2016.11_TARPA_TOPICS

November 2016

Issue 114

Celebrating the iconic artwork of David Klein (details on inside cover)

November 2016

Issue 114

ABOUT THE COVER

Celebrating the iconic artwork of David Klein (details on inside cover)

The cover of this issue features a display of 30 iconic TWA posters from the 1950s and 1960s designed by renowned illustrator, David Klein. These images were provided to the TWA Retired Pilots Association courtesy of Chisholm Gallery Vintage Posters, New York, NY.

About the Artist David Klein (Feb. 23, 1918 - Dec. 9, 2005) was an American artist, best known for his influential work in advertising. Although he produced illustrations for Broadway theatrical productions, Hollywood films, the United States Army, and numerous corporate clients, Klein is best remembered for the iconic travel images he created for Howard Hughes and TWA during the 1950s and 1960s.

By the mid-1950s, Klein had established a reputation as one of America's preeminent commercial illustrators. However, his most lasting contribution to the art world came in the following decade as he applied his talent to the world of commercial travel. Between approximately 1955–1965, Klein designed numerous award-winning travel advertisement posters, many of which are now considered emblematic of the 1960s Jet Age. Klein produced the bulk of this work for Howard Hughes and TWA, illustrating dozens of posters advertising travel throughout the United States and abroad.

Through his TWA work, Klein earned additional recognition, and, in 1957, New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) added Klein’s TWA Times Square poster to its permanent collection.

Purchasing Posters You can purchase these iconic posters by visiting the Chisholm Gallery’s retail space at 325 ½ W. 16th Street in New York City, NY. They also have an excellent website: www.vintagepostersnyc.com. Or, you can call them directly at 212-243-8834.

Their posters range from a several hundred to several thousand dollars, and the gallery deals only in the original posters and sells no reproductions.

Wanted: Classic TWA Posters!

Chisholm Gallery is always looking to acquire more original posters and often purchases them from people in the travel industry. If you have anything you might be interested in selling, contact Gail Chisholm at 212-243-8834.

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 2

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

EMAIL YOUR STORY & PHOTOS TO: TopicsEdit@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 San Diego 2017 Convention ....................................................................................................................7 TWA Boeing 337 Stratocruiser..................................................................................................................8 The Grapevine .....................................................................................................................................9-1È Membership Application (perforated for tear out) .....................................................................................1x Hats & Keepsakes Order Form (perforated for tear out) ............................................................................17 Initial Test Flight Twa 747 by Captain Lyle D Bobzin ...............................................................................1n Best of TWA In Flight Recipes (perforated for tear out)............................................................................19 Reflections on the Interesting Life of Captain Stu Nelson...................................................................20-21 Trans World Airlines – A Book of Memories ...........................................................................................22 Retiree Photo ID Instructions (perforated for tear out) ..............................................................................23 Badge Order Form (perforated for tear out) ...............................................................................................23 Former TWA Pilot, Captain Otto Franklin “Buddy” Hamilton, Jr. Turns 100! ........................................24 Captain Guy Fortier’s Health Corner ......................................................................................................25 TWA / Grey Eagles Annual Convention – Photos From New Orleans ...............................................26-33 Flown West ........................................................................................................................................34-37 Flown West Reporting (pages 39-40 perforated for tear-out) .................................................................38-40 Flight 800 – 20 Year Anniversary Memorial Photos ............................................................................41-45 Kingman Airport................................................................................................................................46-47 Voices in the Night.............................................................................................................................48-50 Interesting “Lynx” .................................................................................................................................51

Copyright © 2016 The TWA Retired Pilots Association

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 2016 • Page 3

A Very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Your Board of Directors!

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

PAST PRESIDENT/TOPICS EDITOR Capt. Bill Kirschner topicsedit@icloud.com PO Box 3596, Lake Tahoe, NV 89449 775-721-4386

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Capt. Gene York gyork747@gmail.com 949-759-1197 H 714-318-6000 C

TREASURER Capt. Ed Madigan edmadigan@charter.net 775-831-1265

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

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

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

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

WEBMASTER Capt. Bob Willcutts capnbobby@bellsouth.net 774-413-9003

FLOWN WEST COORDINATOR Capt. Rufus Mosley rufus767@gulftel.com 251-955-1080

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

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

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 4

President’s Message November 8, 2016 We just concluded our second annual joint TWA/Grey Eagles Convention in New Orleans French Quarter. It was a wonderful time enjoyed by all. For those who joined us at the Hotel Monteleone — thank you all for attending! Thank you also to all the people who worked so hard to make it such a success: our Meeting Planner, Vicki McGowen, the registration ladies, and Susy Madigan for the fantastic decorations! A big thanks also to ALL who were planners and workers/bartenders at our top-floor, River View “Hospitality Suite”. It was a wonderful place for all of us Grey Eagles, Soaring Eagles and TWA Retired Pilots to plan, work and enjoy together our common love of FLYING, fast cars, faster aircraft, and beautiful ladies – our spouses. It was truly wonderful, as was expressed by so many in attendance.

You can view some of the pictures from this year's New Orleans convention in this issue of TWA Topics and online at www.TWAretiredPilotsAssociation.com.

At our Board of Directors meeting on October 30, 2016 we discussed our 2017 joint convention with the Grey Eagles in San Diego, California (scheduled for October 28 - November 2, 2017.) This promises to be a great, fun-filled destination. We are excited to announce a special TWA/Grey Eagle Night which will take place on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Midway. There will also be tours of the ship, special viewing of a movie on the historical significance of the aircraft carrier, and great camaraderie as we dine together under the stars. The first 100 people to book a room at our host hotel – the Wyndham Bayside San Diego – will be guaranteed a BAY VIEW room, so don't delay – sign up soon (details on page 7)!

We also discussed some of the cites or cruises that we are considering for our 2018 convention. Stay tuned for details coming up in a future issue of the TWA Topics.

During the General Meeting on November 3, 2016, the Membership elected the following Captains to be our new BOD Officers for 2017: President: S. R. “Dusty” West; 1St VP: Gene York; 2nd VP/Secretary: Bob Kavula; Past President/TWA TOPICS Editor: Bill Kirschner; Treasurer: Ed Madigan; Senior Director: Charlie Wilder; Hospitality Director: Bob Dedman. Also: Captain Bob Willcutts will remain as Webmaster; Captain Rufus Mosley accepted the position of “Flown West Coordinator.”

Please tell ALL your airline friends about the San Diego Convention — we are looking forward a great turnout and to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

Captain S.R. “Dusty” West President TWA Retired Pilots Association TWAretiredPilotsAssociation.com TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 5

TREASURER’S REPORT • NOVEMBER 8, 2016

Cash on Deposit, November 8, 2016:

C.A.C.U (CD’S) ..................................................... $ 26,153.94 C.A.C.U. (CK) ....................................................... $

3,456.24

Convention Account ............................................... $ 27,996.80 Checking Account................................................... $ 25,539.57 Savings Account ...................................................... $ 19,939.84 Balance November 8, 2016 .................................... $ 103,086.39 Membership: 449 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 2017, then it’s time for you to renew.

To renew today, contact TWA Retired Pilots Association 2017 Treasurer, Ed Madigan at edmadigan@mac.com

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 6

San Diego 2017 Grey Eagles & TWA Retired Pilots Assoc.

ANNUAL CONVENTION

Sat., Oct. 28 – Thurs., Nov. 2, 2017

!

DAY O T RVE 00 E S E 1 R First ns are o rvati ed a e s e R ante !

Guar w Room Vie Bay

sandiego.org

Mark your calendar for the 2017 Annual Convention. Watch the website for updates. Complete details for the convention will be announced in early 2017.

THE EXCITING EVENTS WILL INCLUDE: • • • • • • •

TWA/Grey Eagle Night dinner on the USS Midway Hornblower Yacht Bay Cruise Balboa Park with 9 museums to visit San Diego Safari Park Tour Welcome Reception on the Terrace Special Ladies Event Micro Brew Crawl

Headquarters Hotel: Wyndham Bayside San Diego Our special room rate: $179/night + tax For hotel reservations call:

SPECTACULAR HOSPITALITY SUITE! The Hospitality Suite is the heart and soul of our conventions.

Our 2017 Hospitality Suite promises to be one of the best to date – on the waterfront of San Diego Bay Join us each day at the Wyndham hotel for a hosted full bar, nibblings, world famous Tarpatini’s, a staff of great bartenders/friends, and of course great company!

619-232-3861

For event information contact our meeting planner:

Vicki, McGowen Marketing 775-722-2811 or vickimcgowen@charter.net TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 7

TWA Boeing 377 Stratocruiser

The 17

The Boeing 377 Stratocruiser was a large long-range airliner developed from the C-97 Stratofreighter military transport, a derivative of the B-29 Superfortress. The Stratocruiser's first flight was on July 8, 1947. Its design was advanced for its day; its innovative features included two passenger decks and a pressurized cabin, a relatively new feature on transport aircraft. It could carry up to 100 passengers on the main deck plus 14 in the lower deck lounge; typical seating was for 63 or 84 passengers or 28 berthed and five seated passengers.

The Stratocruiser was larger than the Douglas DC-6 and Lockheed Constellation and cost more to buy and operate. Its reliability was poor, chiefly due to problems with the four 28-cylinder Pratt & Whitney Wasp Major radial engines and their four-blade propellers. Only 55 Model 377s were built for airlines, along with the single prototype. �

Learn more about the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser at: wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_377_Stratocruiser

Boeing 377 Sleeping Arrangements

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 8

the

Grapevine

AMERICAN LEGACY AIRCRAFT WITH TWA LOGO ON THE TAIL

Submitted

by Marc Brecy An AA/TWA B737 taken at LGA by a passenger boarding her to MIA earlier this year

IF AIRLINE PILOTS DESIGNED CARS...

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 9

STORIES ABOUT THE LATE, GREAT CAPTAIN HOWARD CHITTENDEN

OOPS! WRONG AIRPORT …

Submitted by Bob Pastore I used to fly with Howard, and once prodded him to relate the experience of accidentally landing at The Ohio State Airport instead of Columbus at night. (TWA had to pull the seats out of the 707 to get the weight low enough to fly out).

Sadly Howard Chittenden (pictured above) flew west in May of this year.

Read more about Howard from many who thought highly of him on page 34.

Bob: Howard, how did you ever land at the wrong airport (OSA and CMH are pretty much in line with OSA first when coming from the west)?

Howard: Don’t want to talk about it.

Bob: Come on Howard, how do I learn from your experience?

H: Don’t want to talk about it.

Me: (Pressing) Ok, but when did you know you were at the wrong airport?

Howard: We were in reverse thrust and I saw a hamburger stand go by. I knew then.

Bob: Wow!! What did you tell the people?

Howard: “Ladies and Gentlemen, it appears that I have greatly inconvenienced you. We are not at CMH but landed somewhere else. But if you think your inconvenienced, it’s nothing compared to how I’m going to be inconvenienced when I call the Chief Pilot and tell him what I have just done.”

Only Howard …

Rest in Peace my friend. �

Submitted by Bill Kirschner My buddy Howard always had a great sense of humor – thus the shirt he's wearing in the photo to the left.

The picture may have been taken the last time he was at Mammoth hiking. � TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 10

VINTAGE TWA ADS

Submitted by Captain Lou Burns & Dispatcher Marc Bercy Eventually we hired guys with 250 hours and some with no time at all, as long as they had a Masters Degree in something. Pottery, water colors, etc...

SMOKE 'EM IF YOU GOT 'EM

BOB BUCK HAVING FUN ON A LAYOVER

Submitted by Hank Goetz If they only knew …

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 11

BRACER BEFORE BOARDING This was when many people were afraid of flying.

Submitted by Bill Kischner I flew this great airplane in the mid 1960's! What fun! 880 stands for cruising at 88% of the speed of sound.

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 12

1049 G CONSTELLATION A lot of us flew this plane.

THEY ARE STILL FLYING!

This recent photo of a Connie flying was taken 01 MAY 2016 Down Under, just south of Sydney in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia

1649 CONSTELLATION Great to fly, it held 100 gallons less then 10,000 US gallons of high octane gasoline!! It could fly forever.

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 13

1934 TWA SEAPLANE

Early Aviation Trivia: TWA SEA Plane (FORD TRI-Motor Manhattan, NYC -1934)

ORVILLE WRIGHT IN A CONNIE (1947)

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 14

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TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 1

LENDS NEW MEANING TO WAKE TURBULENCE Submitted by Captain Glenn Smith Don't get to close in your T-6 or C-182!!

After that spectacular MD-11 Vortices Pic, I had to throw a cool Boeing 747 one out there!

NOTICE ANYTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT THIS 747?

(Hint: 5 Engines)

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 1

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T WA RETIRED PILOT S ASSOCIATION HAT S & KEEPS AKE ORDER FORM

(A) Red Logo Hat w/scrambled eggs

(B) White Logo Hat w/scrambled eggs

(C) White Hat plain

(D) Medallion

(E) Key FOB

P L E A S E P R I N T C L E A R LY Item

Requested Donation

Quantity

Total

A. Red Logo Hat (w/ scrambled eggs) ...................... $25.00

________

$_________________

B. White Logo Hat (w/ scrambled eggs) .................. $25.00

________

$_________________

C. White Logo Hat (plain) ....................................... $25.00

________

$_________________

D. Medallion ............................................................. $25.00

________

$_________________

E. Key FOB .............................................................. $18.00

________

$_________________

TOTAL ENCLOSED

$_________________

SHIPPING ADDRESS First Name: ___________________________________ Last: __________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________________ State: ______ Zip: ____________ Please mail completed form with check payable to "TWA Retired Pilots Association" to:

Captain Bill Kirschner PO Box 3596 Stateline, NV 89449 Prices include shipping and handling. Proceeds go towards a donation to the TWA Flight 800 Memorial and TWA Museum, both of which are 501(c)(3) charitable organizations.

For more info please contact Bill Kirschner:

email: TopcisEdit@icloud.com 775-721-4386 TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 17

INITIAL TEST FLIGHT TWA 747 An excerpt from the upcoming sequel to Flight Around the World

by Captain Lyle D Bobzin The initial production of the Boeing 747 inin charge received an urgent message to return to Seattle, volved six 747 aircraft. The first aircraft was entirely WA. One of the Boeing engineers seated in the cabin flown as a test vehicle. The remaining five aircraft were to playing cards with his fellow employees remarked, “the be delivered to the airlines involved in the initial airline sun is now on the opposite side. We must have turned purchase. One of the five was purchased by TWA and around.” The TWA 747 returned to Seattle, WA, and was completed to include the exterior paint scheme in what could only be termed as ‘unnecessary’ flying time the design of TWA logos and color. The five aircraft, alhad been accumulated on the aircraft prior to its delivthough sold to respective airlines were to be used in lessor ery to TWA. Boeing flight test required for certification by the FAA. The possibility of TWA being the first airline to During the Boeing flight testing for certification arrive and depart Honolulu, HI had been terminated by the FAA, one of the requirements was extensive takeby the fury and arrogance of Mr. Juan Trippe. TWA offs and landings under actual existing weather condiand Pan Am both served Honolulu, HI market from tions. It became time to complete this certification rethe mainland. The competitive nature would continue quirement; it was decided to do the high temperature to exist. � takeoff and landing requirements in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Notes From Lyle & Rita Bobzin: The TWA aircraft was to be used.

Joe Sutter was a highly respected personal friend. Captain The flight of the TWA 747 was begun and was Brien Wygle described Joe Sutter as an "engineer's engineer." well into the flight above the Pacific Ocean to Honolulu.

In the Sutter family home over looking the Puget Sound, Joe's During the development and production of the 747, the den and hallway overflowed with accolades addressed to the respective airline purchers had their engineering pilots at "Father of the 747".

Boeing in Seattle, WA. The Pan Am personnel heard the The TWA captains and personnel from the engineering departBoeing plan to use the TWA 747 for the initial landings ment held Joe Sutter in high esteem. Their numbers included Captain Dale Bebee, fortunately still with us. Joe Sutter passed at Honolulu, Hawaii. away August 30, 2016 at age 95. We attended the Boeing meThe personnel relayed this information to their morial service to honor the life and service of Joe Sutter on superiors. In the process of information distribution this September 20, 2016 at the Museum of Flight, Seattle, WA. information reached the ear of Juan Trippe, the President and CEO of Pan Am. The mere thought of a TWA 747 making the first landing at Honolulu, Hawaii, which would receive worldwide publicity, sent Juan Trippe into orbit. Mr. Trippe immediately telephoned Mr. T. A. Wilson, President and CEO of Boeing to demand that the TWA 747 not be allowed to complete this flight. Mr. Trippe was adamant and his demand was given top priority. Preside T. A. Wilson immediately called the head of test flight and advised the TWA flight to Honolulu must not take place.

Luncheon on 3/13/2014 at Randy's near Museum of Flight, Seattle, WA. Left to The TWA flight was already in prog- right: Captain Henry McMurray, Boeing test pilot, Joe Sutter, Chief Engineer Boeing, known as 'father of the 747', Captain Brien Wygle, Co-Captain on initial Boeing 747 ress, half way to Honolulu when the captain test flight, Captain Lyle Bobzin, TWA International Division, retired.

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 1

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The Grapevine

"The Very Best of TWA Cookbook"

THIS MONTH'S FEATURED RECIPES ARE SURE TO BE A HIT ON YOUR HOLIDAY TABLE THIS YEAR!

FUDGE PECAN PIE & GRAND MARNIER FLUFF! 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 • November 2016 • Page 19

Reflections on the Interesting Life of Captain Stu Nelson Plan for the Probable, Prepare for the Possible, Presume the Unexpected

By Captain Bill Kirschner

As pilots, we all meet some very interesting people in our careers and lifetime of flying. Captain Stu Nelson (TWA retired) is one of those people.

Stu and I first got to know each other under the B-707 contract that TWA had with Saudi Arabian Airlines. Stu got there in 1975 and me 1976. He eventually left Saudia to come back to TWA to fly the Lockheed L-1011 and the B-747.

We became close friends and did a tremendous amount of skiing together. Stu, along with his wife of more then 50 years, Arlene, bought a condo just up the hill from me in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

We would ski all day, then ski back to his condo and have a TARPATINI (or three) with Brigadier General Jay Hubbard, Lieutenant General Andy O'Donnell, Admiral "Gordy" Smith, Lieutenant Commander Wilbur Betts and Stu's son Gary. Needless to say, all the stories about Stu were true. Well, maybe?

Stu in front of a Saudi Arabian Airlines plane (circa '75-'76) during the time of the TWA contract with the airline.

(As a refresher, a TARPATINI is half vodka, gin, dry vermouth and ice with a lemon twist, shaken, not stirred. Lethally delicious!!)

And now back to the life of Stu Nelson: Stu was born in 1925 in a taxicab in Minneapolis, Minnesota. No wonder he was such an interesting gentleman and lead a very interesting life!

Stu was fascinated about airplanes from a very early age. When he was 16, he applied for a job with Mid-Continent Airlines as an apprentice mechanic and was hired. But still, he wanted to become an aviation cadet and get involved in WWII. In June of 1942, the Army Air Corps took over Mid-Continent Airlines and all employees were given letters of introduction to Boeing and Glenn Martin Aircraft. That was a problem for Stu. He was only 17 and needed to be 18 years old to join the Air Corps, which

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 20

had just dropped the two-year college requirement.

With pen in hand and a little ingenuity, he was soon "18" and decided to give it a try. Had the "stretch" of his age been found out, that would have been a short end to a long aviation career. Also, he was looking at a possible acceptance to the Naval Academy.

Then, in December of 1942 the Navy dropped its age requirement to 17. Stu took full advantage of that and signed up for Pre-Flight school at San Louis Obispo, California, where he graduated third out a class of 142!

After that, Stu went on to Primary Flight Training at NAS Glenview, Illinois, NAS Corpus Christi and Beeville, TX where he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, USMC. After asking for release from active duty in 1946, Stu started summer sessions at the University of Minnesota and hoped to check out in the 4U Corsair in the reserve program. He ended up doing this by reading the Corsair manual the day before his first

flight, and ended up in VMF 234. In the Korean War, he checked out in the F8F Bearcat but remained Corsair qualified, which he flew during the War. While transiting MKC (and his wife was shopping) he decided to visit TWA where Chief-Pilot Captain Bert Copper tried to convince him to join the company, which he did on June 30, 1952. Eventually he checked out on the DC-3, Martin 404, DC-4, Connie, B-707, L-1011, B-747, and F-27 with Scenic Airlines.

The 747 Polar LAX-LHR was his favorite route.

This is just a snippet of a long, successful and distinguished aviation career. Stu's accomplishments are too numerous to mention, and due to space constraints of this magazine, we don't have room to publish them all. If a copy of Stu's 64 page autobiography ever crosses your path, don't miss the chance to read it to learn more about the history of this amazing man! � – Editor in Training

Below: Stu in front of a Corsair that he flew in the Korean War.

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 21

TRANS WORLD AIRLINES A BOOK OF MEMORIES

Available for $29.95* from Amazon.com https://amzn.com/1604521228 (Includes shipping)

This book is a history of TWA offered in a different and most unique format ... through the eyewitness experiences of its flight crews and ground workers, as well as friends of the company who share their reminiscences.

TWA was a pioneer and an important domestic and international airline that played prominently in developing commercial aviation. This book introduces the founders of the airline and some of the early pilots, flight attendants and mechanics who set the standard. We also glimpse inside to the legendary and colorful Howard Hughes, who shaped the airline and campaigned for the Lockheed Constellation. We also learn about Carl Icahn and his controversial leadership of the airline.

Jon Proctor, who devoted 27 years of his professional life to TWA, contributed several stories, including a description of TWA's famous Royal Ambassador Service and the Grand Canyon crash. Jon has also contributed many of the beautiful photographs of TWA aircraft that grace the pages of this book.

Another TWA veteran, George Hamlin, also contributed many images, as well as stories about the iconic Flight Center at New York Int'l Airport. Other contributions detail many of the VIPs who traveled on TWA, including White House press charters for Presidents Johnson and Nixon; plus Hollywood celebrities, and legendary figures such as Bing Crosby and David Letterman.

These are stories from the heart, from employees who dedicated their entire professional careers to the airline, involved personally with the incredible achievements that made TWA the carrier it was. The people of TWA, numbering in the tens of thousands, literally spanned the globe over the years. We invite readers to enjoy these stories, which revisit an era that will never be replicated.

Review/endorsement by Dusty West This is a GREAT book for anyone interested in aviation pictures, aircraft and history – from San Diego to Chicago … JFK to Paris … and all around world (especially TWA, American, United, PanAm, Eastern, Braniff, PSA, NWA, Western, and others.)

Jon Proctor was a TWA dcs for years and traveled around the world photographing and documenting. Jon and Jeff Kriendler (PanAm) are people I got together, and they came up with this book which was released this summer and covers so much of aviation history! Also, check out Jon's website – it is fantastic: JonProctor.net – ENJOY! ~ Dusty West, President, TWA Retired Pilots Association TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 22

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

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

BADGE ORDER FORM To order your new magnetic-back name badge(s), complete this order form, tear it out and send it with your check to the address shown below. (There is only one shipping & handling charge for two badges sent to the same address.)

Make checks payable to: TWA Retired Pilots Association

Mail completed form with payment to: Guy Fortier P.O. Box 6065 Incline Village, NV 89450 P L E A S E P R I N T C L E A R LY Name-First: ________________________________ Last: ________________________________

$7.95

Your Title: YES / NO If yes, enter title here ______________________________________________ Spouse-First: ________________________________ Last: ________________________________

$7.95

Spouse Title: YES / NO If yes, enter title here ____________________________________________ Be sure to enter name and title exactly as you would like them to appear on your badge.

Shipping & Handling

$4.95

Total Enclosed $_____

Mailing Address:_________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 23

Former TWA Pilot, Captain Otto Franklin “Buddy” Hamilton, Jr. Turns 100!

Originally published in the TWA Museum Newsletter, July 2016 Edition

TWA Captain O.F. "Buddy" Hamilton, Jr. celebrated his 100th birthday on May 3, 2016. Buddy was born in 1916 in a house built by his grandfather on Richmond’s Libbie Hill. Hamilton learned to fly when he was 18 years old on a gravel field at Richard E. Byrd flying field (now Richmond International Airport).

He was hired by TWA on 8/12/1942 and became a captain for TWA’s international division in the north and south Atlantic. Flying was always his great love. He had his first solo flight at 18, and flew until he retired from TWA. He tells countless stories about flying for TWA, and remembers his time with the company very fondly. As an interesting history side note, Buddy was the pilot of the Lockheed Constellation "Star of Hollywood" regarding the incident with navigator George Hart in 1947.

Buddy shared this anecdote with his grandson recently: "At the end of 1945, beginning of ’46, the domestic and international pilots where switched. He was in the first group of international pilots that was moved from Washington to Kansas City. He stayed in a hotel while learning to be the ground crew for the domestic TWA flights coming out of KC. They were there about a week or two before they were abruptly, and without explanation, moved back to Washington. They later found out that the insurance company who was renewing the policy for TWA thought it may be a liability that domestic pilots were flying international routes that they were not familiar. They stated that they would not renew the policy unless TWA switched all of the pilots back. Buddy remembered his short time in Kansas City fondly, and still knew the name of the hotel where he stayed."

During World War II, most planes of value to the government were in the hands of commercial airlines, Hamilton explains. As a result, the government conscripted TWA and all other airlines to fly military missions, and TWA’s crews were some of the first to make long-range flights over water during daylight hours.

After the war Hamilton returned to Richmond and rejoined his family’s paper converting business. Eventually, he and his brother, Dick, bought the business from their father and ran it together for nearly 40 years. Hamilton retired in 1998 at age 82.

Throughout his life, Hamilton has also been active in FBC Richmond, where he has taught Sunday School and served as a deacon. He is the last elected “deacon for life,” and the Sunday School class he attends but no longer teaches — called “The Buddy Hamilton class” — is one of the church’s largest.

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 24

Captain Guy Fortier’s

HEALTH CORNER HAIR LOSS: IT'S NOT JUST A MAN'S ISSUE In our last issue we went overboard about men's Prostate problems. So in this issue, I decided to address a women's problem, (and Men's also): Hair Loss. If you were a women suffering from hair loss 25 years ago, your only option was to cover your head with a wig. Today, female hair loss is highly treatable ... most cases improve within a matter of months, using a variety of breakthrough therapies.

WHEN HAIR LOSS STRIKES More than half of all women will experience significant hair loss (more than 100 hairs a day) in their lifetime. Any woman who has this amount of hair loss should see a dermatologist right away to determine the cause. Some forms of hair loss can be temporary, while others are typically permanent unless treated within a year of the start of symptoms. If the follicles remain dormant for too long or if there is scarring, stimulating hair regrowth may be impossible.

Treatment works best when started at the first sign of hair loss.

Men who have hair loss tend to get a "receding hairline," while women get an expanding center part. This condition, known as female pattern hair loss (FPHL), is the most common type of hair loss in women.

SELF TEST Part your hair in the center. With FPHL, the center part is no longer a thin, crisp line, it is wider.

In later stages, it takes on a Christmas tree appearance with balding "branches" extending out from the center.

FPHL is a chronic, progressive hereditary condition often caused by changes in levels of male hormones as

women age. It gets worse over time, and the hair won't regrow on its own. That's why you need treatment.

TREATMENT OPTIONS The only FDA approved medication for women's hair loss is minoxidil. It has been available as 2% liquid for many years.

NEWER TREATMENT OPTION: In 2014 the FDA approved extra-strength 5% minoxidil foam for women. The 5% foam version has a higher concentration of medication and also causes fewer side effects than the liquid version, which contains propylene glycol ... a trigger for allergic reactions in some women. Both versions, however, can cause hypertrichosis, a form of excess hair growth, particularly along the sides of the face.

CAVEATS When using either form of minoxidil, it takes at least six months to see hair growth. Also, you must use the product indefinitely ... as discontinuing it will cause your new hair growth to fall out again. It costs about $40 a bottle and is not typically covered by insurance. Even though minoxidil is available over the counter, it's wise to consult a dermatologist before using it. The cause of your particular hair loss may require a different treatment. For example, topical steroids or steroid injections are given for hair loss caused by the autoimmune condition alopecia areata.

Finasteride, which is FDA approved for hair loss in men, is sometimes prescribed for women who have elevated levels of male hormone.

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 25

Welcome Reception

All photos on this page by Official Convention Photographer, Dale Kavula unless otherwise noted.

Dale Kavula • Official Convention Photographer Ray (GE Past Pres.) & Joetta Seymour

Jim& Karen Roe Photo credit Claud] Thomas

Sherrie & George Krumenacker (GE)

Ed & Suzy Madigan

Brenda Josephson & Melanie Jarvi (GE President)

Tony Fortune (GE past Pres.)

John & Betty Horton (GE)

Bill Barresen

Betty Ann Rogers

Ed & Stephanie Cook (GE)

Vera McNally (GE)

Ted Clisby (GE)

Lily Brecy

Brenda Josephson (GE)

Lena Maude & Erm Mueller

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 26

Gina Thompson

Bill Kirschner & Jeanette Moynier

TWA/Grey Eagles 2016 Annual Convention New Orleans • Oct. 30 - Nov. 4, 2016 Thank you to Claude Thomas, Marc Brecy and Ed Madigan who contributed photos to this page.

Group 1 Claude Thomas & Dorothy Herndon with Lily & Marc Brecy

Tony (GE Past Pres) & Alexis Fortune

Terry & Shanda Cecil, Joy & Gene Corcoran, Pete Eschauzier

Izabela Cribbs, Karen Seiden, Barbara & Jack Crossman, Bonnie Minaker Group 2

Rich Wetherell, Bill Cottrell, Rufus Mosely, and Dreama Wetherell Randy & Kristin Hurst (center)

Bob & DeEtte Hoch and Don Gates

Glenn Cribbs (GE Past Pres), Bill Seiden, Izabela Cribbs, Karen Seiden

Far left: Bill Booth; far right: Pam Booth Group 3

Lady 4

Mary & George McKellar (GE Past Pres)

Jan Zapatocky, Doris & Dave Wilkinson TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 27

The Heart of the Convention: The River View Hospitality Suite Thank you to Claude Thomas and Marc Brecy who contributed photos to this page.

Bill Kirschner

The 4 photos in this row by Dale Kavula

A BIG thank you to our Hospitality Group (left to right): JC-Farrell (GE), Vicki McGowen (Mtg Planner), Ilse & Bob Dedman. (Others who helped out but are not pictured: Ed & Stephanie Cook, GE)

Gene York and Ed Cook

Connie Brooks, Carolyn Landbeck, Lee West, Karen Roe

Jim Osborne, Chuck Frederick and Nick Carter

Ginny Zimmerman (left)

Stephanie Cook (GE)

Sandy Pool and Jim Osborne TWA To Topics opi pics • Novem November mbe b r 2016 • Pa Page age 28

Lynn Hanlin

Marc Brecy, Lou Burns and Lily Brecy

All photos on this page by Dale Kavula

Business & Board Meetings TWA Retired Pilots Association Business Meeting – (left to right): Gene York, Jim Roe, Bill Kirschner, Dusty West, Bob Kavula, Bob Dedman

TWA Retired Pilots Association Board Meeting: Gene York, Jim Roe, Bob Dedman

TWA Retired Pilots Association Board Meeting: Charlie Wilder, Bob Kavula, Dusty West, Bill Kirschner, Ed Madigan, Bob Dedman

Ladies Sunday Brunch

Marilyn Mosely, Lee West, and Jeanette Moynier

Ilse Dedman, Karen Johnson, Carolyn Landbeck

Jeanette Moynier, Ilse Dedman, Karen Johnson, DeEtte Hoch and Carolyn Landbeck Topi To p cs • November Nov o e em mb be er 20 2 016 6•P age ag e 29 29 TWA Topics 2016 Page

Karen Roe

Connie Brooks & Susy Madigan

TWA & Grey Eagles Night at the WWII Museum Thank you to Claude Thomas & Marc Brecy who contributed photos to pages 30-31.

Dusty West takes the mic while our guest speaker (the museum Director of Collections & Exhibits, Tom Czekanski) and Grey Eagles President, Melanie Jarvi, look on.

Photo by Dale Kavula

Vicki McGowen (Mtg Planner) & Capt. JC Farrell (GE)

TWA class 63-3: Norm Gray, Rich Wetherell, Bill Kirschner & Richard Molinario

The evening's entertainment: The Victory Belles

Dee and Don Gates (left)

Marc Brecy poses with the Belles

Claude Thomas TWA To Topics opics â&#x20AC;˘ Nov November vemb ember 2 em 20 2016 016 016 6â&#x20AC;˘P Page age 30 ag

Steamboat Natchez Mississippi River Lunch Jazz Cruise

Photos above & right by Dale Kavula

Clockwise from Left: Lily Brecy, Bob Dedman, Dorothy Herndon, Claude Thomas, and Ilse Dedman

Honey Island Swamp Tour

All Swamp Tour photos

by Dale Kavula

TWA Topi To Topics op cs cs â&#x20AC;˘ N November ove ovem ov em mb be er 2016 2016 20 6â&#x20AC;˘P Page age ag e 31 31

Final Banquet Dinner

Lee & Dusty West with Kelly Edge

Gail & Gene York

Bob & Dale Kavula

A big Thank You to Susy Madigan for the beautiful decorations!

Jack Kennedy and Bill Cotrell

Lily & Marc Brecy

Left to right at left: Helen & Charlie Wilder with Ed & Susy Madigan

Jeanie Davenport (far left) – Dee Reddington (far right)

To opics • November Nov ovem ov em emb mber 20 2016 2016 6•P age 32 ag TWA Topics Page

Thank you to Claude Thomas, Marc Brecy and Ed Madigan who contributed photos to pages 32-33.

Susy Madigan, Karen & Jim Roe, and Gail York

Bill Kirschner, Jeanette Moynier, Betty Ann Rogers and Norm Gray

Claude Thomas

Rufus Mosely, Bill Cottrell and Marilyn Mosely

From right: Vonnie & Carter Haff

Woody Woodruff and Lou Burns

Bill Kirschner and Dusty West

Melanie Jarvi (GE President) with Brenda Josephson and Lee West

From left: Lynn & Bob Hanlin TWA To Topi Topics p cs â&#x20AC;˘ November Nov o e em mb be er 20 er 2 2016 016 6â&#x20AC;˘P Page age ag e 33 33

FLOWN WEST

FLOWN WEST

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN HOWARD T. CHITTENDEN November 12, 1923 - May 10, 2016 TWA 1951-1983

Howard at the 2009 TWA Xmas party in San Juan Capistrano with Simone Boisserre (LAX F/A)

SIMONE BOISSERRE WRITES: A loss to all of us. He was everyone's favorite. Great to fly with, always fun. He will be missed by all. �

MEMORIES OF HOWARD FROM LARRY MCGRORTY: Howard Chittenden was a true mentor, a legend of TWA, a wonderful friend and a joy to fly with. He was a real character: funny, wise and a dedicated Pilot, a crowning glory who artfully landed a 707 at OSU Airport (see story on page 10). He was someone who instilled and taught confidence in all who worked with him – one of the very few truly caring nice men of TWA. He's my choice for best TWA Captain throughout the history of our Airline.

Everyone loved Howard: Flight Attendants, Agents, Mechanics, Ramp, etc., and so did I. He was a "real Captain" – a real and rare individual who thought nothing but good caring thoughts about everyone.

He was a true hero to me, something folklore is made of. I am truly sorry to hear about a sad ending to life. His memories and stories will live on forever.

Rest in Peace my friend, truly gone but never forgotten. You, were #1. �

MEMORIES OF HOWARD FROM BOB SACKETT: Learning of Howard's passing is one of those I received with much emotion. If all Captains had been as friendly and helpful as Howard we might have stayed copilots our whole career just to fly with them. When he showed up for dinner at San Juan during Christmas, I knew there would be good times.

I remember Howard mentioning something about the pants being too tight on a new uniform. I suggested he bring it back for an additional fitting but he said, "Never. I've worn a size 32 my whole life and, if they are too tight, it's not the tailor's fault. No pasta this week!"

He'd take me running with him on mid-distance routes and I was afraid I couldn't complete and would run slower so I could keep up, at 15 years younger. Sorry I lost touch, old friend. � TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 34

FLOWN WEST IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN DAVID L. ARNOLD August 28, 1933 - August 1, 2016 TWA 1964-1992 Dave began his TWA career on the Queen of the Skies, Constellation “Connie” and retired proudly flying the other Queen of the Skies – the Boeing 747. After retirement, Dave enjoyed his country home in the Virginia mountains and his seaside home and church in Ocean City, MD. He was married for over 25 years to his constant companion and friend Diane.

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN PHILIPP M. RIMMLER August 20, 1929 - June 28, 2016 TWA 1955-1989 Captain Philipp Rimmler was born and raised in New York City. He graduated from New York University in 1950 majoring in geology, beginning a lifelong interest in geology, weather and the environment. Upon graduation from NYU, Phil joined the Air Force and entered the pilot cadet training program. He became part of the 52-F(ox) class and flew T-6s. Eventually posted to Brady Air Force Base in Fukuoka, Japan, Phil flew C-46s in support of the Korean War. After receiving his honorable discharge, Phil embarked on a 34 year career with TWA. He started flying Martin 4-0-4s, moving to his beloved Constellation. He later flew the Boeing 707, 727, 767 and 747 and the Lockheed 1011. In the last few years of his career, Phil maintained "triple" qualification on the 767, 747 and 1011.

In the mid-1970s, Phil took advantage of TWA's contract with Saudia and flew 707s based out of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. After retiring from TWA, Phil was a 1011 Captain for Air Lanka for two years. Upon his return to Scottsdale, Phil went to work for Honeywell in its quality control department. Along the way, Phil received the Wright Brothers "Master Pilot" Award, as an active pilot for over 50 years. Phil will always be remembered as a loyal and loving husband, a man of great integrity and honesty.

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN RAYMOND V. GENTILE January 24, 1931 - October 29, 2016 TWA 1964-1990 IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN MARVIN D. BONEY July 28, 1929 - September 17, 2016 TWA 1955-1989 TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 35

FLOWN WEST

HIGH FLIGHT Written by Lt. John Gillespie Magee, Jr. during the Battle of Britain (Portions of this poem appear on the headstones of many Interred In Arlington National Cemetery, particularly aviators and astronauts)

"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence.

Hovering there I've chased the shouting wind along and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long delirious burning blue I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace, where never lark, or even eagle, flew; and, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space, put out my hand and touched the face of God."

IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN LAWRENCE T. HAAKE July 20, 1925 - October 24, 2016 TWA 1953-1985 IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN JOSEPH H. BARTLING December 20, 1920 - September 15, 2016 TWA 1942-1980 IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN RONALD S. RUBLER September 19, 1936 - September 9, 2016 TWA 1965-1996 IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN VINCENT R. VANPELT March 6, 1930 - September 7, 2016 TWA 1955-1992 IN MEMORY OF

IRO KARL F. TROVINGER December 4, 1923 - August 25, 2016 TWA 1944-1987 IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN MORRIS E. INGENHUETT April 22, 1932 - August 25, 2016 TWA 1956-1988 IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN WALTER G.WURSTER February 26, 1935 - August 11, 2016 TWA 1963-1992 TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 36

FLOWN WEST IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN PETER J. LINDEN May 26, 1934 - June 13, 2016 TWA 1964-1991 IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN JOHN A. EMMERTON September 18, 1923 - May 17, 2016 TWA 1953-1983 IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN PAUL J. KELLY July 1, 1921 - May 15, 2016 TWA 1945-1982 IN MEMORY OF

F/E HARRY T. YOUNG April 20, 1917 - April 14, 2016 TWA 1941-1977 IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN BENJAMIN R. DENSIESKI March 31, 1929 - March 31, 2016 TWA 1956-1989 IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN CLARENCE F. PFEFFER

~ High Flight was composed by Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee, Jr., an American serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

John Gillespie Magee was born in Shanghai, China in 1922, the son of missionary parents, Reverend and Mrs. John Gillespie Magee; his father was an American and his mother was originally a British citizen.

John Gillespie Magee, Jr. came to the U.S. in 1939 and earned a scholarship to Yale, but in September 1940 he enlisted in the RCAF and was graduated as a pilot. He was sent to England for combat duty in July 1941.

In August or September 1941, Pilot Officer Magee composed High Flight and sent a copy to his parents.

Several months later, on Dec. 11, 1941 his Spitfire collided with another plane over England and Magee, only 19 years of age, crashed to his death. His remains are buried in the churchyard cemetery at Scopwick, Lincolnshire.

July 18, 1933 - February 24, 2016 TWA 1966-1992 IN MEMORY OF

CAPTAIN BERT C. SCHAAR June 24, 1918 - February 23, 2016 TWA 1942-1978 TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 37

John Gillespie Magee Biography & photo courtesy of the United States Air Force

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. �

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 • November 2016 • Page 38

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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 • November 2016 • Page 39

(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 • November 2016 • Page 40

�

Tribute to the Crew of Flight 800 Created and submitted by Marc Brecy

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 41

TWA Flight 800 20th Anniversary Memorial

By Lee West

Dusty and I did a lot of traveling last summer, and I would like to share with you memories of one of our trips to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the downing of TWA Flight 800 off Long Island, New York.

On Saturday, July 16, we arrived in Islip, New York at 8:21pm. We were joined by TWA Captain Bob Dedman and his wife Ilse, plus Captains Gene York, Mike McFarland, Al Mundo, Lou Burns and Hugh Schoelzel.

On Sunday morning, those of us who wanted to went out to the Flight 800 Memorial for a time of privacy and reflection on the events of that day.

We were impressed with the love and devotion of those who planned and built that incredibly beautiful and moving memorial! The whole memorial is really impressive, with tall, curved black granite panels.

Inscribed on the interior walls of the granite are the names of all 230 people who tragically lost their lives that evening.

On the exterior of those walls are beautiful ocean waves. As you look at the ocean waves, you begin to see the images of sea birds down low in the water – then, the TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 42

A big thank you to Jim Hurd an unbelievably hard worker who worked tireless on building the Memorial, and was there daily on a bobcat, moving soil, planting etc. rain or shine. He has been there every year in the 20 years.

birds fly up into the wave and off of its crest into the black granite sky. These birds are representative of the 230 loved ones departing this world that evening in 1996.

The grounds of the memorial are beautifully manicured with grasses, evergreens, plus many flowering plants and bushes. There are many different benches on which to sit and look out to sea toward the exact spot where the plane went down. It is peaceful and serene, a place to remember that evening and honor the memory of our TWA family that we lost.

The memorial service on the evening of July 17 was very impressive. We estimated around 500 people were in attendance, including family members TWA Topics â&#x20AC;˘ November 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 43

(some from foreign lands), TWA representatives, friends, plus first responders who raced to the burning remains of TWA Flight 800 in hopes of rescuing passengers and crew who might still be alive.

Others in attendance were those who planned and executed the memorial, those who preserve the granite panels in perfect shape, and the gentleman from Romania who planned and maintains the grounds in

perfect condition. There were so many wonderful people involved â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so much love and so many tears.

One of the most touching memories of that evening for me happened this way: at one point in the ceremony, as the names all 230 aboard TWA Flight 800 were being read, a passenger jet with silver contrails flew directly above the white moon which shown bright against the darkening sky. It was as if it was part of the Memorial Service and was passing in tribute to Flight 800! Incredible!

This was a very moving weekend and an unforgettable evening. If you have never been to the Flight 800 Memorial, I hope you will make every effort to go. You will be so glad you did!

TWA Topics â&#x20AC;˘ November 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 44

FLIGHT 800 SUMMARY Date

July 17, 1996 20:31 EDT

Site

Atlantic Ocean near East Moriches, New York

Passengers 212

TWA 800 Families Throw Flowers to remember Loved Ones 17 July 2016 Little after 8:31 PM Moon Rise over Atlantic Ocean Beach

Crew

18

Fatalities

230 (all)

Operator

Trans World Airlines (TWA)

Registration N93119 Flight origin John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport Stopover

Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport

Destination Leonardo da Vinci Int'l Airport

Gene York, Bob & Ilse Dedman (second row) pay their respects at the TWA Flight 800 Memorial Site and Service TWA Topics â&#x20AC;˘ November 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 45

Kingman Airport

Kingman’s Aviation started on an open piece of ground across from the Mountain View Cemetery. Before it became an airplane landing strip, the main use was a cattle pasture.

The former Hall Street, now Stockton Hill Road, separated the cemetery and airstrip. This airstrip was commonly known as Wallapai (Hualapai) Field.

This is the starting point for aviation history of Kingman and Mohave County.

It was soon to be replaced by Port Kingman which was the first commercial airport in Arizona and TAT was the forerunner of TWA.

Kingman TAT Terminal - 1929 The Transcontinental Airport Transport, Inc (TAT) established the Kingman terminal, along with

10 others in 1929 as part of an effort to decrease the amount of travel time from one side of the United States to the other.

It was part of a railway and airline effort, whereby passengers would fly during the daylight by plane and travel by railway during the night by train.

This effort was spearheaded by Charles Lindberg, who played a critical role in the development and establishment of the new route.

The Kingman terminal was used from 1929 until it was replaced by the current Kingman Airport in the 1940s. The main terminal building remains intact, and it is one of two left standing today, with the other located in Winslow.

In the 1940s, after the air activity had transferred to the current airport, Senator Morrow had purchased

Charles Lindberg pictured at right.

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 46

the property and turned it into a residence. Through the years since, it has been home to a number of businesses and residents. It currently houses Brown Drilling.

On July 8, 1929 the first Ford Tri-Motor "Tin Goose" airplane landed at "Port Kingman". The airport was established and dedicated by Charles Lindberg and Amelia Earhart as part of a promotional tour on July 8, 1929, for the Transcontinental Air Transport Company.

(See photo of Lindberg at that event on page 46.)

In the 1920s and 30s, air mail carriers and passenger aircraft used the town as a refueling stop. While

promoting a new coast-to-coast air mail service for the Transcontinental Air Transport Company on July 8, Charles A. Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart were met by thousands of Arizonans when they made a refueling stop here to establish and dedicate "Port Kingman."

Kingman was an important link in early transcontinental air service. It was the first airport terminal dedicated in Northern Arizona by the Transcontinental Air Transport Company.

TAT, as Transcontinental was called, was organized

by Charles Lindbergh and other to provide 24 hour air service between New York City and Los Angeles.

Kingman was the first refueling stop from eastward from Los Angeles. ďż˝

At the Kingman airport, near an old military tower (photo at right), there is a memorial honoring Charles Lindbergh and the Ford Tri-Motor landing here as the transcontinental gate way to the east. This plaque (photo bottom) reads: In memory of Charles A Lindbergh, Aviation Pioneer and great American who brought commercial air travel to the wilderness of Kingman.

It was through Lindbergh's vision and planning that Port Kingman, one of the first modern airports was created linking this community to America's fledgling air transport system.

Kingman was the first stop in Arizona establishing this state as the gateway to the East over the nations first major transcontinental air route. On July 8, 1929, Lindbergh flew the Ford trimotor, city of Los Angeles, into port Kingman inaugurating the coast to coast air service that marked the beginning of a new transportation era.

The company pioneering that service later became traveled the world airlines.

This light is one of the many lights that outlines the runways at Port Kingman nearly a half a century ago. Now restored, it will burn perpetually in silently tribute to a man who made unprecedented contribution both to Kingman and to America.

Dedicated July 8, 1978 TWA Topics â&#x20AC;˘ November 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 47

Voices in the Night

By John Power, Shanwick Radio Operator (Rtd) Here is a potpourri of images and memories relating to Shanwick Radio, from which I retired in 2013. This isn’t the usual view of the place coming up the avenue from the public road.

The view in the photo to the right is from out in the bog looking back to the front of our building with John (the aerial maintenance man) at work on one of the receiving aerials.

I should mention that Shanwick Radio (EIP in the Morse code days) is located about six miles north of SNN (Shannon Airport, Shannon, Ireland), near the Fergus Estuary which is an offshoot of the Shannon Estuary.

We were originally set up to provide a comms and radio direction finding service to the Flying Boats operating to Foynes on the south side of the estuary, beginning in 1936 or thereabouts.

Yes, HF DF was in use in those days, some called it ‘huff duff ’. It was eventually replaced by Radio Range, VOR etc. Our remotely controlled transmitter site is three miles down the road towards SNN. The bottom-left photo is the 'Spirocone' omnidirectional HF receiving aerial (perhaps more likely to be called antenna in the US). You'll see a westbound aircraft in the distance is heading towards 15W.

Over the years with shift work you get to see the aerials set against many skies. The bottom-right photo was taken on a December evening and there is a thin layer of fog. The view is looking south and shows that Spirocone again along with several other receiving antennas. Our receiving site is located on about 150 acres of boggy ground (good electrical conductivity).

We had – by our norms –a big freeze in December 2010. The picture on the top of the next page shows the sun gleaming on the frost on the antenna which makes the pattern stand out. It can be difficult to get punchy images of aerials in normal circumstances. At the time, I created a Christmas Greeting on the photo in Morse

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 48

code. There is an unintentional mistake in one of the letters; see if you can find it in the above photo!

Moving indoors, the bottom-right photo is one of the two HF family 'B' operating positions that were in use for many years until 2005. Frequencies covered here are 8864 by day and 2899 by night. The other one on the left (not in pic) covers 5616 kHz H24. These are of course the 'American' HF frequencies or to be more exact they are intended for aircraft registered W of 30W. The many TWA aircraft that we worked came through on headphones here or on other consoles if flying north or south of the Shanwick area (EGGX in ICAO speak). The photo brings back memories of the night duties sitting here listening to 2899. At night if radio conditions were good we would hear the aircraft all the way from SELCAL check with Gander through to 20W or nearer. You would aspire to spread the load by having them on 5616 until 30W. At times, it became almost overwhelmingly busy at about 0400Z (the middle of the night) and you were going flat out.

Many a time I had up to eight on queue giving each a turn number as they called in at 20W, read-back dispensed with and frequency for 15W given whilst addressing the pos report for ATC, company, MET and any other considerations, message quickly cleared and ready for the next aircraft.

If you could work smoothly through this, the pilots stayed on freq and were there when called in turn. Clearance messages had to get

priority. You went home in the morning exhausted, but satisfied if all went well and looking forward to the days off as the 2MHZ watches came at the end of the shift cycle.

Night work can have strange effects. One night a certain RO decided to do a take-off run down the ops room with the model TWA 767 but unfortunately an engine fell off. The good news is that he managed to stop before the end wall and the engine was easily put back in place. Don't tell Capt Lou Burns!

The console is adorned with NAT maps and lots of A4 infor"One night a mation sheets re frequencies for all the facilities around certain RO us - Radios Iceland, Gander, decided to do a New York and Santa Maria; ATCs Scottish, Shannon take-off run down France (Brest) and Madrid the ops room etc etc. There are lots of butwith the model ton and switches for a range of HF transmitters/receivers TWA 767 but and the SELCAL unit. unfortunately an In later years, the inevitable equipment upgrade engine fell off …" took place. In the photo on the top of the next page (taken in 2010), RO Mary Sweeney is transmitting a SECAL check on a 'European' frequency.

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 49

Continued on page 50

Continued from page 49

RO Mary Sweeny is entering code

Later still, we got little more sophisticated. With one click, the SELCAL code is now sourced from the FPL in the system and works through to modulating the transmitter. The A4 information sheets are gone replaced by the monitor (IDS or Information Display System) on the left which is much easier to update by the coordinator in the centre of the room. There is much better information available on the aircraft being worked.

As there are now joint operations with Iceland Radio, there is info on aircraft up to the North Pole and it is getting to the stage where transmitters, receivers, antennae in Iceland can be selected in Ballygirreen and vice versa.

The system can display (for information purposes) a graphic of the projected positions of all the aircraft in its joint database. I took the picture below on May 13, 2006; there is a good overview of the traffic levels across the entire pond, quite dense in the NAT Tracks in the centre with smaller numbers to the north for the West Coast and to the south for the Caribbean.

It can sometimes be difficult to explain to visitors that the symbols are not in proportion and that the aircraft are not that close to each other in reality.

We got one of the first aviation computers in the world circa 1968, it was called the ADX, there were a few more letters or numerals with ADX but I forget what they were. In addition to our Shanwick Radio facility and the Shannon Aeradio VOLMET we are also the AFTN centre for Ireland. Prior to 1968 the AFTN used the ‘torn tape’ method of disseminating AFTN messages. The ADX was a sea change and increased the speed and capacity of the AFTN system by a considerable amount. The handling of air-ground messages also became much more efficient.

Some years ago I came across the computer printout (below) from the ADX. It is a graph with a summary of all the aircraft in the system between 50W and 15W for the 24 hours of August 16, 1972. On that Wednesday the number of aircraft recorded transiting both ways is a little over 400. In 2016 the total number for the whole day can be in the region of 3 times that.

I had a look through the flight ID’s for that day (August, 16 1972) and found about 25 TWA flights between 50W and 15W: 803 831 811 753 771 843 1903 741 845 791 755 761 841 8253 75 801 600 8037 702 701 8369 833 6631 881 and 8153.

The old rival PA was there in numbers too including PA1 (The Clipper One), their round the world flight. �

Time moves on… There are only 2 TWAers left in Ireland now, my good friend Fin Fielding and Terry McGowan flight dispatchers. The above photo was taken on the occasion of Terry’s 95th birthday. Fin is on the left; Terry is on the right.

TWA Topics • November 2016 • Page 50

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: TopicsEdit@icloud.com 1. Memories of much younger days … and exhilaration … and the thrill of "Mach 2" … and high "g" pull outs, good pic's of "THUDS" and KC-135's -also!!!! https://goo.gl/FnMZyw 2. Symbol of the Golden Age of air travel now a $250M hotel – https://goo.gl/Mc2b9L 3. RA BOB HOOVER – https://goo.gl/fNVMdX 4. Lends new meaning to manned flight – https://goo.gl/rklfK2 5. History of TWA 747s – https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HhGow4gfh4M 6. INCREDIBLE, wait till you see this!! The Powerful Osprey! Jumping From 7,600 Meters With No Chute – surprise.http://surprise.ly/v/?PK0Hl0kWELE:0:0:0:100 7. You have to see this. Amazing!! www.wimp.com/mac-kings-infamous-rope-trick 8. Times do change. A 4 sec formula one pit stop! – biertijd.com/mediaplayer/?itemid=47217 9. DC-8 take off from a 2,800 foot rwy in Nam – www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bvK6enoQDg 10. This Southwest flight attendant has too much fun with the safety speech! https://goo.gl/jZuPka 11. 747: The Jumbo Revolution – www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i0BVOK-Qnc 12. TWA 800: My Improbable Lunch with the Chairman of the NTSB – www.americanthinker.com/articles/2016/08 13. This is guaranteed to give you a really good laugh. It is a true story – www.zanylol.com/accident.html 14. American Airlines Retiree Committee – www.amrrc.net 15. Fire fighting B-747 – https://goo.gl/3hDI4U 16. The only flying B-29 in the world. Press on the nose when the first pic comes up.

– vimeo.com/17388627 17. TWA B747 HISTORY 1970-1996 – youtube.com/watch?v=HhGow4gfh4M&app=desktop16 18. Airport & Aviation Appraisals, Inc."When the Job Requires a Special Purpose Product – airportappraisals.com/qualifications 19. Beautiful Music – Daniela de Santos Ave Maria LIVE! – www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/PpjBOmJUahs?rel=0

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 • November 2016 • Page 51

TWA / AA 757