenty minute ride across the bay to San Francisco. Yerba Buena was a Navy Base, commanded by an old boy friend of my mother. There was no Treasure Island back in those days. It was dredged up out of the bay later. He had Mother and me picked up in the Captain's Gig, and we spent the day out there. More than anything else, I think he wanted my mother to see how well he had done. He and his family lived like feudal lords with Filipino servants and every imaginable amenity. Later, my dad and I viewed the San Francisco Bay scene from aloft in the Coca-Cola autogiro flown by Captain Campbell. San Francisco was the most cosmopolitan of cities. If you went into a store in Chinatown, the Chinese would remember you years later—what you had purchased and what you paid for it. In the Italian district, you would be served an 8 course meal. San Franciscans know how to preserve their antiquity: the cable cars are still fun to ride. Everyone liked Coca-Cola, especially the students at Oakland High School. Giving away Coca-Cola at the high school dances was the beginning of its popularity. Seven years later, when it came time for us to leave the West Coast for Hartford, Connecticut, we stood on the platform of the railroad observation car and said good by to our friends, with tears in our eyes.
106 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TOPICS MAILBOX, cont'd Chuck MacNab
July 7, 1995
2
The picture of Bob Van Ausdell and his Staggerwing Beech brought back memories of 1942 and the Navy. I had tried for a year to join either the Air Corps or the Navy, but had been turned down because of my height, weight, or crooked toes. At Christmas vacation time in 1941, I hitched a ride down to Atlanta with a group of my fellow students who had completed their Civilian Pilot Training at the University of Georgia, and who were going to enlist in the Navy. On a lark, I joined them at the recruiting office. Everyone was being failed on color blindness, because they were encouraged to see a number in the book where there was no number. I asked the sailor who was processing me, if he liked guns. Then I emptied all my collection of antique pistols on to the table. Everyone came to look at them, and in the confusion, I overheard someone say, "You didn't dilate his eyes already, did you? The Commander is really going to be mad!" When I realized they were talking about me, I knew then that I was home free. When we all left the recruiting office, I was the only one they enlisted. I reported to the U.S. Naval Air Training Base in Atlanta, where Captain Harrigan was in command. He was the pilot who flew the little airplane that attached to the dirigible, and which is now at the Air and Space Museum in Washington DC. The Navy had a Staggerwing Beech, and every time Captain Harrigan flew it, he ground looped. It was forever in the Assembly & Repair hangar, where the Marines supervised our daily exercises. When I began my flight training, my instructor was TWA's Dave Halperin. After our solo flight, those few of us who hadn't washed out, went down to the Naval Air Station at Jacksonville to become aviation cadets. One of the pilots back from the Fleet who spoke to us was Butch O'Hare, the Navy pilot for whom Chicago's O'Hare Airport is named. We took our primary training in the Navy's Yellow Perils, just like the one owned by Guy Fortier that appears on page 75. The only difference was our Stearmans had metal propeller blades. So you see, for us, TARPA TOPICS brings back the memories, and warms the heart. There is another thing that has warmed our hearts. TWA has offered our Eastern Air Lines retirees who qualify, reduced fares on TWA, space available. There is just no possible way we can tell you how grateful we are for this privilege. We have long been your admirers窶馬ow we will be your salesmen. We will encourage everyone we know to purchase their tickets on TWA. And we will continue to enjoy and pass among us, your splendid issues of TARPA TOPICS. Yours sincerely,
Secretary & Editor
107 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TOPICS MAILBOX. contd. Annemarie Conway Post Office Box 953 Welches, Oregon 97067 503-622-3686
Mr. Charles E. MacNab, Editor TARPA TOPICS 1865 Penny Royal Lane Wentzville, MO 63385-4302
October 1, 1995
Dear Chuck; You may not have heard that I took half a tour from Palo Alto to Monterey. After reading the attached article, you will know "the rest of the story". Dave Davies encouraged me to write it up and submit it for publication. I hope that it meets with your approval. I tried to keep it short. It would surely tickle my ego to see it in print. Thanks a million.
Editor 's note: " ' Read the story of Annemarie s "escapade in the Convention Section. Encl.: two
108 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TOPICS MAILBOX. cont'd.
38 Crag Lane Levittown, N.Y. 11756 Capt. Charles E. MacNab Editor TARPA TOPICS 1865 Penny Royal Lane Wentzville, MO 63385
Dear Chuck: I was very interested in Capt. Claude Girard's contribution to the July 1995 "Grapevine." He described a unique and pioneering era in which TWA's International Division was developed including ONTOS, or "The Thing" a "one-of-it ' s kind" aircraft. This rare bird, born at Fairchild but raised and remodeled by Larry Trimble at Paris, was flown by Capts. Trimble, Girard, Lytle, Granger and others for nearly 16 years delivering aircraft engines and other supplies to stations from Iceland and the Azores to Basra and Bombay. The redesign and operation of ONTOS was only one of Larry Trimble's innovations during his many years of International Division leadership. Discounting critics, he truly believed in the future of TWA's overseas operation. Surmounting a multitude of difficulties he advanced and consolidated the Division with imagination and determination. As Capt. Girard writes: "Approaching the 50th anniversary of the overseas operation I think we should ask Larry Trimble to give TARPA an article on the International operation which he actually pioneered." I heartily agree. Larry Trimble was and still remains "Mr. TWA" to those of us who worked with him over the years. His reminiscence of those days would provide fascinating reading for us all. Very best regards,
Goldy
109 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TOPICS MAILBOX, cont'd. 2114 Fleet Landing Blvd. Atlantic Beach, Fl. 32233 Captain Richard A. Davis 449 Santa Fe Drive, #200 Encinitas, CA 92024
April 4,1995
Dear Dick, Enclosed is $25.00 to take care of 1996 dues, although Eagles are not required it's the best buy east or west of Tokyo. Being a TARPA Eagle (821/2) I still feel close to those I knew and flew with in Transcontinental & Western Air, also some who served along with me during WWII and Korea. When TWA hired me as F/O August 1, 1940 (first choice), as fate would have it, I retired from Eastern Air Lines in 1972 age 60. Details not too important now. Captain Ed Betts' letter March 1995 issue of "TARPA TOPICS", it was very disheartening to learn of his bout with Retinas and Floaters. My wife Frances don't drive anymore, she has glaucoma, a cornea transplant in her right eye and a retina problem in her left, I administer all types of ophthalmic medication every two hours. I can appreciate what Ed goes through every day, however we haven't given up and we hope Ed perseveres too. The mystery aircraft pictured on page 91 of "TARPA TOPICS" (Feb. 1994) was identified by Capt. Rudy Truesdale. Rudy described it as the J-5 powered " Stearman used for Instrument Training. On page 3 of the Red Book THE MAKING OF AN AIRLINE" (story of TWA), there is a similar blown-up picture of the airplane, this time with 3 pilots standing. Any one know who they are? This book also has a winning picture of Ed Betts on page four. Thumbing through some TWA material I came across an official System Wide "Seniority List dated January 1, 1940". A copy is attached, total pilots 355, TWA sure has grown, it will survive forever. Since the demise of E. A. L., no thanks to Frank Lorenzo, we have lost all benefits. We do miss our flight privileges, however, not often but when Frances and I travel, our first choice is TWA. We also encourage family and friends to do the same. Note: Flew TWA's 0-49 for 4 months in 1957, Eastern leased them for our Miami route, for 4 months I felt at home. Best to all,
O. J. "Rusty" DioGuardi E.A.L. Capt. Ret.
110 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TOPICS MAILBOX. contd.
September 14, 1995
Dear Chuck, Sony I missed you at the Convention in Palo Alto.! What a great pleasure an honor to get the opportunity to visit with my TARPA friends once again. I want to thankyou for all the exhausting time you spend with the Topics and let you know,that I to share with all the rest of the TARPA family in commending you and your staff for a job well done. I am enclosing these pictures that I took at Bay Meadows Race Track on Sunday of our membership. A great time and lunch was enjoyed by everyone. Wish you could have been there . Although only 12 showed we made enough noise bringing in the winners so that all in the clubhouse knew TARPA was there. Also included are some photos I took at the banquet. Thought if you publish any photos this year, you might like to use some. The names are on the backs. In closing I would like to again thank Tarpa for the privilege they have extended to us subscribers and including us into your great organization. My best to you and Georganne.
Claude Thomas
ROMSEY HOUSE Vicarage Lane Steeple Ashton Wiltshire BA14 6HH Keevil (0380) 870992
11 August 1995
Dear Chuck, A quick note to assure you that I do receive Tarpa Topics even if it does take a while to cross the Atlantic. I enjoy it very much, and appreciate all the hard work, effort and expertise that goes into each copy. Every time I see your name I think of our time in Newark. They were fun times, probably because we were young, and the Martin was a nice little airplane. Bet I was the only Captain to make two Martin single engine approaches and landings at Harrisburg. One was close to minimum. It reminds me of my night carrier landings, glad to be able to say I did it, but sure as hell wouldn't want to do it again. Keep up the good work
111 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TOPICS MAILBOX. coma. 24 September, 1995 Dear Chuck, Here are some pictures taken during the convention and on the Reno Air Races tour. Also the two of you from the STL convention. I'm sorry you didn't keep all the pictures from STL. They were for you, whether you could use them in the Topics or not. The Air Races were very interesting and fun. Saturday evening at the Hospitality room, Ray Lutz gave a little information about the technical aspects of the races and told a little about Lyle Shelton. I didn't know Lyle was a TWA pilot, and I also didn't know he had set the world's propeller-driven airplane speed record. [At Las Vegas, NM in 1989, I believe Ray said. Over 500 mph, I think] Did you have any trouble getting back from SFO? And was the phone still off the hook? These pictures are for you. Please keep them all or throw them away. The Canadian Snow Birds were really great. And all the acrobatic pilots were fantastic. The races were really thrilling. Some of them were really close, including the final one. In that race, Lyle Shelton's plane, Rare Bear, came in second, but it was very close. Hope to see you in BOS.
112 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TOPICS MAILBOX. contd. P.O. Box 153 Lincroft, NJ 07738-0153 July 6, 1995 Dear Chuck: I just received this letter from Natal Brazil and hope we can get it in the next Tarpa Topics. There are a lot of fellows who probably are more acquainted with Natal during ICD than myself. Perhaps some of them may care to write to Mr. Smith. It's always such a pleasure to read your wonderful publication. Every story is a gem and never miss even one page. Keep up the good work, Chuck. I feel a little guilty at not paying dues any more so am sending this years dues to Dick before he takes me off the payroll. $25 is a small price to pay for an investment which brings in such great rewards. I received a phone call today from a Mr. Clifford A. Presley of Charlotte, N.C., who is secretary of the American Society of Aviation Historians. He is trying to locate ATC wing and cap badges for a WWII display on the Air Transport Command (ATC). It will be a part of the Air Corps (Forces) history. He needs badges of the Chief Pilots, Captains, First Officers, Engineers, Navigators and Radio Operators. Didn't mention it specifically, but would assume badges worn by our cabin attendants during ATC days also will be accepted. I am contacting all the ones I have contact with, either by ham radio or mail. Before sending anything to him, check before so as not to duplicate them. His address is: Clifford A. Presley, Secretary of the American Society of Aviation Historians, located at 6116 Kingstree Drive, Charlotte, N.C. 28210, Telephone: (704) 343-4022. When the display is completed, they will have over 40 such wings for the last 80 years, including ATC. If you get Cliff's message in the August issue of Tarpa, will save me writing individual letters to members, who also belong to Tarpa. If it is too late, please let me know and I will start searching thru other means. Thanks. Tarpa member Bob Clough first advised me of this Society of Aviation Historians. You will probably also hear from him. Good luck Chuck and give us another outstanding Tarpa Topics next month. As ever, Earl W. Korf
113 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
TOPICS MAILBOX. con't. .. P.S. Tell our Tarpa boys who are still flying, who have ham radio operators tickets, to join the International Association of Airline Hams. Skeds Sundays and Wednesdays, from 10 am to 1 pm Eastern on 14.280 MHZ. Some of the TWA boys are: Cliff Bruce, John Buzby, Stan Chichester, John Hamlin, Gordon Hargis, Bob Jarvis, Jim Loosen, John Lee, Bob Schneider, Hank Spears, and John Swiencicki. And quite often one of our present pilots chats with us while flying 39 K over the Atlantic which gives us a thrill. One day we had three aeronautical mobiles, one over Atlantic, one over Pacific and other over the Carib. Ham radio works beautifully from those altitudes with the high tech radio gear they have today.
.......................
June 26, 1995 Mr. Earl W. Korf P.O. Box 0153 Lincroft, New Jersey 07738 U.S.A. Dear Mr. Korf, Mr. Eber Diehl gave me your address for contact with persons who were in Natal during World War II. I have published a book (in Portguese) about the Americans in Natal during the war and am trying to get more information and pictures about the city during the war. If you have anything I could use or any photographs, I would appreciate having them. Although my book is a translation of my doctoral dissertation, it has pictures both in English and Portuguese and maps that were not included in the dissertation. I hope that I have spelled your name and your city correctly since I had some difficulty with some of Eber's writing. I am enclosing a stamped, self-addressed envelope for any response you might have. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours truly, Clyde Smith, Jr. -Ph.D. Caixa Postal 1621 Natal -RN -Brazil 59072-970
114 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
NEW MEMBERS...WELCOME..... (Read across) (R) BLASER DONALD L. F/O (GAIL) 4037 W. QUESTA DR. GLENDALE AZ 85310 602-582-9450
(A) CROWLEY DENNIS M. CAPT (MARIE) 17203 LE FORET CT. GLENCOE MO 63038
(A) EDWARDS GAIL CAPT (KATHLEEN) 240 VIA LA CIRCULA REDONDO BEACH C A 90277 310-378-5104
(R) FETHERMAN BETTY JO MRS RD #7 BOX 7579 E. STROUDSBURG PA 18301 717-421-1882
(A) FREW WILLIAM J. CAPT 562E. 5th ST SO. BOSTON M A 02127-3062 617-268-4822
(A) GRIMM DERWIN CAPT (MARTHA) 4347 E. NORTH LN PHOENIX AZ 85028-4141 602-996-1296
(R) KAHN KEN CAPT (CHERYL) PO BOX 496 WEST CHATHAM MA 02669 508-945-3598
(A) MANDEL PHILIP N. CAPT. (CAROL ANN) 5 CASTAWAY DR. DANBURY CT 06811-4312 203-748-8711
(R) MANGOLD THOMAS CAPT (KATHLEEN) 668 MARINERS WAY BOYNTON BEACH FL 33435 407-735-0952
(R) RAUB CLIFFORD CAPT (BETTY) 9490 E. KALIL DR. SCOTTSDALE AZ 85260 602-391-9086
(R) REUSS HERB CAPT (INGEBORG) 1666 BERWICK PL WESTLAKE VLG CA 91361 805-495-3085
(A) RIDGWAY KENNETH W. CAPT (JUDY) 72 ROLLING RIDGE CT. ST CHARLES MO 63304 314-939-4835
(A) THOMAS THOMAS CAPT (DOROTHY) 00326 W. 120 ST OVERLAND PARK KS 66213-2000 913-897-5627
(S) TOLIVER RAYMOND MR. 4116 RHODES WAY OCEANSIDE CA 92056-7412 619-940-8555
(R) WILLIAMS DWIGHT CAPT (JEAN) 964 ROSARIO DR. THOUSAND OAKS CA 91362 805-495-1988
115 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
CHANGE OF ADDRESS ..... (Read across) (R) ANDERSON LES CAPT. (SHIRLEY) 1554 CARSON WAY VENTURA CA 93004
(R) BATCHELOR RICHARD L. F/O (ELISABETH) PO BOX 1439 OVERTON NV 89040-1439
(R) BECKNER RICHARD R. CAPT. (CONNIE) 5620 SEVEN LAKES W. WEST END NC 27376 910-673-8008
(H) BRANDT SUZANNE MRS. (LOWELL) 17534 ST ANDREWS DR. POWAY CA 92064 619-676-0609
(R) CAPIN GUY E. CAPT. (PATRICIA) 4483 WINDJAMMER LN. FORT MEYERS, FL 33919-8234
(E) CARROLL JOHN C. CAPT. PO BOX 189 CARLSBAD CA 92018-0189
(R) CLARK JACK E. CAPT. (JANE) 3538 E. CATALPA ST SPRINGFIELD MO 65809-1403
(R) CLEMENTS GEORGE E. F/E (MARJORIE) 203 HAVENWOOD DRIVE HIGH POINT, NC 27263-2639 919-434-1991
(E) CORWIN FRANK H. IRO (BETTY) 10015 W ROYAL OAK RD. SUN CITY, AZ 85351-3182 602-977-3003
(R) CROOK BILL CAPT. (CATHY) 13423 GLENA DR. ST JOSEPH MO 64506 816-279-5542
(R) DAVIS WILLIAM R. CAPT. (YOLANDA) 7468 SINGING HILLS CT BOULDER CO 80301-3766
(R) DOYLE C. W. CAPT. (GEORGETTE) 85 WALNUT ST BLOOMFIELD NJ 07003 N/A
(H) FLEET CLARAT. MRS. (EARL) 1935 S. FEDERAL HWY BOYNTON BEACH, FL 33435-6968
(R) FLYNN EDWARD S. CAPT. (JOAN) 12922 N WHITLOCK CANYON DR ORO VALLEY AZ 85737-1803
(R) GASTRICH HENRY E. CAPT. (IRIS) 11450 VIA RANCHO SAN DIEGO ELCAJON, CA 92019 619-660-1344 -FAX 619-660-1555
(H) GRANGER ANGELA CAPT. (GORDON) 1870 EAGLE CLAW DR. CAREFREE, AZ 85377
(R) HEINRICH HARRY E. CAPT. (FRANCIS) 12817 SHATTUC RD. SHATTUC IL 62283 618-226-3251
(E) HUMBLES A.T. CAPT. (BETTY) 645 PUNGO SHORES DR. BELHAVEN, NC 27810 919-964-4655
(R) JOLLY WILLIAM R. F/E (BARBARA) PO BOX 3369 MESQUITE NV 89024
(A) KERN, Sr. C. IL DUKE CAPT. (JANIS) 1314 W. ROCKROSE WY. CHANDLER AZ 85248 602-814-0570
(R) KLOMPUS E. STUART CAPT. (MARY) 214 WHISPERING HILLS HOT SPRINGS AR 71901-7317 501-624-1977
(R) KROSCHEL TOM CAPT. (CAROL) 25716 LILAC CT BONITA SPGS. FL 33923-6463
(A) LEACH M. ROGER CAPT. (BARBARA) PO BOX 4387 INCLINE VILLAGE NV 89450-4387
(R) LINDSEY ROBERT A. CAPT. (DORICE) 71-27501 TWP RD 374 RED DEER COUNTY AB T4S2B1 CANADA 403-886-4114
116 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995
CHANGE OF ADDRESS ..... (Read across) (E) McCLIMANS HILLERY F. CAPT. 200 ROBERTS RD SUWANEE GA 30174-2333
(A) MERRILL DARRELL CAPT. 953 SWISS OAKS DR MIDWAY UT 84049-6108 314-532-7571
(E) MINSKE DONALD H. CAPT. (JUNE) 99 BIRDSONG WAY HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29926-1365
(R) MOONLY JOHN L. F/E 5089 VIA CUPERTINO CAMARILLO, CA 93012 805-484-4185
(R) NUFFER WARREN O. CAPT. (VIRGINIA) 2409E SQUAW PEAK DR PHOENIX AZ 85016-1225 602-955-2249
(E) ROUGE JOHN K. F/E (PATRICIA ) PO BOX 25883 MUNDS PARK AZ 86017-5883
(H) SCHROEDER MURIEL MRS (WILBUR) 9333 KONOCTI BAY RD. KELSEYVILLE CA 95451-9580 707-277-7207
(R) SCOTT KENT T. CAPT. (PATRICE) 25291 ABILENE Cr. LAGUNA HILLS CA 92653-7803
(A) SCOTT WILLIAM T. CAPT (MARY) 13950 W. RICO DR. SUN CITY WEST AZ 85375
(A) SELLERS JIM CAPT (NANCY) 1060 SKYLINE DR LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651-1935
(R) SHEEDY STEPHEN L. CAPT. (SANDRA) 1413 HWY 17S, #181 SURFSIDE BEACH, SC 29575-6040 803-651-2348
(R) SMITH ADRIAN R. CAPT. (MARILYN) 654 ANDROS PUNTA GORDA FL 33950-5809 941-637-0355
(R) SORENSEN NORMAN L. F/E (FRANCES) PO BOX 17084 MUNDS PARK AZ 86017
(E) TERRY RAYMOND B. F/E (JULIE) 3813 SILVER LACE LANE BOYNTON BEACH FL 33436-3946 407-737-3199
(R) TRUMPOLT ROBERT H. CAPT. (NANCY) PO BOX 1729 NEW LONDON NH 03257-1729 603-526-8633
(R) TURNER DAVID C. CAPT. (VALERIE) 2860 LINKS DR. BOULDER CO 80301-1583
(R) VAN TREASE CHARLES Y. CAPT. (DORIS) 4401 HENNIG DR. AUSTIN, TX 78738-1627
(H) WILSON RUTH ROSCOE MRS. 2145 CACTUS CT. #4 WALNUT CREEK CA 94595-2528 510-210-0736
(R) YATES KEITH E. CAPT. (MARJORIE) 6988 S. SYRACUSE CT. EAGLEWOOD CO 80112
(A) YORK WAYNE H. CAPT. 14 OAKTREE CT OSAGE BEACH MO 65065
117 TARPA TOPICS....NOVEMBER, 1995