2015.11_TARPA_TOPICS

November 2015

Issue 112

TWA. UP, UP, AND AWAY!

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S N insid A LE etails R O D

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TWA Retired Pilots Association 2016 Annual Convention

New Orleans, Louisiana Sunday, October 30 - Friday, November 4, 2016

We are excited to welcome you to join us in one of America’s favorite cities for our 2016 Annual Convention: New Orleans It’s even more exciting that our headquarters hotel is the historic Hotel Monteleone, on Royal Street in the heart of the French Quarter.

Our Schedule of Events Includes: Steamboat Natchez – Mississippi River Lunch Cruise WWII Museum Oak Alley Plantation Tour Swamp and Bayou Tour

City tour including Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral & Cemetery Tour Exceptional dining, rhythmic jazz and beignets for everyone!

Hospitality Room: Open every afternoon, hosted by the Area Directors and TWA Board of Directors Membership Meetings & Final Banquet Dinner: Thursday, November 3, 2016.

Oak Alley Plantation

- COMPLETE TOUR SCHEDULE & PRICING AVAILABLE IN EARLY 2016 -

Hotel Monteleone, Royal Street Traditional Rooms available (either King or Double bedded) at the special rate of $149+ taxes (total $172.98 inclusive per night) available for the major convention dates of Sunday, Oct. 30 with departure on Friday, Nov. 4, 2016 Premium rooms also available for an additional $30+ tax per night, single or double (higher floors, with a view or larger rooms) To reserve your room, call 800-217-2033 or 504-528-1019 (Remember to identify yourself as part of the TWA Retired Pilots Association to get the discounted rate.)

We look forward to seeing you in New Orleans!

Questions? Contact our meeting planner: Vicki McGowen Email: vickimcgowen@charter.net | Phone: 775-722-2811

Registration Form on Page 7

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S Officers .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4 President’s Message ........................................................................................................................................................ 5 Treasurer’s Report ........................................................................................................................................................... 6 New Orleans 2016 Convention Registration Form (perforated for tear-out to mail in) .................................................. 7-8 New Orleans 2016 Convention Registration Form (duplicate copy of form to keep) .......................................................... 9 Vintage 1941 TWA Stratoliner Club Certificate ........................................................................................................... 10 New Member Badge Order Form ................................................................................................................................. 11 The Grapevine ........................................................................................................................................................ 12-15 1956 Grand Canyon TWA-United Airlines Aviation Accident Site .............................................................................. 16 Best of TWA Recipes (perforated for tear out) ........................................................................................................................... 17 Captain Guy Fortier’s Health Corner .......................................................................................................................... 18 Flight "800 and Her Lessons of Love" ..................................................................................................................... 19-24 Photos from the 2015 Convention Cruise to Bermuda............................................................................................ 25-29 Wings of Pride: A TWA Plane That Was Nearly Forgotten ...................................................................................... 30-32 JFK’S Iconic TWA Terminal To Become A Hotel Complex .......................................................................................... 33 Memories of Growing Up a U.S. Pilot's Son in Rome .................................................................................................. 34 Flown West ............................................................................................................................................................. 35-39 Flown West Reporting (Pgs 41-42 perforated for tear-out)......................................................................................... 40-42 From the Archives: Bob Buck Flies a Connie from L.A. to Paris .............................................................................. 43-49 Interesting “Lynx” ....................................................................................................................................................... 50 What Could Have Been – Vintage ad for TWA Supersonic Transports ......................................................................... 51

Have an interesting story from your time with TWA that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear it!

EMAIL YOUR STORY & PHOTOS TO: TOPICSeit@icloud.com

Copyright © 2015 The TWA Retired Pilots Association Cover photo courtesy of Felix Usis

Material contained in TWA TOPICS may not be used except with written permission of the Editor.

All inquires concerning this publication should be addressed to: Editor Bill Kirschner TOPICSeit@icloud.com.

TWA TOPICS is the official publication of the TWA Retired Pilots Association, a not for profit corporation. The Editor bears no responsibility for accuracy or unauthorized use of contents.

Magazine designed by Cathy Gillespie, Catzeye Graphics (www.catzeye.com).

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 3

OFFICERS PRESIDENT Capt. S.R. Dusty West dustygator@icloud.com 941-538-0729 941-807-7770

PAST PRESIDENT & TOPICS EDITOR Capt. Bill Kirschner wma1012@me.com 775-588-4223 / 775-721-4386

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Capt. Gene York gyork747@gmail.com 949-759-1197

SENIOR DIRECTOR Capt. Charlie Wilder clwilder@optonline.net 732-833-2205

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Capt. Bob Kavula dalekavula@cox.net 702-240-6257

HOSPITALITY DIRECTOR Capt. Bob Dedman rwded@cox.net 757-463-2032 757-434-5818

TREASURER Capt. James Roe 8340 W. Lake Marion Rd. Haines City, FL 33844 jkroe@earthlink.net 863-422-3153

View the most recent board meeting minutes and stay up to date with the latest information at: TWARetiredPilotsAssociation.com

CONTRIBUTING TOPICS COLUMNIST Capt. Guy Fortier guy4ta@att.net 775-831-3040

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 4

MEETING PLANNER Vicki McGowen McGowen Marketing vicki@mcgowenmarketing.com or vickimcgowen@charter.net 775-722-2811 / 775-849-1377

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Our joint TWA and A/A Retired Pilots Convention/Cruise to Bermuda in August was a delightful success, enjoyed by the Pilots and spouses of BOTH groups. We met and made many new friends!

During our Board Meeting held on the cruise, we had several looming issues that our TWA Retired Pilot group NEEDED to address: (1) As we age, we are losing many members each year (i.e. FLOWN WEST). With no new "Active" pilots flying for TWA to retire and come into our group, we need to stabilize and supplement our pilot group, both number-wise and financially.

(2) We have had "name recognition" issues over the years, such as "Who and what is TARPA?" When we tell folks we are the "TWA Retired Pilots", the response is usually: "Oh, YES – we remember – TWA was the very best domestic and international airline"!

THEREFORE, your "Board of Directors" and the TWA Retired Pilots "GENERAL Meeting" VOTED on two measures, both of which"PASSED UNANIMOUSLY": (1) We made the following BY-LAW CHANGE: We will now allow any COCKPIT CREW MEMBER of any acquired or acquiring airline of TWA (i.e. Ozark, Piedmont, Allegheny, PSA, America West, US Airways or American) to be able to join, and by paying our annual dues, become FULL MEMBERS of our TWA Retired Pilots "Social" Group. (Note: the American "Grey Eagles" already do this, and many of us have joined their separate group, attended their conventions, had lots of fun and have been warmly welcomed.)

Additionally, many of us have sons and daughters (or even know fellow former TWA Pilots) who are now flying at A/A or US Air. Pilots who currently fly with these airlines are welcome to come to our events – some even joined us on the Bermuda cruise!

(2) We have officially changed our NAME and LOGOS: • Our Group is now called: TWA Retired Pilots Association (see new logo, above) • Our Magazine is now called: TWA TOPICS (see new logo, below) • Our Website is now: www.TWAretiredPilotsAssociation.com (Note: www.TARPA.com will continue to get you to our website as well.)

We hope you are as excited as we are about these changes, and the growth and future that we hope they will bring to our group.

Sincerely,

S. R. "Dusty" West President TWA Retired Pilots Association TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 5

T R E A S U R E R ’ S R E P O R T • O C T O B E R 7, 2 0 1 5

Cash on Deposit, October 7, 2015:

C.A.C.U (CD’S) ..................................................... $ 26,051.84 C.A.C.U. (CK) ....................................................... $

3,395.52

Convention Account ............................................... $

3,749.36

Checking Account................................................... $ 33,190.81 Savings Account ...................................................... $ 19,933.99 Balance October 7, 2015 ......................................... $ 86,321.52 Membership: 748 Respectfully Submitted,

James Roe TARPA/Treasurer 863-422-3153

Don't let this be your last issue of TWA Topics!

Please bring your dues up-to-date!

Check the mailing panel on the back of this issue.

If the date shown near your name is prior to 2016, then it’s time for you to renew.

To renew today, contact TWA Retired Pilots Association Treasurer, Joe Roe at jkroe@earthlink.net TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 6

<---- Tear out and MAIL THIS COPY of the 2016 New Orleans Convention Registration Form with your payment.

T WA R E T I RE D P I LOT S 2 0 1 6 CO NVENTI O N REGI STRATI O N FOR M TWA Retired Pilots Association 2016 Annual Convention in Conjunction with the A/A Grey Eagles

New Orleans, Louisiana Sunday, October 30 - Friday, November 4, 2016 Name (First)________________________________ (Last) _______________________________________ Spouse/Guest (First) __________________________(Last) _______________________________________ Mailing Address ___________________________________________________________________________ City __________________________________________ State

_______

Zip Code __________________

Home Phone ___________________________ Cell Phone _______________________________________ Email ___________________________________________________________________________________

- THE COMPLETE TOUR SCHEDULE AND PRICING WILL BE PUBLISHED IN EARLY 2016 Convention Registration Fee _________ @ $65.00/ Per person Amount Enclosed: $___________________

We look forward to seeing you in New Orleans!

Please mail this registration form and your check or money order to our new Treasurer: JIM ROE Treasurer, TWA Retired Pilots Association 8340 W. Lake Marion Road Haines City, FL 33844 Any Questions contact our meeting planner: VICKI MCGOWEN Email: vickimcgowen@charter.net Phone: 775-722-2811

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 7

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 8

** KEEP THIS COPY of the 2016 New Orleans Convention Registration Form for your files ** T WA R E T I RE D P I LOT S 2 0 1 6 CONVENTI O N REGI STRATI O N FOR M TWA Retired Pilots Association 2016 Annual Convention in Conjunction with the A/A Grey Eagles

New Orleans, Louisiana Sunday, October 30 - Friday, November 4, 2016 Name (First)________________________________ (Last) _______________________________________ Spouse/Guest (First) __________________________(Last) _______________________________________ Mailing Address ___________________________________________________________________________ City __________________________________________ State

_______

Zip Code __________________

Home Phone ___________________________ Cell Phone _______________________________________

Y P CO

Email ___________________________________________________________________________________

- THE COMPLETE TOUR SCHEDULE AND PRICING WILL BE PUBLISHED IN EARLY 2016 Convention Registration Fee _________ @ $65.00/ Per person Amount Enclosed: $___________________

We look forward to seeing you in New Orleans!

Please mail this registration form and your check or money order to our new Treasurer: JIM ROE Treasurer, TWA Retired Pilots Association 8340 W. Lake Marion Road Haines City, FL 33844 Any Questions contact our meeting planner: VICKI MCGOWEN Email: vickimcgowen@charter.net Phone: 775-722-2811

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 9

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 10

<---- Tear out form

B ADG E ORDER FORM Here they are … your new name badges featuring our new name and logo! They are beautiful have a magnetic back, not pins!

As you have probably heard, the name of our organization was changed by the members in attendance at the 2015 Membership Meeting on the Bermuda Cruise/Annual Meeting.

The old "TARPA" has become the new "TWA Retired Pilots Association."

To order your new name badge(s), complete this order form, tear it out and send it with your check to the address shown below.

Cost is just $7.95 per badge, plus $4.95 shipping and handling (only one shipping charge for two badges sent to the same address.)

Make checks payable to: TWA Retired Pilots Association P L E A S E P R I N T C L E A R LY Name-First: ______________________________ Last: ______________________________ Your Title: YES / NO

If yes, enter title here _________________________________________

Spouse-First:______________________________ Last: ______________________________ Spouse Title: YES / NO

$7.95

$7.95

If yes, enter title here ________________________________________

Be sure to enter name(s) and title(s) exactly as you would like them to appear on your badge.

Shipping & Handling

$4.95

Total Enclosed $_____

Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Mail completed form with payment to: Guy Fortier • P.O. Box 6065 • Incline Village, NV 89450 TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 11

the

Grapevine

A MUST SEE IF YOU ARE IN DAYTON, OHIO! The Wright-Patterson Airforce Museum Submitted by Dusty West If you are in Dayton, Ohio, don't miss the Wright-Patterson Airforce Museum. They have loads of aircraft and space craft, and the price is definitely right – admission is FREE! They have four huge hangers chock full of aircraft from WWI, WWII, Korea, VietNam, the Cold War, F-22 and F-23, Orville and Wilber Wright's exploits, and much more! Plus, all of downtown Dayton's biggies – NCR, IBM, Delco and many other dynamic leaders of the tech industry who made us the world's aviation's Leaders! �

TOUCHÉ!

A Fun Story Shared by Bill Kirschner A teenage boy had just passed his driving test and inquired of his father as to when they could discuss his use of the car.

His father said he'd make a deal with his son, "You bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible a little and get your hair cut. Then we'll talk about the car."

The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he'd settle for the offer and they agreed on it.

After about six weeks his father said, "Son, you've brought your grades up and I've observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I'm disappointed you haven't had your hair cut."

The boy said, "You know, Dad, I've been thinking about that, and I've noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair, and there's even strong evidence that Jesus had long hair."

The father replied: "And did you also notice that they all walked everywhere they went, too?" �

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 12

YOU MIGHT HAVE AN UNCLAIMED PENSION WAITING FOR YOU? From Phil Carlson Are you getting a pension from the PBGC? I do, and I received a newsletter today online that has an article on Unclaimed Pensions that the PBGC is holding, pensions for people but they haven't been claimed. I checked their website and already found two people who I used to work with at ORD on their list.

To check and see if you or anyone you know has money due to them, go to: www.pbgc.gov 1) Click the title words "For Workers & Retirees" in the first box in the gray section.

2) On the next page, scroll down towards the bottom section and click on the words "Find Unclaimed Pensions" 3) In the next screen, click the middle gray tab titled "Search by Company", then type TWA into the box (nothing else) 4) About nine pages of names will come up; we are listed as "Pichin TWA" If you find your name on the list, click on the name to complete an form online, or call the number listed on the website to find out how to claim your unclaimed pension.

Please help spread the word so everyone can claim the pensions that are due to them!

LOCKHEED L-1049 SUPER G CONSTELLATION from Captain Lyle Bobzin Lockheed L-1049 Super G Constellation was the darling of the TWA Constellation fleet. The Super G introduced the Wright 3350 turbo compound engine. The engine featured the addition of turbines which collected the exhaust gases to add additional power to the overall engine. In addition wing tip tanks provided the fuel for longer non-stop flights. The aircraft's deluxe passenger interior was a bold innovation introducing the public to a new standard of luxury and comfort which transformed the industry.

The Super G began service on TWA routes in the early months of 1955. My personal log book reveals a PRESS familiarization and publicity flight of the

Super G flown on April 11, 1955: aircraft # TWA104; flight time 3 hrs 19 min. My personal flight log book also has an entry of flying the Super G on the first NYC-SFO westbound non-stop June 4, 1955: aircraft # TWA109; flight time 8 hrs 57 min.

The Super G TWA 104 is the aircraft pictured above.

The photo was taken by a 17 year old amateur photographer at EWR November, 1961 ultimately leading to a distinguished career in the aviation industry. The photo was recently given to us by Maj J.O. Singer USMC retired and we thank him for his thoughtful contribution. Go to Amazon.com for more info, EDIT. �

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 13

The 17

GRAND CENTRAL AIRPORT

By Bill Kirschner Grand Central Airport, Glendale, California, also known as Grand Central Air Terminal (GCAT), was an important facility for the growing Los Angeles suburb of Glendale in the 1920s. It was also a key element in the development of United States aviation, and TAT/TWA. The terminal, located at 1310 Air Way, was built in 1928 and still exists, owned since 1997 by The Walt Disney Company. Three hangars also remain standing. The single concrete 3,800-foot (1,200 m) runway still exists, but it was dug up and converted into Grand Central Avenue.

Top: Glendale's Grand Central Air Terminal tower today (photo taken October 2005) Bottom Left: From back in the day … Douglas DC-1 in front of the Grand Central terminal.

Bottom Right: What the runway looks like today

LIMITED EDITION TWA PILOT KEEPSAKES STILL AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE! TWA Medallion: .............................. (requested donation) $25

This medallion is designed after the TWA pilots' uniform cap insignia, and was the welcome gift for the 2013 Convention in Washington, DC. TWA Key Fob .................................. (requested donation) $18

The key fobs is a replica of the TWA Captains Wings and was the welcome gift at the 2014 Convention in Reno, NV. Donation for each item includes shipping and handling. Proceeds from all sales goes toward a donation to the TWA Flight 800 Memorial and TWA Museum, which is now a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

For more info or to purchase, please contact: email: TOPICSEIT@icloud.com Captain Bill Kirschner • PO Box 3596 • Stateline, NV 89449 • 775-721-4386 TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 14

IMPORTANT INFO IF YOU NON-REV TRAVEL –OR– IF YOU WISH TO STAY CURRENT WITH A/A

By Bill Kirschner A while ago we were advised to sign into Jetnet periodically (at least every 30 days) just to keep the password up-to-date. The site will tell you when your password needs updating. If your password has already expired, when you sign in it will take you to a password reset page and you can follow the instructions.

If you ever forget your password, DON’T KEEP PUTTING IN BAD PASSWORDS, TRYING TO GUESS AT THE RIGHT ONE! There is a little link on the sign in password page that says “Forgot Your Password?” Click on that link and it will take you to a password reset page.

Next, we are VERY close to the "legacy" Jetnet site being shut down and replaced with the new site, www.retirees.aa.com. Please start using the new site as soon as possible. That new site will give you the same log in page, however it looks quite different.

It's advised to sign in to look the site over and read the various items under the “Travel” tab as soon as you get a chance, as trying to get used to it when you really need it is not a good idea.

The sign in page of the new site is no longer called “Jetnet”; it's now called “Retiree Log in Page.”

The non-rev cutover date is 17 October. Look at the NRTP (non-rev travel planner) for, as an example, DFW to PHL on 16 October and then on 17 October. You will see the difference. �

HUMAN RESOURCES EMPLOYEE SERVICES RETIREE PHOTO ID INSTRUCTIONS To receive a Retiree Photo ID card by mail, please follow these instructions. Only Retirees are eligible to receive an AA ID IDs NOT be made for spouses. Please include: • A stamped, self-addressed return envelope • A head/shoulder color photograph to fit a 1¼" x 1¼" area • A photocopy of your photo identification (i.e., Driver’s License, Passport) • Your employee number • Your seniority date • Your name as you would like it to appear on your card Mail all of the above to: American Airlines HR Employee Services Attn: Retirement PO Box 619616 – MD 5141 DFW Airport, TX 75261-9616 TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 15

E WS RELEAS E N E C I V R E PA R K S N AT I O N A L or Nation's n o H to s rk a m nd ew National La N s te a n g si e D Interior ge & History ta ri e H l ra u lt u Unique C , n Accident Site o ti ia v A s e n li ir A n TWA-United o y n a C d n ra G Park, Arizona. l a 1956 n o ti a N n o y Grand Can 049 and a

April 23, 2014

L-1 er Constellation p u S es n li ir r the A d 21,000 feet ove , a Trans Worl e 6 5 ac 9 p 1 rs , ai 0 3 ed e st n Ju ge On o flights. The ed in uncon id tw ll e co th d -7 ar C o D b n es o people United Airlin fety in a, killing all 128 n zo ri A e and increase sa in iz n n er yo d o an m C d to n rt ra G d effo modern an unprecedente lishment of the b ed ta rr es u e sp th y ed in g ag tr inatin from ts that resulted ar airways, culm en m ve ro p im er America’s postw . Oth civilian Administration mmon military/ co a , ge ra ve co Federal Aviation ch as collision ionwide radar su at n es gi ed d lo u o cl n in ch h te ent of the cras d the developm an , em st sy n io navigat t data recorders. h ig fl d an red s em 935, is administe 1 avoidance syst in ed sh li b ta es gram, e c Landmarks Pro the Interior. Th ri f o to is ry H ta al re n ec io S e at The N er alf of th owners, and oth k Service on beh ty ar P er p al ro n p io te at N va e ri by th ark icials, p Historic Landm preservation off al h n it io w at s N rk r o fo w es cy agen roperti System in nominating p e National Park th ed y st b re ed te in ew s vi er re tn par to the Secretary ominations are n n io d at te n le ig p es m d o r C fo . ations designation site akes recommend m h ic h w s intact but each , n d ai ar m o re B ip ry sh so er vi n d A ty ow ce. selected, proper preservation advi al ic of the Interior. If n ch te d an ation letter receives a design Just retur ned from a mo some of th e South W tor trip to est's Natio Parks. Ent nal ered the South rim the Grand of Canyon fro m the Eas The first t. stop overlo ok had th new plaque is installed in 2014.

Please sha re with ou r T WA fam ily

– Lou Spa sino TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 16

<---- Tear out & keep this page!

The Grapevine

FEATURED RECIPES FROM "THE VERY BEST OF TWA"

Hot Off the Presses!

Cookbooks Now Available!

We are excited to announce that Marge Siegal has decided – after much demand – to reprint The Very Best of TWA cookbooks!

Marge compiled the best recipes served in First-Class on TWA to create this much sought-after, mouth-watering recipe book. In addition, she's given us permission to publish our favorite recipes in each issue of TWA TOPICS. There are a limited number of books available for $30 (includes shipping and handling). Order a copy (or two) while they last. They make great Christmas gifts!

To order, send check or money order with your return address to: Marge Siegal 833 Gladstone Ct. Vernon Hills, IL, 60061 TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 17

Captain Guy Fortier’s

HEALTH CORNER IS BEING OVERWEIGHT OKAY AFTER ALL? It may actually help you live longer!

A study looking at the relationship between body weight and mortality rates got lots of press, and for good reason. It was published in the 'Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)'. The researchers, from the CDC and elsewhere, pooled data from 97 studies done in more than a dozen countries, totaling nearly 3 million people.

The surprising results: Overweight people were found to have a 6% lower overall death rate than those of "normal" weight. The data were adjusted for age, gender, and smoking. And while moderately or severely obese people were 29% more likely to die during a given period, the mildly obese were at no greater risk than normalweight people. For people over 65, the mortality benefit of carrying some extra pounds seemed to be most notable.

This was not the first analysis to indicate that being overweight may be the "sweet spot" on the weight spectrum, especially for older people, but is the largest and most rigourous study so far. One thing this study makes clear is that fewer Americans are dying of obesity-related illnesses than would be expected, particularly after age 65.

Doctors may be more aggressive in managing risk factors in obese people. Plus, when people do have heart attacks, strokes and other adverse events, there are better medical treatments to keep them alive. One remarkable result is that death rates from coronary artery disease have been cut by two-thirds since 1980. All this has weakened the link between obesity and mortality.

Sick obese older people tend to live longer than their sick thinner counterparts, in part because they have greater energy reserves. Previous research has found that if you're obese and stay physically fit and thus "metabolically healthy" (that is, have normal blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels), you're actually less likely to die prematurely than those who are thin and sedentary.

Where you pack on the extra fat also matters. Excess fat in the abdominal area (as in an "apple-shaped" body), especially if it surrounds internal organs, is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Meanwhile, fat in the thighs and hips ("pear-shaped" body) is not a health problem and may even be protective. That's why waist measurement is considered a good indicator of risk.

Optimal weight depends on many factors – notably your fitness level, body shape, family history, and your risk for various diseases.

If you are 5'10" and weigh 195 pounds, clearly you're overweight, but if you exercise regularly, don't smoke, and are healthy in other respects, you probably don't need to make big changes. On the other hand, if you have high blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol, one of the most important things you can do is lose weight, even 10 pounds can make a difference. You can, of course, just take medication for these problems, but weight loss is still beneficial.

Enjoy!! �

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 18

FLIGHT "800 AND HER LESSONS OF LOVE"

by Steven Slater

At 8:02pm on July 17, 1996, TWA flight 800, a Boeing 747, pushed back from gate 27 at the TWA Flight Center at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, destined for Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport and Rome Fiumicino.

At 8:19pm the majestic red and white airliner lifted gracefully into the twilight of the warm summer night and made a gentle, sweeping turn out over the Atlantic, beginning what was to have been its long overnight crossing.

At 8:31pm, nearly "Half a world the exact same moment the away, blissfully sun hid her last light behind unaware of the the horizon, an explosion of horrors that controversial origin brought the 747 and all those aboard had befallen down into the sea approxiour inbound mately seven miles east of equipment, Center Moriches on Long my crew and Island’s Fire Island. Within minutes, hundreds of small I were resting craft responded in a heroic peacefully … in effort that lit the night as the people of maritime Long Is- the Eternal City." land displayed a humanity and generosity of spirit that touched the world.

Half a world away, blissfully unaware of the horrors that had befallen our inbound equipment, my crew and I were resting peacefully on the second of two beautiful nights in the Eternal City, enjoying one of the most coveted layovers in the TWA system.

I was a new- hire reserve TWA Flight Attendant and had gotten the call for the trip from crew scheduling just after my reserve duty had ended two nights earlier.

The scheduler had informed me that I was under no obligation to take the trip but thought that once I

heard what the assignment was, a 747 trip with a 50 hour Rome layover, I might be interested, provided I could get myself to the airport in an hour, which I most certainly made happen. And so it came to be that I found myself ensconced with wide- eyed wonder in the city that quickly captured my heart, and holds it tightly to this day.

On the morning of July 18, I awoke casually, made strong espresso in my room, and sat down to enjoy some fresh bread and prosciutto I had purchased the night before. Suddenly there was a furious pounding on the wall from the room of my flying partner, a fellow reserve and neighbor in Kew Gardens, next door. I threw on a shirt and looked into the hallway and saw that his door was open. He motioned me in, his face ashen, where he sat glued to the television, mesmerized and unable to speak.

The image on the screen was one of blackness.

A field of darkness, dotted with occasional orange flames. Within a few seconds of glancing at the image, the phone rang, and my friend answered the call from the front desk informing us that our flight was "indefinitely delayed." When my friend asked for par-

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 19

Flight "800 and her Lessons of Love" (continued) … ticulars, the response was “We haven’t further information, but you may want to look at the CNN channel.” Hanging up the receiver, he relayed the conversation to me, and I put together what I thought made perfect sense given the images flashing across the screen.

In 1988, I had been booked on a Pan Am flight to Rome that had been cancelled when Mediterranean airspace had been closed due to the U.S bombing of Libya. Certainly the images we were seeing must be those of burning of oil fields in the night, images made familiar during the Gulf War. Clearly, we must have gone back into Libya in the night and were now unable to overfly the "Word of the crash area as had been the case in years past. “Oh,” I said had spread quickly with a sigh of relief, “It’s through the hotel just more Desert Storm and now some 40 stuff. We’ll be stuck here TWA pilots and flight for a while. We may as well just head down attendants had and get a cappuccino," come together to feeling somewhat seek and exchange excited by the prospect information, to of staying another day in this beautiful city and comfort and console in no hurry to get back one another…" to the Q10 bus and an apartment shared with seven other new hires in New York.

“No, no that’s not it at all,” my flying partner said, then “Look!” as at just that moment, the words “TWA 800” rolled across the bottom of the screen. My stomach lurched and a deafening pounding began to throb in my temples as all went dark and my head spun in confusion as I tried to figure out what this all meant. “Timetable!” we both screamed nearly in unison as he began rummaging wildly through his tote bag looking for a schedule, and he then began flipping wildly through a dog-eared copy he found inside, a Sumer 1996 System Timetable with a painting of a Constellation and a 747 on the cover and the words “Celebrating 50 years of Transatlantic Service" proudly splashed across the cover. “Paris!,” he shouted out next and a heavy sorrow descended upon the room as the

implications of this information became clear: a 747, lots of fuel, a big crew, and a heavy load.

After a moment, we began discussing our own dilemma.

This news was terrible of course.

But we couldn’t quite connect how this tragedy in New York was the cause of our “indefinite delay" out of Rome. We were to operate flight 849, which flew Rome-New York-Los Angeles. We sat in his room for about an hour, glued to the television and awaiting further word from operations when finally a note slid under the door informing us of a gathering of the crew in one of the hotel function rooms in an hour. So we proceeded down the hall shortly and joined three other 747 crews who were all staying in the hotel.

Word of the crash had spread quickly through the hotel and now some 40 TWA pilots and flight attendants had come together to seek and exchange information, to comfort and console one another, and in many instances, to begin the process of mourn"… perhaps ing the lives of those lost. It was here, in this expansive meeting one of the most heart-wrenching room, that the agonizing answers to our many questions experiences I were provided, and we came to have ever been learn of the perfect storm that had caused our flight out of a part of was Rome to cancelled forever that that of passing morning. of the flight On the night of July manifest around 17th, a mechanical problem had grounded the late New that circle…"

York-Rome flight 848, causing it to be combined with the Paris flight 800, and thus came to be the unique routing of flight 800’s New York-ParisRome journey instead of two separate non-stop flights.

This now meant that the crew originally designated to operate the Rome flight would now deadhead on the Paris sector and then continue on to Rome as working crew, so flight 800 now carried a total of 35 JFK based pilots and flight attendants instead of the standard 17.

And to make matters worse, TWA’s flight 810, BostonParis, had cancelled that night also, and those passengers had been routed through JFK as well.

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 20

Flight "800 and her Lessons of Love" (continued) …

We sat in a wide circle, all 40-some of us, in various states of shock and grief and perhaps one of the most heart-wrenching experiences I have ever been a part of was that of passing of the flight manifest around that circle. Watching the hearts of my colleagues break open as their tear-filled "Little groups broke eyes scanned the list off and eventually was more than I could do and I had to look laughter began to away often. Of course, ease the pain a bit it came into my own as well and I got the hands soon enough privilege of watching and I, as did we all, knew several of the my TWA family do names on the computwhat they did best, er printout. loving one another.

I closed my eyes Yet I felt that as a and saw Flight Engineer Richard Campbell new hire, I had no standing on the spiral right to my pain…" staircase smiling down and laughing heartily with me in the First Class galley as we exchanged witty banter on my last trip just a week earlier.

I could feel radiant, 24 year old Jill Ziemkiewicz in step beside me as we walked down the concourse at STL a few weeks earlier, our wheeled suitcases in tow, gushing on about the perfect gown she had just found for her upcoming wedding that summer.

I could see Flight Service Manger Lani Warren standing proudly in her timeless Ralph Lauren uniform at the boarding door of the 767 that had taken me back to Boston after I had just been hired at company headquarters in St. Louis that summer and I remembered how she had come back after the service to welcome us new hires aboard and share her experiences and pride in a TWA career that had spanned decades.

As I began to shudder reading the list, a strong and solid arm reached out and around me seemingly from nowhere, and a 747 captain I had not met before took me under his wing for the rest of the morning, lending me some much needed strength.

Before long, the mourning turned toward celebration and we started to share stories and remembrances of our friends. Little groups broke off and eventually laughter began to ease the pain a bit as well and I got the privilege of watching my TWA family do what they

did best, loving one another. Yet I felt that as a new hire, I had no right to my pain and I feared that I had no place among people who had just lost loved ones of 20 or 30 years so I tried to sneak back to my room, feeling ashamed and something of an accidental voyeur. But one senior flight attendant saw me make my clandestine move for the elevator and intercepted me, and would not allow me to run from the moment. She gently guided me around me around a quiet corner and we had a beautiful and loving talk. She told me that we were one TWA family and reminded me that this loss affected us all no matter how long we had served. That certainly our beloved airline would never be the same again and no one knew what the future would now bring, and that we were all on equal footing in our confusion and fear. She told me that this loss would affect us all deeply but differently, and to expect many different "The more we reactions and to take nothing gave of ourselves personally, and to just give every one time and space to go to care for one through whatever they must. another, the And then another senior more profound flight attendant came up and the healing we hugged me tearfully, wanting to know how I was doing. experienced for And then another. ourselves."

Here were these beautiful, elegant women who had just lost lifelong friends reaching out to this new hire reserve to nurture and soothe my pain, and soon I found that I was able to do the same in kind for still others. And that was the real lesson of that day and what those wonderful women taught me in Rome in the aftermath of flight 800. The more we gave of ourselves to care for one another, the more profound the healing we experienced for ourselves. Today, I no longer shy away from someone else's pain, instead, I now offer to sit quietly alongside them in it. When we sit and hold someone’s hand, our own hand is held as well. And when we love another wholeheartedly, we love our own hearts back to wholeness.

After some time, a few of us wandered down to the hotel restaurant and had a somber meal with some pass-riders we had met up with. I had little appetite and only nibbled on some hard rolls but the company did me good. Afterwords, I felt myself needing a still more profound sustenance. Only a higher power could provide comfort in the midst of such an emotional storm, and

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 21

Flight "800 and her Lessons of Love" (continued) …

I longed for a place of spiritual refuge. A quick walk through the lobby and hallways turned up a few others who felt the same.

I remembered that Pope John Paul II had long traveled on TWA aircraft and had called TWA "Traveling With Angels." Although not Catholic, I hoped the nearby Sistine Chapel could provide some spiritual consolation that had thus far proved elusive that day, and soon five or six of us headed out for the Vatican.

Once atop of the long ramp at the entrance to the walled city, we simply flashed our yellow and red TWA I.D. badges to the guard, whose face immediately softened into a look of compassionate understanding and we were immediately shepherded inside the museum. We wandered through the beautiful artifacts of the Vatican Museum collection which provided a welcome distraction, but it was the Sistine Chapel that beckoned ahead, promising solace, serenity, and some blessed relief from the sorrow of the last several hours.

As one enters the Sistine Chapel, the silence is enveloping and insular and there is a serenity that quiets the soul. It is as if time ceases to exist and instead one finds an eternal, impermeable stillness. It was, as hoped, the one place I felt out of sorrow’s reach. And there I found comfort as I lifted my heart in prayer for my colleagues and their passengers lost at sea, for my broken-hearted co-workers, and for my company which now faced un-

precedented challenges.

When the first TWA aircraft arrived Rome a day later, we boarded with great trepidation, not knowing what had brought the mighty and venerable 747 down to earth two days earlier. Suspecting terrorism, we braced ourselves for any number of unpleasant scenarios on our return flight to JFK. Yet we steeled ourselves, not only because we now had a job to do in honor of our fallen colleagues, "… we steeled but because on board with us now were sevourselves, not only eral family members of because we now those lost in the crash. had a job to do in One such pashonor of our fallen senger was an elderly Italian grandmother colleagues, but who had lost both her because on board daughter and grandwith us now were daughter in the crash. several family Seeing me struggle with my own emotions and members of those shaking as I tried to lost in the crash…" pour coffee in the aisle, she rose up from her seat and put her arms around me, whispering “bambino, bambino” and stroked my hair as we just stood there in the aisle together, comforting one another. This is how it was all the way back to New York, the passengers and crew connecting in so loving and human a way, and getting through the ordeal together. Arrival in New York was both somber and celebratory at once. We were met by both the base manager and our union representatives who escorted us to Hanger 12, where we received a tear-filled, hearty welcome from most every one we came across.

The sight of Air Force One parked inside the hanger and black-clad snipers positioned on the roof

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 22

Flight "800 and her Lessons of Love" (continued) … and scattered throughout the employee parking lot, however, was not lost on any of us, and ratcheted up the already high anxiety to even loftier levels.

A few days later I was assigned a bittersweet trip on which I am very proud to have served; an MD80 flight from New York to Denver and Salt Lake City carrying the human remains of four of flight 800’s victims, including one of "The criticism had our pilots. First Class had been emptied exbeen that the airline cept for the families had been slow to and I was assigned the front cabin. The fami- release the passenger lies were pre boarded list but the truth at JFK by TWA Care was that the FBI had Team volunteers and seized the manifest we were introduced nearly immediately to one another before general boarding comafter the accident menced. In 1990, I and the airline was had been working as prohibited from a gate agent with Skycommenting on it."

West Airlines at LAX when a tragic air traffic control error led to the runway collision between a USAir 737 and a SkyWest Metroliner with the loss of all aboard the SkyWest aircraft and I had escorted a family in much the same way in the aftermath, and I was more than happy to help in this instance as well.

We took off from JFK around sunset and headed west for Denver and as I served the first round of drinks, I found that most everyone was more interested in meeting one another and talking with one another and surprisingly, with me as well, than eating so we decided to hold off on dinner for a bit and just sit a round and visit for a while. The families got to

know one another and shared stories about their loves ones and it was so lovely to be included in these conversations and to hear these beautiful memories.

Everyone wanted me to know how wonderful TWA and its volunteers had been to them despite the negative publicity we had received in the press. The criticism had been that the airline had been slow to release the passenger list but the truth was that the FBI had seized the manifest nearly immediately after the accident and the airline was prohibited from commenting on it.

It was a beautiful, clear night and we chased the sunset into the inky twilight and deep violet night sky. As the night went on, dinner was served, I kept the drinks flowing, and laughter and a few tears filled the forward cabin. Upon landing in Denver however, things took a reverent tone and we bid a teary and formal farewell to our new family and handed them over to more TWA volunteers and a phalanx of TWA staff who lined the jetway to pay their respects before we headed on to Salt Lake City where the scene was repeated as well. I found the honor of working this flight life changing and humbling and I am forever grateful for it.

The loss of flight 800 claimed the lives of 35 JFK-based pilots and flight attendants. In all, 53 TWA family were lost. Many of TWA’s shining stars were aboard the aircraft that night. Like Flight Service Manager Jacques Charbonnier, and his wife, flight attendant Connie Charbonnier, a storybook couple who met on flight 800 and who left the world together on flight 800.

Flight attendant Elaine Loffreido, who often used her vacation time and passes to transport much needed supplies to Mother Teresa in India. Retired Flight Service Manager “Frenchie” Gasque, who was escorting his elderly mother home to her native France one last time. Flight attendants Ray Lang and Melinda

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 23

Flight "800 and her Lessons of Love" (continued) …

Torche, a fun loving, flying couple who loved traveling Flight 800 was lost at sea 19 years ago and the the world together. Captain Don Gough and his wife, resplendent colors of our glorious TWA no longer flight attendant Anneli, heading to her native Finland grace the skies, but who will ever forget where they for a vacation. Three former TWA flight attendants were the night of July 17, 1996, a night which marked including Pam Lynchner, who, having survived a brua moment in time that resoundingly delineated a betal attack by a man posing as a handyman, had formed fore and an irreversible after. a victims rights organization called Justice For All that What flight 800 taught me is what it meant had won improvements to the Texas judicial system to come together with indefatigable love in the face on behalf of crime victims, were taking of unfathomable tragedy, to transcend "What flight 800 their young children, including Pam's darkness, and to soar to new heights never girls, Katie, 8 and Shannon, 10, on a taught me is what before imagined. What we woke up to in museum trip to Paris and to Monet’s gar- it meant to come Rome and around the TWA world was dens at Giverney. Flight attendant Marit unprecedented and incomprehensible. together with Rhodes had brought her husband Scott Yet that morning crews the world indefatigable along on the trip. over donned their navy uniforms and But Perhaps one of the most rose to the challenge of delivering the love in the face touching stories of flight 800 is that of gold standard of quality service and of unfathomable lovers Andy Krukar and Julie Stuart, unparalleled safety even as we grappled tragedy…" passengers. Andy, wanting to impress his with staggering personal loss that took girlfriend, Julie, with the most perfect our breath away. Despite the uncertainty marriage proposal ever, planned to take her to the and confusion of those first days, the people of TWA City of Lights to pop the question. He arranged held their heads high and performed their jobs with their trip for the 19th of July, and then, to make sure admirable pride and professionalism that became the everything would be perfect once in Paris, feigned envy of an industry. a business emergency that required him to fly over Our passengers came aboard and expressed their a couple days early, in reality, just so he could set a continued confidence in our airline, our maintenance, lavish scene for Julie’s arrival. Andy set out ahead, on and our crews. And we worked diligently to show our flight 800. One of the first items recovered from the gratitude and to prove to the world that its trust was ocean's surface when the sun first rose on the morning well placed. And we did it with a sense of renewed after the crash was the beautiful 1.6 carat engagement pride that morning and in the days to come, for we ring Andy had kept hidden from Julie for weeks. Julie did it in honor of our dear departed colleagues, the is still unmarried, and she wears her engagement ring crew of TWA flight 800, forever in our hearts, the true faithfully today as she has for the last 19 years. legacy of TWA. �

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 24

MEMORIES TO CHERISH …

Remembering the great times and friends both old and new at the 2015 Convention Cruise to Bermuda with the A/A Grey Eagles August 23-30, 2015

Welcome!

TWA ACTIVE RETIRED PILOTS ASSOCIATION

TARPA Presidents, past & present stand proudly at the TARPA ice sculpture: Bob Dedman (past), Dusty West (current), Bill Kirschner (past) and Charlie Wilder (past)

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 25

Below: Group photo of all who attended the joint Cruise Convention from TARPA & A/A Grey Eagles

Bob Kavula (TWA Retired Pilots 2nd Vice President) & his wife Dale pose in front of the TARPA ice sculpture

Everyone wanted to pose in front of these amazing ice sculptures: the A/A Gray Eagle logo and the TARPA logo – MAGNIFICENT!

President Dusty West with his lovely wife of 55 years, Lee OZ & Marilyn Snavely

Dick & Betty Escola TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 26

Jackie & Wes Mattonen (TWA retired) celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary onboard.

Our luxurious cruise ship the Celebrity Summit docked in Bermuda

Gail & Gene York (left) and Roger & Barb Leach toasting

Our Meeting Planner, Vicki McGowen

OZ & Marilyn Snavely enjoying breakfast on the deck.

Checking in and getting ready to depart

Amazing panoramic views of the NYC skyline upon departure in New York.

TWA Topics â&#x20AC;˘ November 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 27

Edith Gaya & Don Peters

A/A Capt Bob & DeEtte Hoch (Sec. of Grey Eagles)

The food, the drink and the company were top notch on this trip!

Scenes from the Board Meeting: Left: Charlie Wilder (Senior Director); Right: Mike Mcfarland (out going 1st Vice President)

Bob Dedman, Hospitality Dir & Past President receives a Plaque recognizing his 22+ years of service.

New Treasurer Jim Roe with Dusty West & new 1st Vice President Gene York a the "Normandy" statue (Salvaged off the French Cruise Ship Normandy)

Lee West with Karen Roe & Gail York

TWA Topics â&#x20AC;˘ November 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 28

Welcoming our new friends from A/A Grey Eagles!

Presidents past and present – left to right: A/A Grey Eagle Past Presidents: Bob Mangum, Fred Landbeck, Bill Rose, Ray Seymour, and Melanie Jarvis (current President), followed by current TWA Retired Pilots Assoc.

President, Dusty West, Tony Fortune (Grey Eagle past President), and TARPA past Presidents Bill Kirschner and Bob Dedman. (Missing Charlie Wilder, TARPA past President)

Left to right: Cynde & Bruce Ott, Ray Seymour (A/A Grey Eagles) with Dusty West & Bob Kavula at Royal Bermuda Yacht Club in Hamilton.

Hal West & wife Nancy with A/A friends Brody & Ann Conklin

Top: Lynn Hanlin greets Roger Leach

Grey Eagles Past Presidents Ray Seymour (waving) with Bruce & Cindy Ott

Left: Dick Escola at the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 29

President Dusty West & wife Lee getting ready to take in the sights of Bermuda.

WINGS OF PRIDE: A TWA PLANE THAT WAS NEARLY FORGOTTEN

BY J.L. JOHNSON

The TWA Wings of Pride, after 27 years of service across the world, had finally reclaimed its greatest livery and arrived back to the birthplace of its former airline, courtesy of TriStar History and Preservation and their patrons.

Wings of pride arrives home at the downtown KC Airport

This morning, I had the honor of welcoming an iconic piece of aviation history back home to Kansas City, MO. I watched the event unfold while standing on the roof of what was once an early Trans World Airlines (TWA) stronghold.

Looking into the sky, I could see a tiny red speck on the horizon that slowly grew into a beautiful red/white MD-83 (reg: N948TW). It was something unique, and certainly not common at the Charles B. Wheeler downtown airport (MKC).

Soon one of the most iconic (albeit nearly forgotten) planes to grace the Trans World fleet landed and taxied to within a few yards of TWA’s first headquarters in Kansas City, and former office of Howard Hughes himself.

Wings of Pride N948TW

Wings of Pride seen in the livery of BWIA prior to entering TWA's fleet. Photo: Bruno Geiger (flic.kr/p/rKHLgm)

ABOUT THE PLANE The MD-83 (SN 49575/LN 1414), which would become TWA’s Wings of Pride, got its start in 1987 with Spantax, a short-lived Spanish airline.

Months later, the plane went to another short-lived Spanish airline, LAC. After less than a full year with the Spaniards the plane found a new home with BWIA West Indies Airways, where it operated until 1994. The

The "red" and "white" livery on a TWA MD-80 - Photo: Aero Icarus TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 30

Wings of Pride (continued) plane would find its way into the TWA fleet as a gift from the employees to the airline, employer, and family they so loved. But the Wings of Pride’s story doesn’t end in 1994…

The Wings of Pride briefly wore the airline’s final formal livery (oddly enough, often referred to as “the final livery”) before being flown to TWA’s overhaul base at Kansas City International to receive a special inverted retro-livery.

The retro livery was based off of what was sometimes referred to as the “red and white” or “double stripe.” It was a mostly white fuselage with twin red cheatlines and large block lettering, but this plane was different.

What was traditionally white was to be red, and vice-versa. This simple color swap took a rather tame livery to the extreme. Simply stated, the livery was as bold as the act of kindness which led to its dedication.

The employees who raised the $233,000/month for the lease determined the inverted livery would send a message to employees and customers alike: TWA had taken a beating but they weren’t giving up and this symbolized they were reinventing the airline from the inside out.

Wings of pride arrives home at the downtown KC Airport

The Wings of Pride would wear this special livery until the end of TWA. On Saturday, December 1, 2001, TWA flew its last flight. Flight 220, the ceremonial final TWA flight, departed Kansas City International (MCI) for Lambert St. Louis airport (STL) linking the two great Missouri cities that had shared in TWA’s heritage. The plane to carry the lucky passengers for the farewell flight was none other than the Wings of Pride, captained by TWA president Bill Compton.

According to a first-hand testimony from flight 220 passenger Ryan J. Pearl, after a water-cannon salute in KC and early departure passengers were presented with mementos, champagne, and “Trans World First”

first-class boxed meals. After a fly-by of the STL airport the plane landed (ahead of schedule) to receive a final water cannon salute.

Fight 220 quickly taxied to STL’s gate C-10, ending TWA’s 76-year history and beginning a new chapter as a part of American Airlines. Wings of Pride proudly wore its custom livery for a few more months before again returning to KC’s overhaul base in 2002, now under control of American Airlines.

WoP seen with matching tug and cart – Photo: Chris Collins

The plane was stripped of its special livery only to receive the standard American Airlines bare metal scheme that the airline was so well known for.

All that distinguished the plane was its registry which was preserved as N948TW. Over the next 12 years, memories of Wings of Pride would fade as the plane blended in with the rest American’s “Super 80” fleet.

In 2014, the plane was saved from salvage in a deal between American, TriStar History, and a number of sponsors. The Wings of Pride would again return to the KC overhaul base, only this time neither TWA, nor American, occupied the base. For nearly a year, the plane would sit on the ramp as funds were raised to remove the American Airlines livery and return it to the beloved inverted color design.

WoP on the ramp near the KC overhaul base. Photo: Copyright Chris Collins-Used under arrangement.

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 31

Wings of Pride (continued) Kansas City is also home to the TWA Museum (TWAM) which occupies part of a building at the downtown airport which was initially part of TWA’s original KC headquarters. The TWA Museum, as the name suggests, is dedicated solely to preserving the history of TWA and its employees. TWAM is believed to host the most comprehensive collection of TWA artifacts of any museum. The crown jewel of TWAM is a Lockheed Electra Junior 12A, the world’s oldest flying former TWA plane.

TWA’s former HQ in Downtown KC, MO. Photo: David DeHetre (CC BY 2.0)

Wings of Pride will remain at the downtown airport with the TWA museum as a reminder to KC citizens of their rich aviation history. It will be kept in flying condition and pending various FAA approvals may be used to provide flights to patrons who supported the acquisition and re-livery before being used for educational purposes. Additionally, TriStar History expects to provide some support to honor flights, shuttling military veterans to Washington, DC to visit their memorials. Again, pending various regulatory approvals. The Wings of Pride will be one of the honored stars of the August 22-23 Kansas City Air Show.

TWA’S LINK TO KANSAS CITY It’s a little-known fact that TWA was headquartered in Kansas City, MO for roughly half of its existence. Its last KC HQ was opened in 1956 on the corner of 18th and Baltimore in the historic Crossroads District. The airline remained incorporated in KC until the decision was made to relocate its executives to New York City in the late 1960s. Even with the loss of the company leadership, TWA maintained a presence at the building for a number of years.

In 2002, the former TWA HQ was added to the National Register of Historic Places. On the roof of the southwest corner of the building sits a 20-foot tall replica (of a replica) of a TWA Moonliner concept from Disney’s Tomorrowland exhibit. The original replica is on display at the National Airline History Museum (NAHM) which also houses a Lockheed Constellation, Douglas DC-3 and Martin 404, all three in TWA livery.

1937 TWA Lockheed Electra. This plane was used by TWA as a flight research laboratory. Photo: Daniel Palen / UPGRD.

About Tristar History TriStar History and Preservation is a relatively new organization to enter KC’s aviation-related nonprofit market. As the name suggests, the organization has a special place in their hearts for the L-1011 TriStar.

In fact, they own one which is currently in Victorville, California.

Rather than operate a museum, TriStar is taking a unique and much more active approach in looking to cultivate the next generation of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) workers. The organization’s mission is “Inspiring greater achievement through higher altitude.” TriStar aims to use flyable aircraft (and sims) in educational and experiential programs to inspire students looks to provide youth.

That’s right. They are recruiting kids to be AvGeeks and pursue STEM careers by offering rides on historic planes. As a lover of aviation history and old planes, a parent, and proud STEM worker, I couldn’t be more excited about the future of this organization. Did I mention they also own a super-rare BAC One-Eleven?

It is a very good time to be a KC-based AvGeek! �

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 32

JFK’S ICONIC TWA TERMINAL TO BECOME A HOTEL COMPLEX Published in USA Today, September 24, 2015

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the formal approval of a lease deal to turn the iconic TWA Flight Center at John F. Kennedy Airport into a hotel complex.

The Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners approved the $265 million construction project. It is expected to break ground on a nearly six-acre site next year and open in 2018. JFK is one of the few major U.S. airports without an on-site hotel.

“This administration has committed to modernizing New York’s airports for the 21st century by creating gateways worthy of New York City and ensuring travelers have the services they need,’’ Cuomo said in a press release. “At the TWA Flight Center, we are able to meet those goals while also preserving its iconic design for passengers to enjoy for decades to come.”

The project is projected to generate 3,700 jobs.

Plans for the hotel were first announced in July. The 75year lease agreement involves Flight Center Hotel LLC, a partnership of MCR Development and JetBlue Airways Corporation. MCR Development will maintain 95% ownership of the hotel and JetBlue will take 5%.

“We are thrilled the TWA Flight Center, which sits at the front door of our flagship T5 terminal, will come alive again,” JetBlue Vice President of Corporate Real Estate Rich Smythe said in a written statement.

The hotel will have 505 rooms, 40,000 square feet of meeting space, restaurants, a spa and a 10,000-square-foot observation deck. The complex will feature two six-story hotel towers and an energy management system that will allow the building to generate its own power.

The familiar curving 1960’s-era stark white concourse with plush-red lounge area will remain in place as it has for the last 50 years due to a $20 million renovation by the Port Authority.

“The Port Authority is proud to ensure the TWA Flight Center plays a critical role in JFK Airport’s future, while acknowledging its importance in aviation history,” Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye said in a written statement. “The new hotel will serve the growing needs of our passengers throughout the 21st century, with a touch of the bygone era of glamorous mid-20th Century jet-age travel.” �

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 33

MEMORIES OF GROWING UP A PILOT'S SON IN ROME

By Ken Fairchild Jr., TWA Capt. Retired In the summer of 1946 our to the docks to pick up the car. family was living in Roslyn, Long The Buick was green in color and Island, New York. My father was a really stood out from the little TWA Captain and had flown ICD Italian 1930 vintage automobiles. during the war. My brother Don and I Needless to say, Serjo immediately were a couple of typical airline brats – put the top down and he never doing what kids ten and eleven do. took his hand off the horn for the Dad came home from a trip and next 30-minute drive home. Dad announced he was taking us to Rome. It soon got tired of his blowing the was the beginning of a great adventure horn and threatened to fire him for my brother and I. Actually, we if he didn't quit. kids became fairly close over in Rome.

In addition to Serjo, Don Terry's daughter, Charlie (Crisis) we had a maid named Hilda Kratovil, and his wife, Jackie and (in Italian, Mafalda.) She used their daughters, Connie and Karen. I to take us with her to visit her thought I was going to marry Connie family on Sundays. I think she TWA Capt. Ken Fairchild, Jr. when I grew up. was a little too pretty, as mom I can't put exact dates as to when we actually fired her and got a more elderly maid. arrived in Rome, but we moved into 25 Via Trasone, When home on vacations, we kids often were located across the street from the Borgahese Gardens, sent to the local wine shop to pick up the dinner wine. just off of Piazza Del Popalo, one block from the It was usually a Chianti, which was mixed with water Spanish Steps. for the kids. The water in Rome wasn't always safe to Don and I were shipped off to a boys' school drink. Usually, the cook (oh, yes, we had one of those, in Coppet, Switzerland. Dad said we needed to learn too), would boil the water. Most of the time, we drank French as it was the international language of business. bottle mineral water. We didn't have fresh milk, and the That school was nothing like the American schools of powdered stuff tasted like Milk-a-magnesia. today. A student would never talk back to one of the I remember overhearing stories about the Poker professors and feared being sent to the head masters games that never ended at the President Hotel (where office – but that's another story… We both learned to ROM Crews layed over in New York.) On Christmas, speak fluent French and Street Italian when home in Dad apparently had a tremendous run of luck and Rome on vacations. pinned 50 pairs of nylon stockings all around the living At some point in time, Dad (while on layover in room for mom for Christmas.

NY) bought a brand new 1946 Buick Roadmaster and I always remember when we got back to Roslyn, shipped it to Rome. We had a Butler named Serjo who Dad would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up. would also, when the car arrived, become our Chauffeur.

"Oh," I said, "I guess I'll be an Airline pilot like you."

That great day finally arrived and Serjo asked So I became one. � my brother if we would like to accompany him down TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 34

FLOWN WEST

FLOWN WEST

IN MEMORY OF

WALTER "WALLY" J. O'BRIEN July 19, 1931 - March 26, 2015 TWA 1963-1987

Walter's love of flying was absolute.

From the time when his father took Walter (age 8) on his first plane ride (a small plane) on their "New Hampshire Vacation", that's all he wanted to do.

When Walter was 16 and had a part time job, he started taking flying lessons at our local Airport in Revere, Massachusetts, where he managed to get all his ratings. (Note: the Revere Airport is now a shopping mall.)

He served in the Navy during the Korean Situation, and when he came home he started applying to the airlines. His happiest day was the day he got hired by Northwest Airlines (now gone), and the most thrilling day was when he passed the tests for TWA Walter was so happy and proud and he made one of the best pilots TWA ever had. � – Submitted by Joan O'Brien, Walter's wife

May the road rise to meet you,

The rains fall soft upon your fields,

May the wind always be at your back,

And until we meet again,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 35

FLOWN WEST

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN JACK B. MOSER

January 30, 1925 - May 18, 2015 TWA 1953-1983 Jack B. Moser passed away peacefully on May 18, 2015. He was 90. Jack was a US Navy veteran of WWII, serving as a flight instructor. He worked for the FBI in the weapons range, and NAS Pensacola, FL as a Naval Aviator Flight Instructor. He then worked as a pilot for TWA for 30 years, retiring as a 747 Captain.

From Jack's daughter, Kimberly Moser Travers –

Capt. Jack B. Moser on far right

"It was important to my Dad to keep me updated and informed on all things TWA. He told me of TARPA and Flown West and their importance. I miss him dearly and I know how much he loved TWA. He was quite a man and so much fun to be around.

I have enclosed a picture of my dad with a crew from June 1976, and one of me as a 2 year old (1955). It shows clearly my love of TWA and my eagerness to help by kicking any tires and topping off any tanks.

TWA – the best; will never be another like it. � �

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IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN WILLIAM H. CLEMENS February 8, 1935 - March 31, 2015 TWA 1964-1990

TWA Topics • November Page 36 2015 • Page 36

FLOWN WEST

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN RICHARD M. CARLSON December 18, 1921 - March 19, 2015 TWA 1948-1981

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN EARL D. JEZEK

February 1, 1927 - April 10, 2015 TWA 1955-1990

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN PAUL C. OLSON

March 4, 1925 - April 22, 2015 TWA 1951-1982

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN ROBERT W. STUFFINGS January 23, 1919 - April 26, 2015 TWA 1942-1979

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN THOMAS R. WOODFILL November 30, 1941 - May 3, 2015 TWA 1966-2001

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN WARREN M. GEORGE February 17, 1928 - May 19, 2015 TWA 1959-1986

Poem submitted

by Kimberly Moser Travers, as a poem loved by her late father, Captain Jack B. Moser

Remember we first looked with eager eyes to God's domain of sun-lit skies and longed that we could Earth-free too Join Eagles, clouds in azure blue.

And fly.

And we were chosen by fate – why?

To enter God's domain, the sky, And only we, the chosen, know the joy of freedom from Earth below.

And so, We took wings of silver then; Topped mountains, storms, looked down on them; Climbed and dived like Eagles soared On silver wings; and engines roared.

(Continued on next page)

TWA Topics • November Page 37 2015 • Page 37

FLOWN WEST (Continued from page 37)

We sang.

With joyous hearts and spirits free, we became as others could never be.

God's privileged few who now flew near O'er rushing wind in flight we hear.

His voice.

And only those of us who fly Could hear Him say His reason why He gave us more than Earthly chore Then we too join the growing score.

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN LYLE E. HUNTLEY January 31, 1919 - May 25, 2015 TWA 1952-1979

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN CHARLES R. WEINREICH January 20, 1937 - June 23, 2015 TWA 1965-1996

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN WALTER G. BRAFFORD July 17, 1927 - June 24, 2015 TWA 1956-1985

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN WILLIAM L. SCHULZ November 2, 1928 - June 25, 2015 TWA 1952-1988

Of them.

Whose wings lose silver, turn to grey, With misty eyes come to that day.

As faltering leaves in autumn find A resting place, the sky behind – (Continued on next page)

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN JOSEPH L. PETERSON October 8, 1924 - July 3, 2015 TWA 1952-1987

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN WILLIAM J. EBERT July 25, 1925 - July 15, 2015 TWA 1951-1985

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 38

FLOWN WEST

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN WILLIAM E. CLEGG December 7, 1935 - July 23, 2015 TWA 1965-1999

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN PETER W. KIEWEL May 26, 1937 - August 4, 2015 TWA 1966-1997

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN MARSHALL P. HYDORN June 22, 1927 - August 4, 2015 TWA 1954-1987

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN RICHARD B. COOPER December 9, 1930 - August 13, 2015 TWA 1956-1986

(Continued from page 38)

We stay.

Bound for awhile

by Earth again, Our wings no longer can sustain.

Our spirit, joy, our freedom, flight.

Til God at dawn beyond the night.

Will say.

"Take silver wings this time from Me Once again to fly, be free, Climb, turn, frolic, soar, But now this time forever more – Join Me."

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN WILLIAM I. NEWMAN May 29, 1921 - September 20, 2015 TWA 1951-1985

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN CLARK J. CHRISTOPHER

September 19, 1918 - September 24, 2015 TWA 1944-1985 TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 39

FLOWN WEST REPORTING PROCEDURE Revised October 7, 2015

American Airlines Survivor Support: 1-888-860-6178 The procedure for reporting a pilot’s death is for survivors to call American Airlines Benefits Service Center at 1-888-860-6178.

The primary reason for that is to determine eligibility for Insurance benefits. They will want complete information on the deceased and the beneficiary; that is: • Full names and addresses • Social Security numbers of both • Date and cause of death • Beneficiaries’ relationship to the deceased • Funeral home information

FOR TWA TOPICS MEMORIALS TWA Retired Pilots Association maintains basic Pilot information and uses that information for the Flown West section of TWA TOPICS, inclusion in the In Remembrance page on our website, and also in the Directory. All TWA Retired Pilots Association Members should save this notice and provide a copy for their family members. Family members and friends may send Memorials for TWA Retired Pilots Assoc. Members who have Flown West to:

Capt. Bob Willcutts 3 Dale Terrace Sandwich, MA 02563 774-413-9003 Webmaster@tarpa.com

• Beneficiary will later have to submit a certified copy of the death certificate.

Initial contact must be by telephone.

American Airlines wants voice contact. Have the information at hand before the call. If beneficiary is unable to call, and if someone else calls for them, beneficiary must be on hand.

All TWA Retired Pilots Association members should save this notice and provide a copy for their family members.

See the next 2 pages for a complete Flown West Checklist in the event of death of a Retiree, Spouse or Dependent …

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 40

<-- Tear out & keep this page!

FLOWN WEST CHECKLIST

In the event of death of a Retiree, Spouse or Dependent • Updated 10/7/2015 The following items are to enable you to find the answers for your estate upon the death of a TWA Retiree or Spouse: Make copies of all correspondence and log all phone calls by name, number and time.

Contact: American Airlines Benefits Service Center 1-888-860-6178 FAX 1-847-554-1884 PO Box 564103 Charlotte, NC 28256-4103 You will need the last four of the SS # & D.O.B. MetLife, 800-440-6081 if needed, for proof of TWA Retiree Life Insurance.

INFORMATION NEEDED: Deceased Employee's Name, Employee Number (AA Number) or TWA payroll number. Date of Death, Cause of Death, relationship of notifying party, Address and Phone number of notifying party.

Names of surviving family members, Marriage date (if caller is surviving spouse). AA Benefits Center will provide important information concerning any benefits that may be provided. They will also send a detailed information package.

MEDICARE: Forms for Medicare should be at a hospital or Doctor's office.

FUNERAL PLANS: It is desirable that a person or family member have funeral plans ahead of time.

These plans should be in writing and members of the family should know where they are located.

DEATH CERTIFICATE: Several official copies should be made, at least 12.

WILL/TRUST: General knowledge of the contents of either the Will or Trust should be known or easily referenced. It is important to know the Executor or Trustee for the documents. Legal procedures for the Will/Trust need to be followed.

Using a Trust/Estate Attorney is the safest route for these procedures. Legal advice will confirm if the Will/Trust needs to be probated or not.

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE: An accountant or tax attorney should be contacted to determine the liability of taxes due on the estate for both federal and state. The laws are constantly changing and the allowed deductions and exemptions vary from year to year and state to state. Each state has its own laws and procedures.

Ownership in several states may require legal advice in those states. NOTE: Any action of a legal nature should be referred to your attorney.

RETIREMENT PENSION ANNUITY AND TWA DAP (401K): Contact the PBGC at 1-800400-7242 TWA DAP (401K): Contact Great Western Financial at 800-338-4015, or plan Coordinator, Michelle Silberberg at 314-739-7373.

STOCKS AND BONDS: It may become necessary to liquidate stocks or other assets so bills can be paid. Check for ownership and survival succession. Your broker should be notified upon death. Proper forms should be available to your broker or banker to release funds.

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION: Check with the VA for benefits such as Life Insurance if you are the family of a veteran. Information can be found under US Government in your phone book to obtain a Service Officer to render assistance.

This can be American Legion, Disabled American Vets, State Office of Vet Services, AMVETS, VVA, VA etc. These individuals are the advocates for the veterans and can assist navigating the VA process.

MILITARY RETIREMENT: If the veteran was drawing military retirement they should contact the military service paying the retirement.

If they are obtaining and receiving disability compensation.

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 41

(Continued on next page)

FLOWN WEST CHECKLIST … CONTINUED In the event of death of a Retiree, Spouse or Dependent • Updated 03/19/2015 THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF ITEMS YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OR HAVE CHECKED BY YOUR ATTORNEY OR TAX ACCOUNTANT: SOCIAL SECURITY: Notify the Social Security office for possible death benefits. You may need to return the last Social Security check or have your bank return it if you are using direct deposit. Social Security Administration: (800) 772-1213. Have the Social Security Number available. A one-time payment of $255 can be made only to a spouse or child if they meet certain requirements. Survivors must apply for this payment within two years of the date of death.

REQUEST YOUR MILITARY SERVICE RECORDS ONLINE, BY MAIL, OR BY FAX Includes DD 214/Separation Documents, Personnel Records, and/or Medical Records www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records BURIAL AND PLOT INTERNMENT ALLOWANCE is available from the Veterans Administration. Survivors should contact the Service Officer or the VA Regional at 1-800-827-1000 and provide first notice of death. www.cem.va.gov/burial_benefits MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATIONS: Check ALL memberships such as ELKS, American Legion, Moose, VFW, ALPA, Shrine, etc., for possible death benefits. Check online as each organization has a web site. It maybe .Org or .Com (i.e., www.ALPA.org). For TWA Retired Pilots Assoc. Members, contact the Flown West Editor: Captain Bob Willcutts 3 Dale Terrace, Sandwich, MA 02563-1824 (774) 413 - 9003 webmaster@tarpa.com CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSITS: (CD's), Savings Bonds, Money Market Funds: Check for survival benefits, survival succession and survival ownership.

BANK SAVINGS, CHECKING ACCOUNTS, AND CREDIT CARDS: Check for ownership and joint ownerships or other signatories.

AUTOMOBILE TITLES, HOME DEEDS OR DEED OF TRUSTS, MORTGAGES OR LOANS: Check for ownership and survival succession and payoff information.

AUTOMOBILE LOANS, HOME MORTGAGES, AND OUTSTANDING LOANS: Check to see if they are covered by insurance. Check for procedure to change ownership.

OTHER ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION: The location of Birth and Marriage, Certificates, Living Will, Power(s) of Attorney, Divorce Papers, Military DD 214, Veterans Benefits Papers, Deed or House Mortgage, Bank Statements, Investment and Broker Portfolios, Partnership or LLC's, Credit Union papers, Life, Health, Home and Auto Insurance, Past Tax Statements and any other items you consider important.

These are some of the many questions and situations that may arise upon the death of a spouse or family member. It is NOT the intent of the TWA Retired Pilots Assoc., or any other TWA Retiree group to act as legal counsel or provide legal opinions. The above information is for your consideration and planning, to ease the burden on your survivors.

IF YOU USE A COMPUTER: it would be a good idea to make a list of all your passwords to give to a trusted family member. But DO NOT transmit them electronically, especially by email. Even typing them as a list on the computer can be risky. This is one time to make use of pen and paper.

I know using this check list will be during one of the most trying times of your life and you have my sincere condolences in advance.

– Captain Bill Kirschner, TWA Ret. Editor TWA TOPICS • Past President �

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 42

From the archives:

BOB BUCK FLIES A CONNIE FROM L.A. TO LONDON Editor’s note: Bob Buck was one of Air Facts’ most popular writers in the 1950s and 60s, beloved for his firsthand accounts of the changing airline world. Whether it was a Lockheed Constellation or a Boeing 707, Buck took readers along for an incredible ride. In our latest trip through the Air Facts archives, we fly from Los Angeles to London via the polar route, as told from the left seat of a Connie.

Originally printed in the December 1958 edition of Air Facts.

fuel reserve over London of 3000 In the cool California morning, pounds, a little over an hour. This made grey by the persistent early doesn’t sound like much, but there morning stratus overcast, I walked are lots of places along the way to toward the hangar and my eventual land and get fuel if necessary. I destination of the dispatch and weather could also go to a long range cruise offices. I was getting ready to take out that would take an hour longer, but Flight 770. get there with more fuel. A lot can I was thinking about flying happen in 17 hours and the fuel at between Los Angeles and Albuquerque destination, at this state, was just as a brand new copilot, twenty-one fight planning information. years ago. It was amusing to reflect The track that had been that if I had made a prophecy then, set up was northeast out of Los out loud, that someday I’d be Captain Angeles to Winnipeg, Canada, then of a nonstop scheduled flight from Los over lower Hudson Bay, Goose Angeles to London they would have This article originally appeared in the Bay, Labrador, across the ocean run me off to the booby hatch. But here December 1958 edition of Air Facts. to Shannon, and then London. I I was flying it. studied this tract superimposed on Up in the office the crew was the 500 millibar chart. milling about getting flight plan information together, The 500 millibar chart which shows the winds laying out the complex charts that cover our spider web near 19000 feet indicated a strong flow of west winds, airways, organizing the various necessary forms. We a tight gradient with the isobars jammed in together. collected in the weather office with the dispatcher.

This wind was up on the northern part of the track The flight had been tentatively set up during from North Dakota east. Between Los Angeles and the night by a conference between dispatchers on both North Dakota the winds were lazy. The trick was to get coasts and our weather offices in Los Angeles, Kansas up north without much expenditure of fuel and effort, City and New York. It looked like a nonstop with a in order to get at those strong westerlies. You don’t do flight plan of 17 hours 32 minutes. This would give a TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 43

Bob Buck Flies a Connie from L.A. to London (continued) …

17 hours to London in a Connie – a long trip that requires serious planning, and no iPads.

this just as you’d like to. You wish you could take off and head straight out, beeline. But you cannot; you have to pretzel around the little corners of the airways and make wasteful twists and turns. Actually the track would be over Long Beach, then Ontario, California, then V8 to Las Vegas, then V1529 all the way to Pembina, North Dakota.

After studying the track beyond Winnipeg I thought it was layed out too far north. When you get up in those higher latitudes you have to watch carefully that you don’t get north of the westerlies too far north and you are in easterlies. Any weather text book shows the earth’s classical wind circulation with the westerlies extending up to about 60 degrees north and then easterlies above that. The dividing line isn’t exact but varies with weather situations, seasons and cold air outbreaks. A slug of cold air, sucked down by some vigorous low, will move this boundary south.

Sometimes the dividing line gets close to tracks you want to fly and a strong tail wind can turn into a light one, or even head wind if you get too far north.

I thought the track planned was flirting a little too closely with the dividing line for the present conditions so I decided to cut the track further south, only a matter of 120 miles from the one planned. This pulled us down from 53 degrees north & 80 degrees west to 51 degrees at 80 degrees west. Then studying the upper air further along our route, I felt strongly that the maximum wind would be roughly along the 50th parallel, over northern Newfoundland and on the great circle track across the ocean. I wanted to fly that way, but there is a big danger area set aside in the region northwest of Newfoundland, just where I wanted to go, so I couldn’t. I had to plan a track from 51 degrees north to 80 degrees west to Goose Bay and on over. I hate danger areas, cockeyed airways and all the things that take away the freeness of straight flight, but I guess you have to give in to the times.

With this revision, the navigators two of them, because it’s a long flight and copilots made out the flight plan. It came out to 17 hours 04 minutes. A little saving on paper and we hadn’t even started. But one thing you learn there can be a big difference between that flight

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 44

Bob Buck Flies a Connie from L.A. to London (continued) … plan and what actually happens. tower says to taxi here or there, The art of forecasting winds is a and airways say climb only this long way from perfect and, too, high or go this way. A cloud weather can change a lot over comes along and you are caught the 17-hour period of the flight. in a VFR-IFR problem with all Altitudes are a probthe regulatory implications…it’s lem out of Los Angeles. You’d a life of restrictions, of narrow like to stay low for a while and boundaries you must remain save fuel by not climbing with within or you’ll have troubles the big load, but the mountains either legal or mechanical. But are there and the temperature is that moment the tower says to high and that makes density algo ahead that is your moment of A gracious way to fly halfway around the world. titude higher than the indicated. freedom. The runway is yours, We planned it for 11000 feet to only yours; the check Dickinson, North Dakota and 19000 after that. This list is finished and all the "… that moment the was based on a little luck because I could only go 11000 items are done and set tower says to go on a visual basis; if the weather became instruments I’d properly. You have at last have to get much higher on some portions of the airarrived at the moment ahead that is your ways. The weather, along airways, was supposed to be of flying as you love it moment of freedom. clear up to Dickinson, then a trough, or weak front, you can go ahead and The runway is yours, until about 80 degrees west, then clear to 300 miles only your own skill and only yours …

You off the Labrador coast where there was a front to go judgment makes the have at last arrived at through; from there on nothing until England, where a difference. long north-south front was moving along. Shannon was The big jetstream the moment of flying forecast to be showery with multiple cloud decks startpasses V1 and I begin to as you love it you ing at 300 feet. London was forecast showery too with rotate and get the nose up can go ahead and decks much like Shannon. toward the sky. She breaks only your own skill It may sound a little peculiar to start 5700 miles away from the earth. The and judgment makes for a place that will be something around 300 feet. gear starts up and the Actually that sort of forecast for Shannon and London little soggy moment of the difference." is a comfortable one. With a front and associated low transition passes and firm in the area of the British Isles you don’t worry much air, flowing swiftly over the long graceful wing, gives us about getting in. There’ll be wind and it may rain and support and strength to climb. It’s a routine takeoff, but be a little wild, but the ceiling will stay within workable somewhere inside me stirs a feeling of elation. I cannot limits and the visibility will be pretty good. I was a little allow the import of our journey ahead, the audacity of shocked with myself when I thought about the weather man’s challenge to time and distance, to go unnoticed. I over there and sort of visualized how it would look, as cannot be blasé about all this. It is an exciting moment, you do, and realized I felt more at home and familiar a moment when you are glad to be an airline pilot and with the weather in England than I did in California. never want to be anything else.

Finally we are in the airplane, on the runway, Now we climb straight ahead until 1000 feet, all lined up and ready to go. The grey overcast is still then a left turn to 165 degrees as directed we are to there, but being California we’ll be on top before long. intersect 186 degrees on the LAX beacon, then proThe tower says to let her go and I shove the throttles ceed to Bonita intersection. This is all a little annoyand we begin to move. Sometimes I think this moment ing. There’s 5700 miles to go and I don’t want to is the greatest of flight. There’s so much complexity in waste time screwing around west of Los Angeles. these times that flying has lost most of its freedom. The Then we are cleared further to Long Beach, check list tells you something needs to be done, the cross Red 65 not under 9000 feet. Hell, I can’t make TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 45

Bob Buck Flies a Connie from L.A. to London (continued) …

9000 feet by Red 65. In that case, says the controller, climb in the Bonita pattern to 9000 feet. Hell again.

I don’t want to sit out over the Pacific Ocean making circles, climbing slowly in a bank with the load I want to head east for London! I’m burning precious gasoline.

I’m using up time. Then we break out on top, out in the warm bright sunshine. The sky is blue and the air very clear. I can see the distant mountains to the east.

“I can climb VFR on top.” I’m okayed for that and at last we wheel and head east. The traffic I was being held for, an Air Force Convair, goes by over me and I see him plainly.

We pass Ontario climbing and reach 11000 feet before Fontana intersection. Now it’s clear and we pass the mountains near Lake Arrowhead. Everything is in good shape and the hostess has brought the first of many cups of coffee. We’re off to London Town and glad to shake loose from the complexity of a crowded terminal area.

Past Las Vegas and Morman Mesa, then Milford, Utah. Next is Myton and now a rub; ATC says I have to climb because the minimum reception altitude is 21000 feet! This I don’t want to do at all. The weather is very clear so we proceed VFR. We’ve had a pleasing southwest wind and are now actually six minutes ahead of our flight plan, even with the messing around Los Angeles.

Back in the cabin lunch is being served and I stop on a trip through to chat with passengers who are eating a magnificent dinner with champagne and all the fancy things you’d eat at the Caprice in London.

They seem very matter of fact about the whole journey and I mentally note that if one of them complains about the steak being too rare or too well done I’ll have trouble being polite.

All this time we’ve worked ATC centers direct on VHF with a few small gaps when we relayed through other flights. We kept in touch even though we were VFR since we planned to go back to IFR and wanted ATC to keep track of us. By using high frequency we’ve talked with our company and given progress reports. We also have requested a new wind

forecast from Winnipeg to London.

At Dickinson we were back under control although it was still CAVU. Some high clouds were forming and it was part of the weather they had predicted. Our airplane was light now and the temperature lower so I asked for 19000 feet. In a little bit we were cleared up. Our climb was fast and effortless and we reached 19000, levelled off and got going. Now, up there and set, I had the feeling we were really on our way. The airways flying was just VOR hopping with a lot of annoying fiddling around to stay legal, and safe, of course, and still trying to accomplish the job as you’d like to. That part was a series of compromises. But up at 19000 feet, approaching the Canadian border, we were heading out where you still have a little room "… passengers left to breathe in.

We went south of are eating a Winnipeg and Canadian magnificent airways were very kind and dinner with helpful in giving us the routing I wanted across champagne and their G-1 airway. At Sioux all the fancy Lookout, Ontario we left all airways and we were twelve things you’d eat minutes ahead of flight plan. at the Caprice Now I had the big in London.” green chart out that covers eastern North America, the North Atlantic and a big piece of Europe. On it I plotted our flight plan. At each 10 degrees of longitude I marked the flight plan estimate for that point and the fuel we expected to have on board. Then, as each point is passed, you see what you are doing compared with the flight plan.

The weather hadn’t been much and we just flew through snow for about an hour. A company meteorologist was deadheading and was anxious to see the weather inside, but we disappointed him because there wasn’t anything but some dry snow.

It became dark while we were in the snow.

Then the snow slowly petered out. Although it was still snowing when you looked ahead, you could look up and

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 46

Bob Buck Flies a Connie from L.A. to London (continued) … dimly see the brighter stars. This is the way snow ends it 0420. Our fuel was going to be about 1000 pounds gradually fades away as you fly out of the weather. The more than flight plan. stars get brighter and brighter and finally you can see I got up front and stood between the two copithe smaller stars and it’s difficult to tell if it’s snowing lots. The cockpit was dark with only the dim glow of or not. You turn on the nose light and if there’s any the red lights. Up ahead I could see the lights of Goose snow you’ll see the sparkling crystals in the light. You Bay sparkling through the clear northern night, the are interested in these crystals because they sometimes only lights for hundreds of miles. We were going to get in the fuel flow control and make the engines run a make our 0420 estimate. little irregularly. It’s a surprise to think you are in clear The fellows gave me some sheets of paper on air and then suddenly have the engines act up. You which they’d copied the weather. They had been picking check things and soon discover you up the Shannon weather broadcast are in ice crystals. I have a little trick on 5559 kcs. Shannon had 800 feet, on that score, that’s amusing to me. I a strong wind and good visibility; look for the Big Dipper and then the London was 200 scattered, 800 middle star in the handle it’s called broken, 2500 overcast. The forecasts Mizar. Right over Mizar there’s a for both places were on the upswing. tiny little second star. The Arabs call Dublin was about the same and these two the horse and rider. If I Prestwick, Scotland too. We’d have look at Mizar and then can see the almost two hours of fuel at London little star above it there are not many and, of course, we could drop into ice crystals in the air, but if the little Shannon, which was an hour before The cockpit of the Connie is full, star is difficult to see, even though I London, if need be. There wasn’t and everyone has a job. see Mizar plainly, there probably are any point landing at some ice crystals. All this isn’t very important, but it’s Goose Bay. “Let ‘er "All the airlines work the kind of things you fool with on those long nights. go,” I remarked and We got a good fix over 51 degrees north & went on back in the the same network of 80 degrees west. Flight plan had estimated us there at sleepy cabin to stir radio so it’s a great 0211Z time with 30730 pounds of fuel remaining. up some coffee and a Actually we were there at 0202 with 31280 pounds, breakfast roll. big party line. It’s as nine minutes ahead and 550 pounds of fuel to the good.

The hostesses international as the It wasn’t much, but it was on the good side. were awake and United Nations and We were working Gander on high frequency looking pretty cute and they gave us new wind forecasts for the rest of the for 4:30 in the as busy as Times route. They looked a little better than the flight plan morning. We chit Square at rush hour, winds. London and Shannon still forecast about the chatted while I had same, Goose Bay was wide open if we wanted to duck my coffee and sweet and listening in you in there. roll. The passengers can hear a lot of I decided to sleep a little while. The bunk felt seemed all asleep interesting things." good. More than the couple of hours sleep, I think you as I went back up enjoy getting your clothes off and stretching way, way forward. out and relaxing your body. I slept about two hours.

Gene Ford, one of the copilots, went back to The bunk is right next to the navigator’s desk so bed and I got in my seat, put on the ear phones and when you get up you can look over his charts and work. settled down to listening to the North Atlantic at night.

I buttoned up my shirt as I studied the chart. Everything All the airlines work the same network of radio so looked good. We’d picked up some more time and were it’s a great big party line. It’s as international as the United estimating Goose Bay in about 15 minutes. Our flight Nations and as busy as Times Square at rush hour, and plan called for 0439 over Goose and we now estimated listening in you can hear a lot of interesting things.

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 47

The first thing I picked up was a Trans Canada flight giving a position report at 20 degrees west, only 400 miles or so from Ireland. What I wanted to hear was his wind report. I could hardly believe it 280 degrees at 102 knots! London could hardly believe it either and asked for a repeat. It was the same. That made me feel real good; we’d probably pick up even more time.

Then I heard others. Air France, just south of weather ship Charlie, had 260 degrees at 80 knots, and we were only expecting 50 knots. Things looked real cheery.

This party line is useful and hearing what’s going on is often a big help. Sometimes you get an indication that things aren’t so good ahead and it saves considerable time in making a change in plans.

I knew it was time for the navigator to take a fix and I wanted the pleasure of seeing that ground speed increase I knew must be there. I went back to his table as he plotted.

You get used to the celestial plots and before he puts them down, just by looking at the intercepts, you get a rough idea. I was disturbed because they looked slow. He plotted them out, measured the distance from the last fix we only had a thirty-six knot tail wind.

“Vince,” I said, “that’s a lousy fix it must be.”

“No, it was a good one. The airplane was very steady.”

“How about taking another speed line.”

“If you want it.”

“Yes, please.”

So he shot two more stars and they came out slow too. I was disappointed not worried, but disappointed.

We had been twenty-two minutes ahead and now we were only thirteen ahead.

We were still on the western side of the ocean and I cussed the danger area; if we’d been able to go through there we’d have had better winds. I had secretly been entertaining the hope we might have a chance at the record time of 16 hours 14 minutes, but this little slowdown had knocked that. We had flown through some snow in the last hour and it looked as though we’d gone right through the center of the low and caught slack winds.

The charts hadn’t shown any effects of this low as high as our 19000 feet, but some of it was up there and we had "I had caught it. I was certain we’d eventually get into the hairy secretly been winds, but I regretted losing entertaining the that time.

Forty minutes later hope we might we passed weather ship have a chance Charlie and we were picking at the record up. Charlie gave us a reported wind of 260 degrees at 75 time of 16 hours knots at our level. We should 14 minutes, be rolling.

We were, and our but this little next fix, at 30 degrees west, slowdown had had us nineteen minutes and knocked that."

1000 pounds of fuel ahead again. At 20 degrees west we were really screaming and making 380 knots which translated into miles is about 436 each and every hour!

We were twenty-two minutes ahead and 1210 pounds of fuel in our pocket. When this happens we kiddingly refer to it as, “making gasoline.”

The weather was beautiful with broken clouds below. It was daylight and through breaks I could see the ocean and it was wild with white foam all over. As we approached the Irish coast I could see the backside of the weather that was over Shannon and London. There was a higher deck above us and then various layers at different levels above and below, all the way down.

We passed Shannon twenty-five minutes ahead and gasoline to burn. London was broadcasting 800 broken, 2500 broken, 10 miles in rain showers. We were on top and not quite as fast because the wind had

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 48

gone southwest and we were crabbing to stay on the airways. But we were still going and half an hour past Shannon we requested descent clearance.

Over Bristol they said we could come on down and we pulled the cork and slipped through the cloud decks. Our radar didn’t show any turbulence so we could keep up our speed.

Airways got to rushing us and we were scrambling to keep even with the altitude changes London radar gave us. At 4000 feet, still in clouds, radar said we were starting our downwind leg for runway 28 left. That meant we were abeam the airport. I looked at the clock and it was 1105Z time, or 16 hours 36 minutes out of Los Angeles only 22 minutes from the record at that. I still got unhappy when I thought of that danger area.

We had everything in order and there was nothing to do but follow the heading information and get on down. Landing, like taking off, is another moment of freedom left to us. Everything is done and the runway is yours again and only you can do that which has to be done.

At 1500 feet we broke out, just north of the Thames, not far from downtown. It was London, with its wet look, the rows of houses, the little gardens behind them, the old, the good, a look you like. Up ahead the runway was easily visible and the bright approach lights

looked superfluous in the good visibility they don’t when it’s bad, make no mistake. The wet green earth came closer, the objects on the ground becoming more personal as you descend and an automobile is close enough to recognize its make. You pass low over a road, a house, a tree the runway threshold flashes by and in a moment you are on the ground.

We taxi in, park the brakes and shut down the faithful engines. After getting papers together, collecting hats and coats and flight kits, we get off the airplane. Shiny red British faces say a crisp, bright, “Good morning, Captain.” Her Majesty’s customs man asks if we have cigarettes, liquor or anything to declare.

Assured we haven’t we are free to go. All the people on the ground act as though it were just another flight that might have come from Paris or Frankfurt. Somehow I cannot help feeling that at least a remark should be made by someone about the flight; after all it’s quite a trip from Los Angeles. Heck, we’ve flown 5720 miles!

Why, I can remember clearly when the world’s distance record was 700 miles less than that!

But nothing is said, everyone goes busily about his own tasks. It’s just the arrival of another scheduled flight. It’s a little sad really, but that’s progress.

That’s the way we want it … I suppose. � Left: Bob Buck with actor Tyrone Power in a Jetstream cockpit as part of a TWA PR campaign.

Below: A copy of the TWA Jetstream advertisement in which the picture was used.

The ad caption read: TWA Captain Robert N. Buck shows the Jetstream cockpit to his good friend and fellow flyer, Tyrone Power. Mr. Power currently stars in Darryl F. Zanuck's Production of "The Sun Also Rises." Captain Buck is a four-million mile TWA veteran. (Photos courtesy of Bob's son, Rob Buck.)

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 49

I N T E R E S T I N G “ LY N X ”

INTERESTING “LYNX” Many of these web links will bring back memories; some are just interesting or a heck of a lot of fun. Please type the links in your web browser to view. Enjoy!

Have an interesting web link you'd like to share – or would you like to receive this list via email so it's easier to click the links? Email it to us at: topicseit@icloud.com 1.

LIFE MAGAZINE AIRPLANE PHOTOS – a fantastic collection of pics! At the bottom are a few dozen boxes that can be clicked on to see more pics. Beautiful clarity and bright colors in some. www.mission4today.com/index.php?name=ForumsPro&file=viewtopic&t=14428&finish=15&start=0

2. EXPLORE THE TWA TERMINAL, A PRISTINE TIME CAPSULE FROM 1962 – ny.curbed.com/archives/2015/06/30/explore_the_twa_terminal_a_pristine_time_capsule_from_1962.php 3. THE WORLD OF TWA VIDEO (long but worth it!): marcbrecy.perso.neuf.fr/twaworld.html 4. TWA BREECH TRAINING ACADEMY BROCHURE: www.twamuseumarchives.org/breech-training-academy.html 5. TWA TRANSPORTATION DIVISION BROCHURE: www.twamuseumarchives.org/transportation-division.html 6. TWA MUSEUM INDEX OF ARCHIVES: www.twamuseumarchives.org/documents.html 7.

GREAT CONNIE HISTORY: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRwSKmFoFa8

8. OUR WORLD IN TWO MINUTES: marcbrecy.perso.neuf.fr/history.html 9. WWII LIFE MAGAZINE AIRPLANE PHOTOS: www.mission4today.com/index.php?name=ForumsPro&file=viewtopic&t=14428&finish=15&start=0 10. WHAT A RIDE!! INVERTED LOW LEVEL F/A 18: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjtSXJGxMNE 11. HOW TO INCREASE YOUR CARS KEY FOB RANGE: www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=0Uqf71muwWc 12. BIRD FEEDER PROBLEMS? safeshare.tv/w/NOZOjdApvG 13. THE HISTORY OF ALL TWA AC SINCE APRIL 1937: www.reocities.com/~aeromoe/fleets/tw.html 14. THE WAY AIRLINE SAFETY DEMOS SHOULD BE: www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/TxNrizGdhtY?vq=hd720&rel=0&showinfo=0&start=0&end= 15. UNBELIEVABLE SLOW MO VIDEO: www.youtube.com/v/XBEyCr5AoIs 16. AMERICAN AIRLINES NEWEST BOEING 787 DREAMLINER – www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOwvyAeVANQ 17. ABSOLUTELY CHILLING RADIO TRAFFIC BETWEEN THE PILOT AND AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lAu-HpzqM4&feature=related 18. GREAT A/C COLLECTION – www.ruudleeuw.com/usa14-ericksoncollection.htm 19. JFK'S ICONIC TERMINAL TO BECOME THE TWA FLIGHT CENTER HOTEL – ny.curbed.com/archives/2015/07/27/jfks_iconic_terminal_to_become_the_twa_flight_center_hotel.php#more 20. TORNADO IN A LAB!! youtu.be/mclPB06sCYY 21. FORGOTTEN AIRCRAFT - LOCKHEED CONSTITUTION – www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ss9ZyidjlI 22. FLIGHT THROUGH THE ARC OF TRIUMPH 1919 – youtu.be/HIZzkq5Y8q0 23. SACLA’ STAGE A SURPRISE OPERA IN A SCHOOL LUNCH HALl – youtube.com/embed/JNgCM7zp30M TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 50

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN …

TWA Topics • November 2015 • Page 51

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID ST. PETERS, MO PERMIT #394

â&#x20AC;¦ WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN!

Photo courtesy of Jacki Matteon