May 2016
Issue 113
NEW ORLEANS • OCT. 30 - NOV. 4, 2016! DETAILS INSIDE
Our "Cert ified" name chang e to: TWA Retir ed Pilots Asso ciation (In State o f Nevada)
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 2
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 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 Member Badge Order Form (Order by Oct. 1, 2016 to have by New Orleans!) ....................................7 New Orleans 2016 Convention Hotel Information ...................................................................................8 New Orleans 2016 Schedule of Events ......................................................................................................9 New Orleans 2016 Description of Optional Tours .............................................................................10-12 New Orleans 2016 Convention Registration Form (perforated for tear-out to mail in) .........................13-14 The Grapevine ...................................................................................................................................15-18 Best of TWA In Flight Recipes (perforated for tear out)............................................................................19 Retiree Photo ID Instructions .................................................................................................................20 TWA Medallion & Key Fobs ..................................................................................................................20 What is this Aircraft? (by Bob Dedman) ..............................................................................................21-23 When Men Were Men & 707'S Roamed The Earth ...........................................................................24-25 Captain Guy Fortier’s Health Corner .................................................................................................26-27 Hijacking of Flight 100, A Novel by Former TWA F.O., Jim Stott..............................................................28 Follow the Arrows to Your Destination...............................................................................................29-34 The Flying Stantons ...........................................................................................................................35-37 Flight 800 – 20 Year Anniversary Memorial ............................................................................................38 Flown West ........................................................................................................................................39-43 Flown West Reporting (Pgs 45-46 perforated for tear-out)....................................................................44-46 Celebrating 70 Years Since the Historical Star of Paris ........................................................................47-48 Interesting “Lynx” ..................................................................................................................................49 Close Call! … a John Rohlfing Story .........................................................................................................50 Vintage Airline Letter to Co-Pilots from 1930 ........................................................................................51 Copyright © 2016 The TWA Retired Pilots Association Cover photo shows a history of the planes, logos and slogans from TWA.
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 • May 2016 • 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 PO Box 3596, Lake Tahoe, NV 89449 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 • May 2016 • Page 4
MEETING PLANNER Vicki McGowen McGowen Marketing vicki@mcgowenmarketing.com or vickimcgowen@charter.net 775-722-2811 / 775-849-1377
President’s Message March 2016
A lot has happened since last August when we had our first “joint” convention with the TWA Retired Pilots Association and the A/A Grey Eagles on a luxurious cruise to Bermuda. Since then, we've been busy putting into action all actions voted on during that meeting, like changing the name of our organization (see new logo, above) and the name of our magazine (now TWA TOPICS), and updating our by-laws to allow any “Cockpit Crew Member of any and all acquired, or acquiring airlines of TWA” to become full members of the TWA Retired Pilots Association after paying their yearly dues. With this, we are excited to have welcomed several new members from American, US Airways, and others – many of whom are planning to come to our next two joint conventions: October 31 - November 4, 2016 in New Orleans, and 2017 in San Diego. We'll have details about the 2017 convention in the next issue of TWA Topics, however this issue is all about our upcoming 2016 Convention in New Orleans! Throughout this magazine and on our website (www.TWAretiredPilotsAssociation.com) you can view details about the 2016 New Orleans Convention. We're sure you'll love our headquarters hotel, the Hotel Monteleone, celebrating their 130th Anniversary this year and located in the heart of the French Quarter. You can view all the fun and interested events we have planned on the upcoming pages – all have been chosen to give you a great feel for the rich history of New Orleans, which will be even richer shared with our friends from the skies, both old and new. Don't delay! Call The Hotel Monteleone today to guarantee your room at the great reduced rates we have obtained during the convention. Look for registration forms on pages 8 through 14 in this issue, along with more details about the trip, which is stacking up to be one of our best excursion ever, especially as we join forces once again with our new friends, the A/A Grey Eagles. We hope you all will plan to come and enjoy the FUN, hospitality and camaraderie that comes when we join together with our TWA family and friends. Sincerely,
Captain S.R. “Dusty” West President TWA Retired Pilots Association TWAretiredPilotsAssociation.com
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 5
TREASURER’S REPORT • MARCH 26, 2016
Cash on Deposit, March 26, 2016:
C.A.C.U (CD’S) ..................................................... $ 26,098.53 C.A.C.U. (CK) ....................................................... $
3,455.07
Convention Account ............................................... $
5,464.69
Checking Account................................................... $ 38,788.06 Savings Account ...................................................... $ 19,938.14 Balance March 26, 2016 ........................................ $ 93,744.49 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 • May 2016 • Page 6
<---- Tear out form
Be sure to order your badge by October 1, 2016 to have it in time for the New Orleans Convention! B ADGE 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: ________________________________
$7.95
Your Title: o YES / o NO If yes, enter title here ______________________________________________ Spouse-First: ________________________________ Last: ________________________________
$7.95
Spouse Title: o YES / o NO 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 • May 2016 • Page 7
TWA Retired Pilots Association 2016 Annual Convention
New Orleans, Louisiana Monday, October 31 – Friday, November 4, 2016 We are excited to welcome you to join us for our 2016 Annual Convention in one of America’s favorite cities: 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.
Hotel Monteleone, Royal Street These special room rates are available for a limited time to TWA Retired Pilots Association members during the major convention dates of Monday, Oct. 31 with departure on Friday, Nov. 4, 2016. Traditional Rooms: choose King or Double bedded: $149+ taxes (total $172.98 inclusive per night) Premium Rooms: Single or double, on higher floors, with a view -or- larger rooms: add $30+ tax per night
To reserve your hotel room, call:
800-217-2033 or 504-523-3341
(Remember to identify yourself as part of the TWA Retired Pilots Association to get the discounted rate.) Hospitality Room:
Open every afternoon, hosted by the TWA Board of Directors & Grey Eagles Area Directors Membership Meetings & Final Banquet Dinner:
Thursday, November 3, 2016
We look forward to seeing you in New Orleans! Questions? Contact our meeting planner: Vicki McGowen Email: vickimcgowen@charter.net | Phone: 775-722-2811
Schedule of events and Registration Form on the following pages TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 8
Oak Alley Plantation
TWA & A/A Grey Eagles Annual Convention New Orleans • Oct. 31 - Nov. 3, 2016
Schedule of Events SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30: Early Arrivals Time TBA ................................................................. BOD Meetings – Both TWA and GE Time TBA .................................................. Hospitality Room & Registration Room Open* MONDAY, OCTOBER 31: Registration Open* 10:00am - 2:00pm .................... City & Cemetery Tour including Lunch in French Quarter Time TBA................................................................. Hospitality Room - River View Rooms Dinner on Own TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1: Registration Open* 10:30am - 3:00pm ....................... Steamboat Natchez - Mississippi River Lunch Jazz Cruise 4:00pm - 5:00pm ............................................................................... Auxiliary Member Tea 6:00pm - 8:00pm ............... Welcome Reception - New Orleans Theme - Hospitality Room Dinner on Own WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2: Registration Open (half day) 8:00am - 9:30am ....................................................................... TWA Membership Meeting 10:00am - 3:30pm .............. Oak Alley Plantation Tour & Lunch in Pavilion (Ladies Event) Noon - 6:00pm................................................ WWII Museum Tours departures every hour 6:00pm - 8:00pm ................... TWA Night at WWII Museum (includes full buffet dinner) Time TBA ..................................................................................... Hospitality Room Open* THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3: 8:00am - 10:00am ............................ TWA Retired Pilots Association Membership Meeting 10:15am - 2:15pm ......................................... Honey Island Swamp Tour with Cajun Lunch 10:30am - 2:30pm .................... City & Cemetery Tour including Lunch in French Quarter 6:00pm ..................................................................... Farewell Reception, Hotel Monteleone 7:00pm ................................................................ Final Banquet Dinner, Hotel Monteleone Time TBA...................................................................................... Hospitality Room Open* FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4: Major Check-Out Date
*Exact hours for Registration and Hospitality Room will be published later.
Remember to call the Hotel Monteleone to reserve your room:
800-217-2033 or 504-523-3341 TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 9
2016 Annual Convention, New Orleans, LA || October 31 - November 3, 2016
* OPTIONAL TOURS * MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2016 New Orleans City & Cemetery Tour – $80/pp Guided Tour & Lunch on Bourbon Street 10:00am - 2:00pm While visiting the “Big Easy”, this must do guided tour includes all the highlights of it’s historic treasures: Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the Garden District with the beautiful architecture of the Antebellum era, City Park, and the above ground city cemeteries. Adding finally, a unique perspective on the effects of Hurricane Katrina and the 9th Ward. The tour will conclude with a scrumptious lunch located in the French Quarter. The above tour price includes transportation, tour guide, lunch, taxes and gratuities. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2016 Steamboat Natchez, Mississippi River - $75/pp Lunch & Jazz Cruise • 10:30am - 3:30pm A visit to New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without a Mississippi River Cruise on a vintage vessel. We’ve chosen the famous Natchez for all of its enchanting history. Our luncheon cruise includes a complete buffet of local fare with numerous sides, dessert and a beverage of your choice. Live Jazz music enhances the day as you enjoy stories on the culture and history of those living and relying on the river. Price includes deluxe motor coach transfers, 2-hour guided cruise, buffet lunch, cocktail coupon, all taxes and gratuities. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2016 Auxiliary Members Tea - Complimentary Hotel Monteleone – Bonnet Carre Room 4:00pm - 5:00pm All of our auxiliary members, widows and single attendees are encouraged to attend this exceptional social event planned just for you! It’s a wonderful way to meet, greet and get know each other. Complimentary to attend, please register so we can plan appropriately. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2016 Welcome Reception/New Orleans Party! – $25/pp 6:00pm - 8:00pm Let’s have some fun! Our Welcome Party will be held at the Hotel Monteleone in our hospitality suite – the River View Rooms. We planned a very special New Orleans themed party and you can choose to wear a costume, a fun New Orleans mask, or just come as you are! We’ll have libations, light hors d’oeuvres, and some very special entertainment including New Orleans Jazz, Fortune Tellers and Tarot Card readers. Don’t miss this one! The above fee offsets cost to make this a “witchy – warlock –welcome”. Don’t miss this one! TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 10
2016 Annual Convention, New Orleans, LA || October 31 - November 3, 2016
* OPTIONAL TOURS * WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016 Oak Alley Plantation Tour & Lunch – $80/pp 10:00am – 3:30pm (Spouses Event) This plantation is considered one of the most beautiful, historic and unique homes in the South. Having survived the civil war, this sugar cane planation has been beautifully restored and represents all the grandeur of privileged southern living in the 1800’s. The tour includes deluxe motor coach transportation, local tour guide to entertain us to and from the home, complete guided tour of the mansion and grounds, and a Cajun buffet luncheon. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016 National WWII Museum Day Tour TWA & Grey Eagles Night – $90/pp Transfers begin at Noon Dinner & Festivities: 6:00pm – 8:00pm A very special event is planned for our visit to the world-renowned National WWII Museum. We begin with transfers running round trip from the hotel to the Museum all afternoon. You can spend as much time as needed to visit the myriad of exhibits, galleries, and realistic experiences throughout the facilities. The museum recently opened a new pavilion “Campaigns of Courage” with two exhibits “Road to Berlin” and “Road to Tokyo”. Our tour will include a private showing of the 4D movie “Beyond all Boundaries” narrated by Tom Hanks. At 6:00pm all guests will gather in the Freedom Pavilion to begin the official TWA Retired Pilots & Grey Eagles Night. Our private party will feature a complete buffet dinner, special entertainment, and an audio-visual presentation honoring our veterans within the TWA and Grey Eagles families. Of course all Silver Wings guests are welcome as well. TWA Retired Pilots & Grey Eagles Night at the National WWII Museum will include no-host/cash bars available throughout the evening. The tour includes deluxe motor coach transfers, admission to the museum, private showing of the movie, complete buffet dinner and all taxes and gratuities. We couldn’t provide this experience without the financial support of the APA (Allied Pilots Association) and the CACU (Community America Credit Union). A special thank you to our sponsors plus TWA Retired Pilots Association and the Grey Eagles for underwriting this event. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2016 Honey Island Swamp Tour – $68/pp 10:45am - 3:00pm You aren’t going to find this experience anywhere else but in Bayou and Cajun country. It’s a thrilling experience traveling among the alligators in thick swamp lands learning all about living off the land in the south. You will see and feed alligators up close in a 22 passenger flat bottom boat, which is quiet enough to approach even the most elusive wildlife. We know you’ll see alligators, but also hope to see native birds, wild pigs, and mysterious animals of the swamp lands. The tour includes deluxe motor coach transfers, guided tour and southern fare lunch. All taxes and gratuities are included. TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 11
2016 Annual Convention, New Orleans, LA || October 31 - November 3, 2016
* OPTIONAL TOURS * THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2016 New Orleans City & Cemetery Tour – $80/pp Guided Tour & Lunch on Bourbon Street 10:30am – 2:30pm Note: This is a repeat of the tour from Monday. While visiting the “Big Easy”, this must do guided tour includes all the highlights of it’s historic treasures: Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the Garden District with the beautiful architecture of the Antebellum era, City Park, and the above ground city cemeteries. Adding finally, a unique perspective on the effects of Hurricane Katrina and the 9th Ward. The tour will conclude with a scrumptious lunch located in the French Quarter. The above tour price includes transportation, tour guide, lunch, taxes and gratuities. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2016 Farewell Banquet Dinner – $100/pp Thursday, November 3, 2016 6:00pm - 10:00pm Our farewell evening will be very special this year with the incredible menu prepared by one of the most celebrated chef ’s of New Orleans. The ambience of the ballroom at the historic Hotel Monteleone lends itself to a luxurious dinner. Tuxedo’s are welcome but not required. Jackets and evening attire are encouraged. The festivities will include a live Jazz Quartet performing some of the great classics of an era gone. Dinner price includes entertainment, dinner, wine and all taxes and gratuities. Tables are for 8 persons each and you will select a table at the hotel during on-site Registration.
~A Special Note About Our Hospitality Room~
The Hotel Monteleone has allowed us to host our Hospitality Room in a beautiful banquet room on the top floor of the hotel – The River View Rooms. We are allowed to bring in our own food and beverages into this private room. TWA Hospitality Hosts and Grey Eagle Area Directors and will still be preparing your favorite libations and the bars will be complimentary. This means we will not be hosting the hospitality in individual suites (as required at other hotels in the past). We are very excited about this as it means we will all be together each day!
The hospitality room will be open every day – hours will be posted in the Registration Room during the convention.
For questions or further information contact our meeting planner: Vicki McGowen, McGowen Marketing vickimcgowen@charter.net
775-722-2811 TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 12
<---- Tear out and MAIL THIS COPY of the 2016 New Orleans Convention Registration Form with your payment.
TWA RETIRED PILOTS ASSOC. 2016 ANNUAL CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM Headquarters Hotel - Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans • October 31 - November 4, 2016 Name __________________________________ (Spouse) _______________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________ City __________________________________________ State
_______
Zip Code __________________
Email _________________________________________Phone ___________________________________ Notes: (1) This registration should be completed as soon as possible to assure enough space on our special tours. All forms must be received by October 16, 2016 (2) Please read the Registration Guidelines (on back) for additional instructions. No. Attending
Price Each
Required
Registration: TWA Retired Pilots Assn. Members & Spouses If you pre-registered please just write “pre-paid” under Total Cost.
$65
Required
Registration: Non-members
$80
Monday Oct 31
10:00am to 2:00pm
New Orleans City & Cemetery Tour Includes complete lunch on Bourbon Street
$80
Tuesday Nov 1
10:30am – 3:30pm
Steamboat Natchez – Mississippi River Cruise New Orleans Jazz and Lunch Cruise
$75
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Auxiliary Member Tea
6:00 pm – 8:00pm
Welcome Reception – River View Hospitality Rooms New Orleans Themed Party
$25
10:00am – 3:30pm
Oak Alley Plantation – Ladies Event Including Cajun Buffet Lunch
$80
Wednesday Nov 2
Noon – 5:00pm
Thursday Nov 3
No Charge
WWII Museum Transfers begin TWA Night: WWII Museum includes buffet dinner
$90
10:45am 3:00pm
Honey Island Swamp Tour Includes Barbeque Lunch
$68
11:00am – 3:00pm
New Orleans City & Cemetery Tour (Repeat from Monday) Includes complete lunch on Bourbon Street
$80
7:00pm – 10:00pm
-0-
Included
5:00pm – 8:00pm
6:00pm
Total Cost
Farewell Reception – Cash Bar Farewell Dinner including live music and complete dinner
$100
Raffle Tickets: $5.00 each, or 6 for $25 enter # of tickets desired: PAYMENT TOTAL
Dietary Concerns or Special Requests:
$ Make checks payable to "TWA Retired Pilots Assn" Copy this Registration Form for your records and send form & check to:
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 13
Jim Roe, Treasurer TWA Retired Pilots Association 8340 W. Lake Marion Rd. Haines City, FL 33844
TWA RETIRED PILOTS ASSOC. 2016 ANNUAL CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM Headquarters Hotel - Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans October 31 - November 4, 2016
REGISTRATION GUIDELINES 1. A registration fee is required for all attendees. Please complete the form, line-by-line and enter the number attending for each event then multiply that number by the price. Enter the result in the “Total Amount” column. Total those numbers at the bottom in the “Convention Total” block. Payment is to be made by check to “TWA Retired Pilots Assn”. 2. See pages 9-11 in this magazine for New Orleans Tour Description. If you need an additional copy of the tour descriptions, contact meeting planner, Vicki McGowen. 3. Refund Policy: Registration fees are non-refundable. Refund for tours will only be provided if cancellation is received greater than 7 days prior to the event and/or we can resell your seat/ticket. 4. The convention registration room will be adjacent to the hotel lobby in the Royal Salon meeting rooms. This is where you will pick-up your name badges, tickets to tours, raffle tickets, and select banquet seating. The exact times for Registration and the Hospitality Room will be published at a later date. For convention updates and a list of who is attending please check the following websites:
www.TWAretiredPilotsAssociation.com www.mcgowenmarketing.com
Any questions – contact our meeting planner: Vicki McGowen Email: vickimcgowen@charter.net Phone: 775-722-2811
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 14
the
Grapevine
TWA LIVES ON AT "F STREET STATION"!
Submitted by Captain Jeff Hill, Jr. TWA/AA 1990-2003 Jeff Hill, Jr. took the photo below of a wall at the "F Street Station" bar in Anchorage, Alaska, a well known TWA layover hangout for generations.
AMERICAN AIRLINE RETRO ROLLOUT In December 2015, American Airlines rolled out this AA Boeing 737 painted in a 'Heritage' livery that pays homage to TWA, one of the nine airlines that make up its merger family tree.
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 15
TWA TRIVIA Submitted by Int'l Dispatcher, Marc Brécy TWA was the first U.S. airline to offer flights across the Atlantic using twin-engine A/C (Boeing 767s), thus introducing ETOPS, or extended-range twin-engine OPS, from Boston to Paris. Q. What was the flight number ? A. TW890 / TW700 / TW810 Q. When ? A. Feb. 2, 1984 / Feb. 1, 1985 / Feb. 3, 1986 Q. ETOPS rule ? A. 60min - 120min - 180min Q. Flight time between BOS-CDG ? A. 6h20 - 6h25 - 6h32
Q. Cockpit crew ? A. Captain William Sonnemann Captain Norman Fausett, Captain Walter Grayum Q. Cabin crew ? A. FSM Mike Vastine, Purser Bruce Miller F/A Ann O’Donnell, F/A Laura O’Dwyer-Garceau, F/A Tammy Pierro, F/A Donna Shockley
A BLAST FROM THE PAST Submitted by Captain Barry Schiff While going through some old documents, I stumbled across this certificate. These were at one time issued by TWA to those on board the Athens-Nairobi flights as a testament to their having crossed the Equator.
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 16
The 17
VINTAGE T WA TRAININ G CENTER POSTER Submitted by Captain Barry Schiff Do you remember this poster? It was hung on various walls in the TWA training center.
BET YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THIS?!?
Three factory 880s in SAN flyby .… Provided by Captain Larry Malstrom
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 17
REMEMBER WHEN … You got normal food and a full meal on flights? (Photo circa 1958) Order The Very Best of TWA cookbook on the next page for a tasty reminder of some of the best meals the skies had to offer!
HOW TO SAVE MONEY & PAX INCONVENIENCE From TWA Historian, Jon Proctor & International Dispatcher, Marc Brécy Purser Joe Bouadana, of French Moroccan decent, was working a flight from New York to Paris, and just as they approached the French coast line they heard that the French air traffic controllers were on strike … again. So Paris airport was closed. All air traffic was being diverted to Geneva or other near by airports within Europe. Joe just happened to be in the cockpit as the Captain was talking to air traffic control, the crew were tired and had been looking forward to their good baguette sandwich and a nice cold beer. Joe asked the Captain for permission to speak to the controllers. He spoke to them at length in French and a few minutes later he said to the captain - "OK, We Are Landing"! The Captain, who did not speak a word of French, was amazed and intrigued as to what Joe had said to them; "I'll tell you later, just land the plane before they change their mind". So they landed at the deserted airport - the only transatlantic flight to get in that day. After the passengers had deplaned, the Captain, who by this time was getting very nervous, walked to the back of the plane where he found Joe breaking the seals on the Duty Free liquor carts and piling six bottles of scotch into a bag. Now the Captain is really worried. "I promised the ATC guys six bottles of scotch if they let us in, so we got to pay up"! The Captain was just beside himself, because he was giving away the company liquor. "Don't worry Captain, I will sort it out with them when I get back. They are gonna thank me for all the money I saved them on gas and hotel bills." Which is what he did when he got back to Kennedy, with the help of his long suffering supervisor. j - EIT (Editor In Training) TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 18
<---- Tear out & keep this page!
The Grapevine
"The Very Best of TWA Cookbook" THIS MONTH'S FEATURED RECIPES:
Marge Siegal compiled the best recipes served in First-Class on TWA to create this much soughtafter, mouth-watering recipe book, "The Very Best of TWA". We're very grateful that she's given us permission to publish some of 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 gifts!
ORDER YOURS TODAY! To order, send check or money order for $30 with your return address to: Marge Siegal 833 Gladstone Ct. Vernon Hills, IL, 60061 TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 19
HUMAN RESOURCES EMPLOYEE SERVICES RETIREE PHOTO ID INSTRUCTIONS To receive a Retiree Photo ID card by mail, please follow these instructions. Note: Only Retirees are eligible to receive an AA ID – IDs CANNOT be made for spouses. Please include:
•
A return envelope, self-addressed and stamped
•
A head/shoulder color photograph to fit a 1¼ x 1¼ area
•
A copy 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 P.O. Box 619616 MD 5141 DFW Airport, TX 75261-9616
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, 775-721-4386 Captain Bill Kirschner PO Box 3596 Stateline, NV 89449 TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 20
WHAT IS THIS AIRCRAFT? Do you think you know?
By Captain "Indiana" Bob Dedman Here’s some background on quite an interesting airplane. In Great Britain at the end of the ‘40’s, a new kind of aviation business was becoming popular. With the very high cost of petrol in England, instead of driving and ferryboat ride, vacationers found a new and novel way to get to the mainland “with” their automobiles. To fill their need, Bristol Freighter had equipped their twin-engine tail dragger plane with a nose ramp to drive cars inside, with room for three small British cars, plus their passengers. But, the British were taking to somewhat larger cars and the old equipment could not handle them. A small aviation company called Aviation Traders Ltd, owned by Freddie Laker, decided to redesign an existing airplane type by enlarging its nose. For this project he chose the Douglas DC-4, which was outdated for passenger service by then. The nose of the Bristol Freighter was taken as a model for the design. The cockpit was placed unusually high, directly over the cargo compartment. Two different configurations were envisioned, 5 cars and 22 passengers or 3 cars and 55 passengers. The re-designed passenger compartment allowed the loading configuration to be changed over quite quickly. According to clients requirements, the
first flight of the new airplane, given the name “Carvair", meaning Car Via Air, took place in the summer of 1961. At that time, I was working for a Luxenbourg based company called Inter Ocean Airways, flying as Captain on DC-4’s and the owners AeroCommander 680E. I was sent to Southend on Sea to watch the aircraft come together. I rode along on some of the test flights and got used to the height for landings and take-offs. In all, there were 21 Carvairs built, 18 being delivered to British United Ferries and 3 to Ansett of Australia. Actual European operations did not start until 1962. When we got out the first of two Carvairs in September 1962, I was required to get a type rating on my ATR since there were differences from the DC-4.
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 21
Continued on page 22
What is This Aircraft … continued
Loading the Carvair
There was a new electrical system and the magnetic compass was buried in the forward panel, so to use it you had to look into a mirror and make your corrections. We had to demonstrate that we could do it. I got the third rating on the American Certificate, the Director of Operations (an ex-TWA pilot) got the first, and the chief pilot the second. They were the pilots who brought the aircraft to Luxembourg. From there, I was selected to run the FAA Acceptance flight with FAA director
Dave Switzer along with a Technical Engineer. I had an ex-Eastern pilot as co-pilot and the trip took us to Tripoli for overnight, then to Lagos Nigeria for another overnight and finally Leopoldville, Congo. I let Dave make the T/0 out of Tripoli and the "smashing landing" in Kano. He was not used to the height and did not flare. The landing was written-up by the Tech engineer as hard, so we got an inspection. Red faces. Strangely, although the Carvair was designed for the European operations, it actually got its start in Africa in the Belgian Congo. Inter-Ocean got a contract hauling military gear for the United Nations operations. Our logo on the aircraft was ONUC, which literally translated from the French as United Nations Organization for the Congo. We had a special loading ramp designed for our operation that we carried on board. It was quite a job rigging it, but it did work. I was then designated FAA check airman so that I could give type ratings to pilots in the Congo. The transitions went very well and everyone loved the "New” plane. The performance charts were identical for those of the DC-4, which was amazing since the aerodynamic nose did not seem to slow the plane down but the only real difference (other than height) was that you had to leave the power on longer as when slow, the nose tended to drop. Those performance charts came in handy later on when we lost #2 engine in Elizabethville due to gear failure. No maintenance was available, so we needed to ferry back to Leopoldville, a 6-hour flight. We secured the engine with straps, consulted the charts, made a three engine T/0 and went home. After we landed, the chief pilot was on the phone telling me I was fired because we had no authority to ferry the airplane. I explained to him that the FAA had approved the charts for the Carvair (ie: same as DC-4). The next morning, I went to the FAA office and told them what we had done. They called the chief pilot saying all was OK, so I was rehired. Good to have friends at the FAA. Inter Ocean used the Carvair in all its operations including food lifts and of course combat resupply. When Tsombe’s rule in Katanga was coming to an end and the rebels were scattering, I flew the lead airplane into Kolweisi (reputed to be the last strong hold). I carried two armored cars with crew from Argentina. We had
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 22
What is This Aircraft … continued
with their vehicles was good tie-down facilities not as important as it so had no problems with was during the initial loads shifting. When we years of usage. British finally landed, there were United started getting no rebels around, so we rid of the machines in off-loaded the vehicles the late 1970’s, and reand went back to sold a number of them Elizabethville. It turned to Canada, United out that the night before, States, France, Ireland the Etheopian F-86's "Indiana" Bob Dedman back in the day (right) and Spain. had made strafing runs Gradually, the airframes began to lose their all over the airport and driven everyone except looters integrity and some were scrapped. A few were re-sold away. They were a good bunch of pilots, and one went to South Africa where they continued until the new down in the jungle and was never found. Growth is so century. Currently, there are only two survivors, both quick there, you are covered over in a day. in private ownership. Sad they had to go, but new Eight Carvairs were lost due to flying accithings made them obsolete. I sure enjoyed my time in dents, and the remaining 13 machines were operated two of them – fond memories to be sure. j in Europe until the beginning of the 1980’s, although their initial purpose of the fast delivery of passengers
"Indiana" Bob Dedman posed on Tsombe's wrecked DC-4 TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 23
When Men Were Men & 707'S Roamed The Earth The Age of the Water Wagon 707's Submitted by John Proctor
That smoke is from the 1,700 pounds of water sonating a caddy pulling a bunch of golf clubs, computinjection the J-57s and freighter JT-3's used for take off ers, guitars, and feed bags full of tofu and granola on a … go to the overrun and suck the gear up … those were sissy-trailer. Wearing no hat and having granny glasses the good ol' days! Pilots back then were men that didn't hanging on a pink string around their pencil necks, want to be women or girly men. while talking to their personal trainer on the cell phone! Pilots all knew who Jimmy DooBeing a TWA Captain was as "Pilots drank coffee, little was. Pilots drank coffee, whiskey, good as being the King in a Mel Brooks smoked cigars and didn't wear digital movie. In my youth, all the Stewardwhiskey, smoked watches. They carried their own suitesses (aka. Flight Attendants) were cigars and didn't wear cases and brain bags, like the real men young, attractive, single women that digital watches." they were. Pilots didn't bend over into were proud to be combatants in the the crash position multiple times each sexual revolution. They didn't have to day in front of the passengers at security so that some turn sideways, grease up and suck it in to get through Government agent could probe for tweezers or fingerthe cockpit door. They would blush, and say thank nail clippers, or too much toothpaste. you, when told that they looked good, instead of filing Pilots did not go through the terminal impera sexual harassment claim. TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 24
When Men Were Men & 707'S Roamed The Earth … continued
The Junior Stewardesses usually shared a room and talked about men … with no thoughts of substitution. Passengers wore nice clothes and were polite; they could speak, read AND understand English. They didn't speak gibberish or listen to loud gangsta rap on their iPods. They bathed, and didn't smell like a rotting pile of garbage - in a jogging suit and flip-flops. Children did not travel alone, commuting between trailer parks. There were no 'Biggest Losers' asking for a seat belt extension or a Scotch and grapefruit juice cocktail with a twist. If the Captain wanted to throw some offensive, ranting jerk off the airplane, it was done without any worries of a lawsuit or getting fired. Axial flow engines crackled with the sound of freedom and left an impressive black smoke trail like a locomotive burning soft coal. Jet fuel was cheap and once the throttles were "Axial flow engines pushed forward, they were often left there. Afcrackled with ter all, it was the jet age the sound of and the idea was to go fast (run like a lizard on a freedom and left hardwood floor). an impressive Except while flyblack smoke trail ing over the deep oceans, "economy cruise" was like a locomotive something in the perforburning soft coal." mance book, but no one knew why or where it was. When the clacker went off, no one got all tight and scared, because Boeing built their machines out of iron. Nothing was going to fall off and that barber pole sound had the same effect on real pilots then, as Viagra does now for these new age guys. There was very little plastic and no composites on the airplanes (or in the Stewardesses' pectoral regions). Airplanes and women had eye-pleasing symmetrical curves, not
a bunch of ugly vortex generators, ventral fins, Captain was as winglets, flow diverters, good as being tattoos, rings in their nose, tongues and eyethe King in a Mel brows. Brooks movie …" Airlines were run by men like Jack Frye and his friend Howard Hughes, TWA, C.R. Smith, American, Juan Trippe, Pan Am and Bob Six, Continental who had built their companies virtually from scratch, knew most of their employees by name, and were lifetime airline employees themselves, not pseudo financiers and bean counters who flit from one occupation to another for a few bucks, a better parachute, or a fancier title, while fervently believing that they are a class of beings unto themselves. And so it was back in the 60's when I was a young airline pilot ... and like my youth, it never will be again! – Damn! Flying is the second greatest thrill known to man. And what is first, you ask? Landing, of course plus the layover! j "Being a TWA
I remember those days. They are gone forever …
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 25
Captain Guy Fortier’s
HEALTH CORNER PROSTATE CANCER HITS HOME Special Edition in Collaboration with Topics EDIT Pardon us Ladies, but this article is mainly going to deal with PROSTATE PROBLEMS: a male health situation which is the most common cancer in American men. Approximately 32,050 men in the United States and more then 258,000 world wide die from this disease each year, according to the World Health Organization. However Ladies, you might find the Proton Beam Therapy referenced below, interesting towards the end of this article.
EXAMPLE ONE Somewhere around the age of 50, maybe earlier due to family history, most men are faced with an enlarged prostate problem, referred to as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasma (BPH). Statistics say in the range of 90% of all men face this problem somewhere in later life. Our first example, say around 52, is when a doctor detects an enlarged prostate (BHP) during a routine physical exam. This may be accompanied by an elevated PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen); PSA tests are important of a score of four or higher. The doctor usu-
ally refers the patient to a Urology specialist, and may prescribe a medication like PROSCAR 5 mg twice daily to control the PSA. If the doctor observes any lumps in the BHP, he may also suggest a sonogram, MRI/Ultra sound, or needle biopsy to rule out cancer. If the biopsy results are positive you will be given a "Gleason Score." This score will have an effect on what kind of treatment is best for you. Google "Gleason Score" for more information. No one individual case is the same. During subsequent exams, if the PSA stays below four (say around one, two, or three), and no other problems are observed with the patient, the condition is usually tolerated and a "Watch and Wait" approach. As long as nothing develops or changes, this course of action can continue for many years as generally it is slow growing. Doctors will tell you however, you will probably die of something else. I am not going to take that chance. Others have, and have, suffered terribly.
EXAMPLE TWO In the second example, suddenly the PSA increases dramatically of four or more (as in the case of your TWA Topics Editor, Bill Kirschner). We have been tracking my PSA for several years, and it went from a normal 2, up and down the scale and recently spiked to 46.7. The PSA test is advisory in nature only because several things can affect it besides cancer cells. TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 26
Captain Guy Fortier’s Health Corner Continued …
Such as some medications like antihistamines, a physical prostate exam, or recent sexual relations within 3-4 days prior to the PSA blood test. This test by the way is separate from all other blood tests.
TREATMENT The bright side is that with modern-day medicine, there are several successful ways to treat this disease, especially if it is caught early. There are six stages to prostate cancer. You want to catch it early and avoid stage five or six. Stage five is where it metastasis to soft tissue. Stage six is where it metastasizes to the bone. In my case, it was stage two and we are treating it with hormones. So far so good. No side effects and the PSA is almost back to normal in a short period of time. I am going in for a second opinion, April 7 and should have a Gleason Score soon. Hormone treatment is just one of the choices. Others are Chemo, Vaccine or combination of those for advanced prostate cancer. Also there is Radiation, Radical Surgery, Proton Beam Therapy and others in trial now. Proton Beam Therapy is one of the most successful treatments that started in 1990 at Loma Linda
Medical Center, Loma Linda, California. There are now 13 Proton Beam Therapy centers in the United States which is on their website. It is noninvasive with little or no side effects. My friends that have used it tell me "bring your golf clubs", as each treatment is only 15 minutes long, Monday through Friday. Google "Proton Beam Therapy", or call Loma Linda, 800-776-8667 for more information. At this time this therapy can be used for several other types of cancers such as breast, lung, kidney, liver, brain tumors, pancreatic cancer and other conditions. This is amazing technology. Several friends of mine have used this therapy with great success. One of which happens to be Captain Mike Mcfarland and he asks you to call him if you want to know more: 970-988-3008/ miketwa747@hotmail.com. Mike has a wealth of information, and is happy to tell you about his success with Proton Beam Therapy. A TWA Captain friend of mine, had great success with a cancer treatment of the prostate 22 years ago by the implantation of Radiation Implanted Platinum Radiation Seeds, performed at the Seattle Prostate Institute at the Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA. He was part of a clinical trial developed by the Danish Medical Cancer Institute of the time for more then 1,000 patients. For more information go to www.seattleprostate.com/about-us/our-physicians.php You can also call me, Bill Kirschner, at 775-721-4386. Or, feel free to email me at Wma1012@me.com. Good luck! j
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 27
Hijacking of Flight 100 A NOVEL BY FORMER TWA F.O., JIM STOTT
Reviews: H H H H H "Very entertaining. The author managed to create strong characters in a good storyline. Amazing technical knowledge. Felt like we were right there inside the cockpit. Can't wait for the sequel!!!! " – Leoni Verlaine carvalho H H H H H "Edge of your seat exciting. I don't think I've ever read a 400 page book faster. The description of what goes on in the cockpit of a 747 is fascinating. The Epilogue at the end made the package complete. This book needs to be made into a movie!"
An excellent pilot does not necessarily a good husband make. Don Webber prepares to pilot his Boeing 747-200 from San Francisco to JFK Airport in New York. Once he arrives in New York, he has plans-in-place for an overnight rendezvous’ with his most recent conquest, a Pan Am Flight Attendant. In his exuberance to get to New York, he commits the unthinkable for an airline Captain – he allows his judgment about flight safety to become compromised and eventually, seriously impaired. While Captain Webber dreams about his erotic evening in New York, a delusional passenger boards his flight. The hijacker is terrified by his own plan to travel to a very different destination: Havana, Cuba. Throughout the duration of the flight, the cabin and cockpit crew are beset and eventually overcome by this lone hijacker. Though unsophisticated and unprepared, the hijacker ultimately commandeers control of the aircraft. Essentially, he puts the passengers and crew in the same horrendous circumstance. All are bound together in an aluminum tube hurled through the atmosphere at 600 miles an hour to an unclear and risk-filled destination. Only the Captain can ultimately regain command and control of the situation before the 747 exhausts its fuel supply. j
AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.COM Kindle Edition: http://goo.gl/hksB7l Paperback book: http://goo.gl/1lUmII
GET IT FOR FREE! The Kindle (electronic) version is available May 16-20, 2016. Anyone with a Kindle and an Amazon account can download read the book for FREE during that time!
– Lance Lambert H H H H H "As a former airline pilot myself I can really appreciate the accuracy of the technical side of this book. The story is well written and is typical of the 'Cuban' hijacks of the 70's and 80's. A fast read, Stott keeps the story moving. I read it in one day, didn't want to put it down." – Robert S Cheney
Reviews: H H H H H "Great Read! I enjoyed it very much. I hope this author will write more books." – Shirley H H H H H "The Hijacking of Flight 100 is an engaging thriller that will put you on the edge of whatever seat you are on, thankful that it is not on Flight 100." – David Dickinson TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 28
Follow the Arrows to Your Destination …
Above: The remote concrete arrow of Beacon 38 sits undisturbed In the wilderness outside of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The Transcontinental U.S. Air Mail Beacon System Article and photos courtesy of sometimes-interesting.com Read the complete article at: www.sometimes-interesting.com/2013/12/04
Scattered across the United States are a network of mysterious concrete arrows. They are often found in remote locations or areas difficult to access. Some will be accompanied by a small shack, a few have a metal tower affixed to their base. Many are in good condition while others have succumbed to nature. The shape and direction of the arrows vary, but it is clear they served the same purpose. The purpose was important: helping early pilots navigate U.S. transcontinental flights at night. Continued on page 30 TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 29
In an era before radar, pilots used ground-based landmarks for guidance. This solution worked for flight during the day, but grounded pilots at night. Before long, a system of beacons was established across the United States to guide airmail pilots around-the-clock. When radar and radio communications made the beacons obsolete years later, most were torn down or abandoned.
Airmail Vintage Ad
Follow the Arrows… continued
History
Early Airmail Beacon Route Map circa 1924. (does not include later spur routes)
In the mid-19th century the Wild West was largely unexplored. There was no infrastructure and very little law governing the land. Understandably, coast-to-coast message delivery was nonexistent. It was not until a gold discovery in 1848 that California became the destination for tens of thousands from the east. The trip across the country was arduous, dangerous, and could take anywhere from three to six weeks. By 1860, the Pony Express revolutionized transcontinental mail by offering delivery in about ten days. Nearly unheard-of at the time, this was faster than the more volatile southern route favored by others.
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 30
Follow the Arrows… continued Airmail Boise, Idaho
Airmail Service 1926
Knowledgeable frontiersmen would race across the country on horseback, covering vast distances in shorter times. While the Pony Express was significant in that it proved the northern/central mail route was possible, it was inefficient compared to stagecoach lines. Higher costs and poor economies of scale would see the Pony Express fail to win the mail contract beyond its first year of operation. A year later, the threat of civil war descended upon the country and resources were diverted to the conflict. When the transcontinental telegraph line was completed in 1861, it immediately rendered the Pony Express obsolete. In the late 19th century, reliability of mail delivery improved – but not its speed. It was not until the invention of the airplane that intercontinental mail delivery witnessed its next major breakthrough.
Early Aviation and Airmail The Wright brothers made the first flight in 1903, and it wasn’t long before pilots adopted air transport for mail delivery. By 1911, Fred Wiseman had conducted an unofficial airmail flight carrying three letters from Petaluma to Santa Rosa, California. The next day, a large exhibition orchestrated by Sir Walter George Windham in British India made the first official airmail flight. Windham used the event to generate publicity and raise money for charity. His pilot, Henri Pequet, would fly just over 8 miles from Allahabad to Naini to deliver 6,500 letters. Continued on page 32
Airmail Beacon Design
Early U.S. Airmail TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 31
Follow the Arrows… continued
It wasn’t until three years later the range capability of mail delivery aircraft was really tested. In July of 1914, French pilot Maurice Guillaux carried Australian mail 584 miles from Melbourne to Sydney – at the time the longest such flight in the world. By 1918 the east coast of the United States had limited airmail service. Two years later, a North American transcontinental airmail route was finally established. On August 20th, 1920 – sixty years after the Pony Express – rapid delivery made a return to the U.S.
Beacon Tower System
Airmail Beacon Stamp Airmail Beacon Omaha 1920s
Aircraft of the era lacked the advanced electronics for navigation during night flights or through inclement weather. Long before the advent of radio guidance or Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), pilots were limited to visual guidance, using landmarks to chart the route. Flying at night was out of the question; bad weather and limited flight times meant delivery was limited and still spotty in frequency. The service was indeed faster, but it lacked flexibility and reliability of operations. By 1924 the Postal Service developed a solution that was effective, if not elegant. A system of ground-based navigation beacons extending from New York to San Francisco would help pilots fly across the country at night and ultimately be the world’s first such system. The early iterations of the system used approximately 1,500 airmail beacons, each constructed roughly between 3 and 5 miles apart. The beacons featured a 50-foot tower with rotating lights placed on top of concrete foundations in the shape of giant arrows measuring between 50 and 70 feet long. To increase visibility of the concrete arrows, they were painted bright yellow. The first towers contained acetylene-gas powered lights which were fed by fuel stored in a shed at the base. At the top of the towers, a rotating beacon with 5,000 candlepower and would flash every ten seconds. In clear weather the beacon lights could be seen for 10 miles (16 km). Below the main white beacon, a secondary set of red and green lights would flash a Morse Code letter to identify the beacon to pilots. To accommodate for emergencies, intermediate landing fields were established every 25 miles along the route. The fields were constructed with rotating incandescent electric lights mounted on 50-foot towers set to sweep six times per minute. These less-common emergency field beacons were visible up to 75 miles away. TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 32
The program was an immediate success and continued to expand throughout its operational life. By the end of the first year the airmail service had 18 terminal airfields, 89 emergency airfields, and more than 500 beacon lights in operation.
Follow the Arrows… continued
Rapid Growth Until Obsolete In 1926 management of the beacon system was turned over to the Department of Commerce, which continued expansion or the airmail beacon system until 1929. As technology improved, so did the towers. Later versions on spur routes were built 10 miles apart and equipped with stronger beacon lights – up to one million candlepower – making them reportedly visible up to 40 miles in clear weather. But by the 1930s, navigation and radio technology had improved to allow flight without landbased visual guidance. The Low Frequency Radio Range (LFRR) system began to replace older visualbased systems. The airmail beacon program would continue to operate full-scale until 1933, when technology advancements and the higher cost of operation during the Great Depression – finally rendered it obsolete. After the program was de-funded, various beacons would continue to operate in limited capacities into the 1940s. At that time, the Department of Continued on page 34
Illustrated Air Traveler’s Map, 1929, of the Route of Transcontinental Air Transport,” Rand McNally, 1929. Courtesy David Rumsey Map Collection. TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 33
Follow the Arrows… continued
Commerce decommissioned and disassembled the towers for their steel, a resource in short supply and desperately needed to support the war effort. The last airway beacon was officially shut down in 1973, although the Montana Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division reportedly continues to operate around 19 updated beacons in the mountains of Western Montana.
Concrete Arrows Today Ninety years later, most of the towers have been dismantled. Many of the sites are long gone, victims of war, infrastructure growth, and aggressive private developers. During World War II, numerous concrete arrows were destroyed as well – so as to not help enemy pilots visually navigate the country. Still, hundreds of the arrows remain. But today they lack the bright yellow paint, and the cracks in the concrete worsen with each winter freeze. Arrows on top of mountains are safe for now, but several along the highways have already been lost to redevelopment. The Aviation Heritage Museum of the Grants-Milan Airport in NM has restored this airway beacon (picture courtesy cibolahistory.org
Left below: The Newark-Heath Airport in Ohio has a well-preserved example in Beacon 2 (Columbus-Philadelphia route), circa 1933 (photo courtesy of Chris Little). Barney Kemter is restoring this beacon. He has already restored and painted the arrow yellow, and has plans to repaint the generator shed (with “C-P” on the roof) and eventually add a historical marker. Beacon #2, which dates to 1930, is the last remaining arrow on the CAM #34 (Columbus to Philadelphia) route. Flights started October 25, 1930, by Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT). Barney also revealed the concrete arrows were placed, not poured. Middle below: Just outside of Anthony, Kansas the remains of a concrete arrow and a beacon tower are visible near the entrance to the municipal airport. Right below: Beacon 27 in Idaho (photo courtesy Mike Berriochoa)
Maps to Find the Arrows For the explorers out there, you can find a list with map links to locations with visible remains from the original airmail beacon system on the sometimesinteresting website. Go to: http://goo.gl/bCO6e0 and scroll about half way down the page to the "Mapping" section. There, you'll find info, directions and links to maps of arrows that are still visible. Note from sometimes-interesting.com: This list is not meant to be comprehensive, but it does include many of the locations still visible today. (List is continually updated as submissions are received.) Happy Hunting! j
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 34
The Flying Stantons By Charles Stanton
World's 1st All-Captain father and 2 sons team, circa 1940's; son Jim, father Stan and son Bud Stanton
F
ifty-five years have passed since TWA Captain Stanley Theodore Stanton's 1961 retirement flight in a Connie. My Dad (referred to as Stan), is the patriarch of “The Flying Stantons”, a TWA first. Alongside my brothers Jim and Bud, they formed the world's first all-Captain father and two sons team. Hired by Walter Hamilton on July 1, 1933 to fly the mail for TWA, Captain Stanton already had over 4,400 hours in command, instructing, barnstorming, testing, racing and flying the fastest ships of the day. Stan was #2 in system seniority behind Hal “H.A.” Blackburn, and was the one of the last of TWA's all propeller Captains. Even with over 28 years with TWA and 28,000 hours as Captain, he regretted being denied the opportunity to fly jets. In 1933, TWA had two distinct sets of pilots: Commercial and Air Mail. The pilots of Air Mail Route #34 are what kept the company fiscally afloat, as revenue was dependent on weight, the condition upon arrival and time delivered. There was no GPS, no LORAN, no electronic maps, just piloting alone with a calibrated set of rudimentary instruments and the best radios available. Despite all precautions, day and night mail took it's toll on the unfortunate. Stan's friend, Captain Ernie Gann, wrote in his epic book “Fate is the Hunter” the names of those airline pilots whose fates “were not so fortunate as mine.” Continued on page 36
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 35
The Flying Stantons… continued
Letter when Stan was 'loaned' to the Air Transport Command in 1943
I sometimes read Stan's pencil check marks next to the names of all 44 TWA pilots that he knew, and think about how his comrades felt about each one's sad fate. Stan knew that being hired to fly the mail had as much to do with attrition as growth. That was the truth of the Golden Age of Aviation for pilots. There is something intangible about Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB). Dad first got the 'bug' when he bought a $5 barnstorming ride upon graduation, with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, in 1926. Dad's long ride began not only “The Flying Stantons” but four generations of commercial airline pilots, all who have their commercial pilot's licenses: • Patriarch Stan Stanton; • Sons Jim Stanton and Ira (Bud) Stanton; • Grandsons W. Michael Stanton, Steve Stanton and Bob Stanton; • Great grandsons Rick Stanton, Jason Stanton, Robbie Stanton and Doug Stanton. As Jim says, “Four generations, fit to fly.” The “bug” even touched Dad's last child, Suzanne, who met her future Blue Angel husband, Matt Seamon, in the ARB based University of Michigan Flying Club, some 60 years later. Captain Seamon now flies for Southwest Airlines.
Stan at wheel of 'his' racer the Cessna GC-1, "Miss Blackwell" (OK Oil Co.) Cirrus engined Racer for the Cirrus Derby, his first non-barnstorming job
Stan never sought the limelight and yet accomplished many notable firsts: • Flying the Cessna brothers' GC-1, “The Winged Torpedo”, their very first race plane; • Honeymooning with his first wife Wilhelmina, (mother to Jim and Bud) on the 1929 Ford Reliability Air Tour, finishing 11th overall; • Helped spark Will Rodgers' love of flying with Braniff; • Was assigned with the first crews to fly the first five converted Boeing 307/C75 Stratocruisers lent to the Army's nascent Air Transport Command (ATC); • Flew the South Atlantic, across Africa, and the Indian Ocean to rescue Col. Doolittle after his raid on Tokyo as confirmed in his 1942 log book; • Was assigned to fly British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to a conference with FDR during WWII, but an hour before they were scheduled to depart, the Secret Service switched Churchill's scotch for Churchill; • Flying the European delegation to the formation meeting of the UN.
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 36
Continued on next page
The Flying Stantons… continued
Stan Stanton March 10, 1901 April 13, 1974 Hire Date TWA: July 1, 1933 Retired by FAA/TWA: March 10, 1961
(LEFT) Stan Stanton's family sees him off as he heads up the stairs on his last flight as Captain (taken at SFO, March 10, 1961) Clockwise left to right: son Bud, daughter-in-law Shirley, wife Jennie, daughter-in-law Virginia, son Jim, son Chuck, daughters Suzy and Patty.
Jim has memories of Dad in the 1920's landing that bright red wood and fabric factory Cessna on Jim's uncle's Missouri farm field. Twenty-five years later, I have memories of my Mom (Jennie) holding my infant sister Patty on our Long Island home's front yard, watching Dad fly by on approach to IDL after a trans-Atlantic trip in a TWA L-749 Intercontinental, wagging his wings as if to say: “Hi! I'll be home in an hour.” j
STAN FLIES WITH FLEAS As told by his son, Charles Stanton Dad told me this story. While he was assigned to flying AM34, one winter night he got a call to substitute for another pilot. He shooed his dog off its cozy bed, dad's fur-lined winter flying suit lying on the floor, and headed out the door. He was in a rush to keep schedule, so he donned it just before he climbed in the open cockpit (my supposition it was a Northrop Alpha) and took off. About 10 minutes into his flight, he realized he had unexpected 'passengers' biting him all over. Dad told me he was miserable as he could do nothing but fly to his destination, hours distant. When he landed, he immediately jumped out of the plane and stripped. The TWA ground crew laughed and laughed and began to sing, "He flew through the air with the greatest of fleas." j Stan Stanton (left) with co-pilot in front of DC-2 TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 37
Flight 800 20 Year Anniversary Memorial SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2016 There will be a gathering to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the downing of TWA Flight 800 at the Flight 800 Memorial on Sunday, July 17, 2016 at the Fire Island National Seashore, in Long Island, New York. If you have never been to the spectacular TWA Flight 800 Memorial, I highly recommend you do so … this year especially. Hotel reservations can be made at the Marriott Spring Hill Suites: 2 Sawgrass Dr. Bellport, NY 11713
631-924-0090 Mention that you are with the TWA Flight 800 Group for a rate of $189 a night (plus tax). These are beautiful rooms, as I stayed there for the 15th Anniversary. EIT j
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 38
FLOWN WEST
FLOWN WEST
IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN WILLIAM WESLEY "WES" ROMINE January 12, 1939 - December 19, 2015 TWA 1966-1994 Wes Romine grew up on a farm outside Washington, Oklahoma. The firstborn child of John and Dera Romine, he was the apple of his mother's eye. Wes graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1961 where he received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, but a class in beginning flying captured his imagination; with skill and grace, he was a natural. After college and ROTC, the Army sent him to fixed-wing school at Fort Rucker, Alabama. In 1964, he completed a tour of duty in Vietnam flying the CV-2, Caribou. Following military service he began a career spanning 33 years - beginning on the Convair 880 and ending with the Boeing 747 - for TWA in L.A. and N.Y., flying domestic and international routes. The last 10 years of his career were under contract with Nippon Cargo Airlines domiciled in San Francisco before he retired in 2000. Wes married his childhood sweetheart, Betty Caldwell Romine, in 1961, and they lived together 54 years before he died unexpectedly in December, 2015. They had one son, Van Romine, who resides in Southern California. Wes, his calm steady nature and love for his family, lives forever in our hearts. j
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IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN WALTER WALDO May 12, 1925 - February 21, 2016 TWA 1952-1985
TWA Topics â&#x20AC;˘ May 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 39
FLOWN WEST
IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN ALBERT "AL" PREST April 27, 1942 - October 21, 2015 TWA 1965-1984 Al Prest grew up in New Jersey, and graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, PA in 1961. He went on to the University of Miami where he studied Aviation Administration and graduated from the American Flyers in Fort Worth, TX. Al had over 47 years of airline industry experience, focused on safety and training. As a career pilot for TWA, Al served as Captain, Check Airman and instructor pilot on the Boeing 727 and 707. Following retirement from TWA, he became Dir. of Charter Operations for Jet America Airlines and later Gulf Air Transport (1984-1990), and was Vice President of Operations for the Air Transport Assoc. of America in D.C. until 2003, completing his career as V.P. of Operations for Beacon Management Group in Maryland. j
IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN WILLIAM "BILL" MOFFITT December 28, 1928 - July 2, 2015 TWA 1953-1986 Bill lived a full 86 years and finally secummed after a devastating stroke 5 years earlier. Bill was an avid golfer and fisherman. He was at home in the kitchen as well in his woodshop. Bill was a Navy pilot prior to joining TWA. He is survived by his wife Peggy and Son Bill, Jr. Interestingly, his father Ted Moffitt was also a TWA Captain. j
IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN CHARLES WEINREICH January 20, 1937 - June 23, 2015 TWA 1965-1996 Charles was born in Chicago Illinois and spent much of his young life in Des Planes and Arlington Heights. He loved flying from a young age and would ride his bike to the local airport and would do whatever jobs necessary for him to fly. He earned enough money to buy his own airplane at age 16 and had enough money to pay for flying lessons. He started his career with TWA in 1965 and retired May 1996. He never missed a flight in his 30-plus years and loved his career with TWA as did we all. j TWA Topics â&#x20AC;˘ May 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 40
FLOWN WEST
IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN WILLIAM (BILL) EBERT July 25, 1925 - July 15, 2015 TWA 1951-1985 William Ebert passed away with his family by his side, just 10 days short of his 90th birthday. Bill started his flying career while serving his country in WWII. He enlisted in the Navy and trained on the F6F Hellcat and the F8F Bearcat, flying on and off the carriers. After being honorably discharged in 1949, his love for flying continued on with TWA. He retired from the airline after 34 years as a captain of the 747. After Bill's retirement, he focused soley on his family, but he never forgot his passion for flying. He would hold the attention of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as he spoke fondly of his time with TWA. j
IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN ROBERT MILLHAM August 16, 1939 - February 16, 2016 TWA 1966-1999
IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN AARON ELMONE March 13, 1940 - January 29, 2016 TWA 1967-2000
IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN WILLIAM CLIFF January 26, 1941 - January 26, 2016 TWA 1969-2001
BECAUSE WE FLEW Once the wings go on, they never come off whether they can be seen or not. It fuses to the soul through adversity, fear and adrenaline, and no one who has ever worn them with pride, integrity and guts can ever sleep through the call of the wild that wafts through bedroom windows in the deep of the night. When a good flyer leaves the job and retires, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder. We wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know. (Continued on next page)
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 41
FLOWN WEST (Continued from previous page) We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times. We know in the world of flying, there is a fellowship which lasts long after the flight suits are hung up in the back of the closet. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is. Because we flew, we envy no man on earth. ~Author Unknown
IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN THOMAS BINNS July 2, 1932 - January 8, 2016 TWA 1965-1992 IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN VERNON HASSLER February 5, 1932 - January 4, 2016 TWA 1958-1987
IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN ROGER SCHMIDT January 31, 1936 - December 17, 2015 TWA 1963-1992 IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN KENNETH AIKIN November 29, 1942 - December 11, 2015 TWA 1966-2002
IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN WESTON AMENT July 12, 1921 - November 29, 2015 TWA 1948-1981
IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN WILLIAM SAUERS June 7, 1938 - November 6, 2015 TWA 1966-1998 TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 42
FLOWN WEST IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN WILLIAM MERRIGAN October 11, 1919 - October 31, 2015 TWA 1945-1981
IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN BRUCE SKIBBY June 17, 1934 - October 9, 2015 TWA 1966-1992
IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN CLEM WITTMAN January 6, 1923 - October 7, 2015 TWA 1945-1983
IN MEMORY OF
CAPTAIN CHRISTOPH CLARK September 19, 1918 - September 24, 2015 TWA 1944-1985
Gone but never forgotten … TWA TWA Topics Topics • May • May 2016 2016 • Page • Page 4343
FLOWN WEST REPORTING PROCEDURE Revised April 1, 2016 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 • 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.
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
All TWA Retired Pilots Association members should save this notice and provide a copy for their family members. See the next two pages for a complete Flown West Checklist in the event of death of a Retiree, Spouse or Dependent. j
We are happy to honor and memorialize those who have flown west in the pages of the TWA Topics magazine, however due to space constraints, we respectfully request that obituary submissions be kept to 200 words or less. TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 44
<-- Tear out & keep this page!
FLOWN WEST CHECKLIST
In the event of death of a Retiree, Spouse or Dependent • Updated April 1, 2016 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 • May 2016 • Page 45
(Continued on next page)
FLOWN WEST CHECKLIST … CONTINUED In the event of death of a Retiree, Spouse or Dependent • Updated April 1, 2016 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 website. 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 • May 2016 • Page 46
j
Celebrating 70 Years Since the Historical Star of Paris By Marc Brécy, Former TWA Flight Dispatch Officer based at CDG On February 5, 1946, the Constellation "Star of Paris" inaugurated scheduled international service for Trans World Airlines across the Atlantic: LGA-YQX-SNN-ORY The aircraft used on this flight was a Constellation 049, model 49-51-26, plane number NC86505, TWA fleet #550. Fourteen hours and 48 minutes after take off from La Guardia, the plane landed in Paris. Before take off at La Guardia, the plane was christened by Mrs. Jack Frye with French Ambassador, Henri Bonnet and Irish Minister to the US, Robert Brennan. The Crew of the "Star of Paris"…
Captain Hal Blackburn was in command. Joining him on the historic flight were Co-Captains Jack Hermann, and J. Calder; Purser Don Shiemwell, hostess Ruth Schmidt, Flight Engineer A. Ruhanen and Navigator M. Chrisman. Continued on page 48
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 47
Star of Paris … continued
There was a total of 36 passengers on board; four had boarded at Washington, D.C. where the flight originated. New to the international airline field, despite its wartime initiation, TWA was faced with many complex problems. Inauguration of international service reauired worldwide mobilization of the airline's resources. Foreign contacts had to be established and key personnel trained to operate the foreign offices and bases. This had to be done when many necessary materials were unavailable and the manpower shortage was still acute. Individual agreements had to be concluded with various countries, and the airline soon discovered that a private version of the Marshall Plan for the development of aviation in certain countries had to be undertaken. Consequently, the airline started a large scale program that involved financial investment and or organizational guidance to many local airlines, including those in France (Air France) Italy, Greece, Iran, Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia, etc... Notes: That aircraft had a rather short life span, and with other names before it was christened 'The Star of Cairo' which ended in the Shannon crash in December of 1946. Also, extracts from Irish accounts of the 'Star of Trans Atlantic Service thru SNN' (Shannon, Ireland). This aircraft NC86505 was the first Connie to land at SNN, on November 26, 1945 on a proving flight from Gander in the record time of 6 hours, 55 minutes. The return flight on December 8, 1945 also set a new record of 7 hours, 46 minutes to YQX (Newfoundland, Canada). Special thank you to Noel Deasy Former TWA Flight Dispatch Officer based at SNN (Shannon, Ireland), and later at CDG (Charles de Gaulle, Paris). j
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 48
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 us at: topicseit@icloud.com 1.
If you don't go to any other links, you have to see this one! The 27 Best Aviation Photos of 2015: http://goo.gl/4xBABT
2. ATC 1ST 25 BEST YEARS (1958-83) – www.rwf2000.com/ATC 3. On October 25, 1930, Transcontinental and Western Air inaugurated America's first coast-to-coast passenger service - New York to Los Angeles in just 36 hours. Charles Osgood takes a look back at an era of aviation when TWA was the premier commercial airline (2:24 video) – https://goo.gl/zk6DyL 4. Happy 70th Birthday, Connie! – http://goo.gl/8g1RLi 5. TWA B17 1946 – http://goo.gl/d4Xt1e 6. Air & Space Museums – http://goo.gl/kVLKFI 7.
Airline History Series by Barry Latter – http://goo.gl/cfKp5y
8. TWA's Terminal Hotel! You have to see this! – http://goo.gl/z4sAZd 9. TWA Turn-Round 1952 (TWA Passenger aircraft prepares for take-off at London Airport) – http://goo.gl/hYnvno 10. British Airways - Building the 787-9 Dreamliner – safeyoutube.net/w/ZMo 11. Into the Eye –http://goo.gl/xXN55G 12. For you "Gear Heads" – http://goo.gl/so8oeg 13. Kai Tek/Charlie-Charlie Approach – https://goo.gl/3iL5Bv 14. Warbirds of America, Aircraft Beauties – http://vimeo.com/101647637 15. Can you imagine lifting off at 1,010,000 pounds? – http://goo.gl/aV6o49 16. This give all of us Seniors hope –https://goo.gl/9UuxRT 17. Last B-727 Flight – http://goo.gl/nk4NBg 18. Super Constellation L 1649 - Very cool RC "Connies" – http://youtu.be/gdH2kHbqO5s 19. 0-60 In 1.8 seconds!! – http://youtu.be/_hf6ke1-i3E 20. Russian Air Museum. They can build sister uglies! – http://goo.gl/e0n6c9
Note: many of these links have been turned into shortened urls so they will be easier to read and type in your web browser TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 49
Close Call! … a John Rohlfing story as related from his Co-Pilot
Captain John Rohlfing
F
lying First Officer with a Captain presents ample opportunity to sense his temperament as well as his flying skills. Captain John Rohlfing possessed the requisite talents to occupy the command seat of an airliner ... his persona also included the thick-skinned hide of a union leader. The vagaries of TWA crew schedule in the 1980's placed me in the right seat of a Boeing 727 piloted by Captain Rohlfing ... hence this story. Following ground control's routing to the take-off runway, a last-minute re-route was issued. The new clearance required holding short of an active runway at an approaching intersection. John idled the engines, while applying brakes to shop the 727, (A Lockheed 1011 was flaring to land on that runway.) That day we were flying a short-31 model ... which requires mechanical locking of each pilot seat. Application of brakes placed pressure on the seat-back ... causing his seat to unlock and slam rearward; removing him from the brake pedals! Across the cockpit, John yelled, "Brakes! Get the brakes!" The urgency of his tone intensified what I had already begun ... my application of brake pressure was adrenaline-augmented. I stopped the 727 dead in its tracks! The resulting compression/rebound of the nose strut must have made it appear that the 727 was bowing politely to the large Lockheed, now rolling along the runway before us and a very bad day at that airport was avoided. EDIT Note: As a result of this and several other instances an FAA AD note was issued for a manual locking device for several aircraft to avoid situations like this. How would you like that to happen on rotation, which has happened!!? Does anyone know who this Co-Pilot was? The information came to me unmarked, and John can not remember who it was after so much time. He remembers the incident though. (I'll bet!) The Co-Pilot did become an 890 out of STL. j TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 50
eve Can't beli ey treated the way th back in Co-Pilots 's … and the 1930 e 1960's! through th - EIT
TWA Topics • May 2016 • Page 51
TWA 757 Seattle Landing