Need for Speed Family Festival - Aug. 3&4 - Disney Planes Skybots: UAVs Working in Collections
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Volume 35, Number 4 July | August 2013 Need for Speed Family Festival — Aug. 3 & 4 Disney Planes Working in Collections Skybots: UAVs Page 6 Page 8 Page 22
MEMBERSHIP at THE MUSEUM OF FLIGHT
Frequent Flyers
Events for Flight Leader, Barnstormer, and Barnstormer Gold Members.
J RSVP to membership@museumofflight.org j
Fighter Pilot 3-D in the newly Strawberry Shortcake & Seafair!
renovated William M. Allen Theater Sunday, August 4 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday, July 18 Take a break from our “Need for Speed” weekend activities and
5:30 to 7 p.m. enjoy strawberry shortcake and lemonade in the View Lounge!
Advance reservations required. Due to limited seating, we are
William M. Allen only able to accommodate up to four reservations per membership.
Theater
Flight Leader, Barnstorm-
er, and Barnstormer Gold
members are invited to
join us on July 18 for a free
screening of “Fighter Pi-
lot 3-D.” Advance reserva-
tions required. Due to lim-
ited seating, we are only
able to accommodate up to
four seats per membership.
Tour The Museum of Flight’s B-17 GOING ON VACATION?
$5 Museum Members | $10 General Public Don’t forget that your Museum of
Flight membership card gets you free
Tours run through Sept. 2* admission to these other great air and
*Tours will not be held during Seafair weekend, August 2 to 4. space museums throughout the West.
Take an exclusive interior tour of the Museum’s faithfully Aero Space Museum of Calgary
restored B-17F from WWII, the Boeing Bee. Tours are Calgary, Alberta, Canada | asmac.ab.ca
available daily from 10:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., weather per-
mitting, and are limited to four people per tour. Visitors Canadian Museum of Flight
must be 10 years of age or older to take the tour; ages 10 Langley, B.C., Canada | canadianflight.org
to 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Olympic Flight Museum
Olympia, Wash. | olympicflightmuseum.com
McAllister Museum of Aviation
Yakima, Wash. | mcallistermuseum.org
Pearson Air Museum
Vancouver, Wash. | pearsonairmuseum.org
Oregon Air & Space Museum
Eugene, Ore. | oasm.info
San Diego Aerospace Museum
San Diego, Calif. | aerospacemuseum.org
The Museum of Flight is affiliated with the Association of
Science-Technology Centers ASTC Travel Passport Program
astc.org
ASSOCIATION OF
SCIENCE-TECHNOLOGY
CENTERS
INCORPORATED
CONTACT THE MUSEUM
www.museumofflight.org
24-Hour Info Line: 206.764.5720
Administrative Offices:
206.764.5700, info@museumofflight.org
President and CEO: Doug King
206.764.5701, dking@museumofflight.org
Volume 35, Number 4 July|August 2013
Vice President of Development: Trip Switzer
206.764.5721, tswitzer@museumofflight.org Maga z ine
Senior Curator: Dan Hagedorn
206.764.5738, dhagedorn@museumofflight.org
Director of Marketing/PR: Mike Bush
206.768.7150, mbush@museumofflight.org
Director of Education: Seth Margolis
206.768.7116, smargolis@museumofflight.org
Director of Exhibits: Chris Mailander
206.768.7118, cmailander@museumofflight.org
Director of Development: Dean McColgan
206.768.7234, dmccolgan@museumofflight.org
Public Programs Manager: Julia Cannell
206.768.7162, jcannell@museumofflight.org
Director of Sales: Richard Rime
206.768.7102, rrime@museumofflight.org
Senior Advancement Officer: Sandra Dolese
206.768.7199, sdolese@museumofflight.org
Membership Office:
206.764.5711, membership@museumofflight.org
Volunteer Office: Carol Thomson
206.768.7179, volunteers@museumofflight.org
Education Outreach: Richard Lienesch
206.768.7175, outreach@museumofflight.org
Challenger Learning Center: Melanie Kwong
206.768.7216, mkwong@museumofflight.org
Aviation Learning Center: Trystan Popish
206.768.7188, alc@museumofflight.org
Washington Aerospace Scholars: Melissa Edwards
206.764.5866, waaerospacescholars@museumofflight.org Cliff George/Patriots Jet Team
Private Events: Cindy Messey
206.764.5706, privateevents@museumofflight.org
Onsite Education Office: Denny Smith
206.764.1384, dsmith@museumofflight.org
CONTENTS
Group Sales: Meagan McGuire
206.768.7104, mmcguire@museumofflight.org 2 Frequent Flyers 14 August Flight Plans
Library & Archives:
206.764.5874, curator@museumofflight.org
Restoration Center: Tom Cathcart 4 President’s Letter 15 Bank of America Weekend Family
425.745.5150, tcathcart@museumofflight.org
Museum Store:
Workshops/Tip-to-Tail Tours
206.764.5704, www.museumofflightstore.org
5 Special Sightings at the Museum
Wings Café:
206.762.4418 16 Pathfinders
ALOFT PUBLICATION CREDITS: 6 Disney Planes
Editor-in-Chief: Mike Bush
18 Museum News
Managing Editor: Janessa Rosick
Contributing Editors: Tara Cashman, Dan Hagedorn, 8 Curator's Corner:
Ted Huetter, Trip Switzer
Working in Collections 19 Volunteer Profile: Pedal Planes
Art Direction & Design: Matthew Ziegler
Contributing Designer: Sherri Scott
Staff columnists: Steve Ellis, Dan Hagedorn,
Amy Heidrick, Ted Huetter, Valerie Johnson, Geoff Nunn,
10 Wiley Post's 80th Anniversary 20 William Boeing's Personal Collection
Ted Young
Web Producer: Layne Benofsky
Advertising Information: adsales@museumofflight.org
11 July Flight Plans 22 Skybots: UAVs
On the cover:
The Patrriots Jet team in action.
Photo: Cliff George/Patriots Jet Team
12 F-104 23 In Memoriam/Tribute Gifts
E2: Two-Line Lock-up
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THE MUSEUM OF FLIGHT
Board of Trustees
Chairman
Michael R. Hallman
Executive Committee
William S. Ayer
Our favorite time of the year is upon us once again. Thomas Baillie
Robert A. Blackstone
While The Museum of Flight is a place of excite- John W. Brantigan, M.D.
ment all year long, the summer months are es- J. Kevin Callaghan
Harold E. Carr
pecially fun. The sun is out, the airfield is active
Robert E. Dannenhold
with landings and take-offs of exotic aircraft, and Douglas DeVries
the building is abuzz with the sounds of visitors James T. Farmer
astounded at what they see. Nancy M. Hogan
Craig Howard
For me, however, the best part of summer is the kids. Tiny red-shirted camp- Robert J. Genise
ers, here to spend the summer learning about all things that fly. The older Michael C. Koss
campers building robots and beginning a life-long love of aviation. The high Ned Laird
Charles A. Lyford IV
school Washington Aerospace Scholars working together to plan a mission H. Eugene McBrayer
to Mars. Everywhere you look, there’s another young person, delighted by Bruce R. McCaw
discovery and dreaming of flight. Peter M. Morton
Robert Mucklestone
As a proud grandfather, one of my greatest hopes for my grandson is that he’s Edward J. Renouard
inspired to a goal and has the opportunities to pursue it. That’s what this in- Anne F. Simpson
stitution does best: inspires and provides opportunity. From the earliest ages Stephen Taylor
Brien S. Wygle
of wonder and throughout every stage of life, The Museum of Flight offers
opportunities to all who visit. It might be a child’s first flight or glimpse at an Trustees
arriving helicopter. A day spent imagining space in the Challenger Learning Mark Armstrong
Center. Or a World War II hero’s chance to tell his fascinating stories to an George W. S. Abbey
exhilarated audience. And this summer, the opportunities for inspiration and Eric Anderson
fun are coming your way every day. Robert M. Andrews
Nancy L. Auth
Bernt O. Bodal
We’ll kick off July with Independence Day and the first time the Fourth of
Jon G. Bowman
July has happened on the Museum’s Free First Thursday night. To follow that Scott E. Carson
up, on Saturday, July 6, we’ll celebrate the grand re-opening of the William Doug Champlin
M. Allen Theater and a new 3D Experience: “Fighter Pilot - Operation Red Joe Clark
Flag.” On July 13, Brig. Gen. Dale Stovall will join us to discuss the daring Carolyn Corvi
rescue missions that he undertook during Vietnam and on the 20th, parachut- John C. Dimmer, Sr.
ist Luke Aiken will regale us with stories of his work with the record-setting John M. Fluke, Jr.
jump of Felix Baumgartner and on the set of the latest “Iron Man” movie. Steve Fulton
Frank Hansen
Finally, on July 27, we’ll hear from the people behind the North American
Crystal Knotek
Eagle and their ongoing efforts to break the land speed record. Clay Lacy
Michael Lester
Speaking of things that go fast, August brings us year two of the Museum’s Lou J. Mancini
Need for Speed Festival. Music, food, fast cars, and jet planes will fill the first Marilyn Metz
weekend of August, including a backstage peek at the planes of the Seafair Rob Meyerson
Air Show and the world-famous Patriots Jet Team. And to top it off: a special Harold L. “Mitch” Mitchell
parking lot-appearance of the Zero Gravity Boeing 727. John N. Nordstrom
John P. Odom
Tom T. O’Keefe
It’s just the beginning of what promises to be the best summer ever at The Steve Pool
Museum of Flight. I hope to see each and every one of you here. William W. Potts
John Purvis
Sincerely, James D. Raisbeck
Seymour “Si” Robin
Jack Shannon
Grant “Joe” Silvernale III
Gordon Smith
Graham Smith
Douglas R. King Richard W. Taylor
President and CEO Kevin Wyman
Douglas R. King, President & CEO-ex officio
4 Aloft July | August 2013 museumofflight.org
Ted Huetter
Nat Seymour
Saluting the past and present
T
he Museum of Flight offered a three-day course
surrounding the iconic aircraft at the Museum’s entrance:
the B-17F Boeing Bee . Twelve participants took the B-17
Ground School Course, which gave an in-depth look
into the Flying Fortress’ design, construction, operation, and
performance. The group also flew in the Experimental Aircraft
Association’s B-17G, Aluminum Overcast .
The Museum honored Armed Forces Day on May 18 with a
ceremony and public program. Special events included a flag-
raising ceremony of the five military branches’ flags and the
POW/MIA flag over the Museum’s Side Gallery as well as a
program discussion with Rear Adm. Keith A. Taylor and Brig.
Gen. Mark R. Wise. The Museum of Flight is proud to offer free
admission to active duty U.S. military personnel and up to five
immediate family members through Sept. 2, 2013, as part of
Blue Star Museums.
Ted Huetter
Clockwise from top:
B-17 Ground School participants tour the Boeing Bee . • Vlogger Hank Green
and actor Brent Spiner chat during a live webcast from the Challenger Learn-
p h o t o s : Te d Huetter
ing Center. The two celebrities were part of a Planetary Resources, Inc. ARKYD
space telescope Kickstarter event at the Museum on May 29. The Museum
hosted the all-day event, and will participate in future educational programs
with the ARKYD telescope • Members of the United States military and ROTC
gather for Armed Forces Day. • Rear Adm. Keith A. Taylor, Brig. Gen. Mark R.
Wise, and Museum Curator Dan Hagedorn preside over the Armed Forces Day
Ceremony. • Aluminum Overcast was the second Flying Fortress on site thanks
to the Experimental Aircraft Association’s tour of the B-17G. • World War II U.S.
Naval aviator Lee Olson, 92, visited the Museum in May. Olson flew combat
Ted Huetter
missions in Wildcats and Hellcats. Here, he proudly shows his aviator’s flight
log book in the Personal Courage Wing. Olson also visited the Restoration
Center, and was very pleased with the restoration of the Museum’s Wildcat.
Nat Seymour
Nat Seymour
The
Wonderful
World
of
by Ted Huetter
“Planes” main character, Dusty, gets a little help off his port and starboard wings from his Navy pals Oscar and Bravo, who are part of the Jolly Wrenches
squadron. The “Planes” creative team traveled to Minnesota to research small airports, crop dusting operations and the world of Dusty’s home. Dusty’s air-
craft sounds were provided by new recordings of a turboprop-powered biplane called the Turbine Toucan. 2013 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
H
ave you ever dreamed of living in world where flight needs “Klay and John and Paul Gerard (“Planes” creative executive) and I
not a mechanical contrivance, but merely a thought? Where sat in a room most of a day and scratched out the very basics of the
taking off is as effortless as rising from the couch? I have. story,” Howard explained. “Wouldn’t it be cool if we did a story
Head-in-the-clouds, plane-crazy flyboy me. All I am asking about a race around the world? What if it’s a crop duster who is the
for is a 90-minute vacation to a place where we all fly. Motorheads hero? Sort of an unlikely, everyman, working-class guy who gets into
got theirs in 2006 with the movie “Cars.” But now, aviation this big race and against these purpose-built airplanes. He goes to this
fans, it’s our turn. Disney Animation Studios has created a new country and that country; and what if he lands on an aircraft carrier
animated feature film called “Planes.” at one point, and these fighter jets help him out? We thought about
the different places he could go, and the obstacles from the weather
I recently talked to Jeff Howard, the screenwriter of “Planes.” Howard’s to physical obstacles and the other racers. Who are the heroes and the
writing credits include the story and screenplay for “Tinker Bell,” villains, who is going to help him? And it became a classic underdog
the story for “Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue,” and the story sports story, of an everyman who goes up against the best in the
and screenplay for “Pixie Hollow Games.” He also contributed to the world.” Most of the ideas made their way into the movie.
screenplays for “Disney Princess Enchanted Tales” and “Secret of the
Wings.” Born on California’s Hamilton Air Force Base in 1969, Howard In a quick pitch, “Planes” is about an agricultural plane named Dusty
is a life-long aviation nut. Regarding his career he jokes, “I’m only going Crophopper−voiced by Dane Cook−who decides to broaden his
to write about things that fly, whether it’s fairies or planes.” horizons and take part in an around-the-world air race. Some of his
friends include Navy pilots Skipper Riley, a reclusive old Navy Corsair
About four years ago, Disney producer John Lasseter (“Cars” played by Stacy Keach, and a of couple F-18ish hot shots named Bravo
director and the producer of Pixar/Disney “Toy Story” movies) and Echo played by “Top Gun” actors Anthony Edwards and Val
asked “Tinker Bell” director Klay Hall to take the helm of a new Kilmer. Some of the other personalities include a Reno unlimited racer,
movie that would expand the world of “Cars” into to one featuring a vintage biplane, a Gee Bee, and a De Havilland DH-88 (portrayed by
airplanes. Hall is an avid flying enthusiast whose father was a Naval John Cleese). The masculine and feminine characters run the gamut of
aviator. He jumped on board and looped Howard into the project. It aviation types and sizes from gliders to blimps. And of course there are
didn’t take long for the story to take shape. automobiles, like Dottie the forklift, played by Teri Hatcher.
6 Aloft July | August 2013 museumofflight.org
constructive feedback in a very open
and honest manner. Then hopefully
it makes the movie better.”
With “Planes,” aviation technical
consultants are also mixed into
the process. “We tried to get it as
technically accurate as you can
– outside of the fact that planes
don’t actually talk in real life,” said
Howard. The creative team always
kept in mind a maxim from John
Lasseter, “be true to the metal.” In
other words, if you have planes,
make them look right and fly right.
The tech consultants kept them on
task by evaluating the plausibility of
the airplanes’ flight characteristics.
No wonder it takes four years to
Bulldog, a De Havilland DH-88 on the left, is being pursued by Ishani, a sleek racer from India. The
make a movie like this!
British Bulldog is portrayed by John Cleese, while Ishani is voiced by actress Priyanka Chopra.
2013 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved. “We want it to look realistic,”
explained Howard, “we want it look
Research in the field was integral to creating forth but he’s never really been anywhere, like these scenes could have been shot
an animated world of aviation that rings so he has this dream to fly higher and farther for real, with actual aircraft. We hope people
true to the real world of flight. “We talked than ever before.” in the aviation community can enjoy the
to people who had flown around the world, movie as much as anyone.”
and talked to the guys who race at Reno,” Howard said that another hallmark of
explained Howard. “We met with people the process is the “story trust,” which is “Planes” takes off in theaters on August 8.
from many different avenues of aviation, from comprised of the directors, staff writers, I’ve got my 90-minute vacation booked.
military to civilian, including flight controllers artists and even executives. “We try to
and the pilots who fly the corporate jets for create an environment where filmmakers
Disney.” It helped with both the technicalities can give each other brutally honest but Ted Huetter is the Public Relations & Promotions Manager
at The Museum of Flight.
and with the
personalities of the
characters. “We met a
number of inspirational
guys who flew in World
War II. There are a lot
of men who went into
Skipper’s personality,
not least of which is
Klay’s Navy pilot dad.”
“Ultimately,” Howard
said, “you’re trying to
tell a universal story that
people can identify with,
but at the same time you
want it to be intrinsic
to the kind of vehicle it
is. That’s why Dusty is
sort of afraid of heights
- he’s never had to fly
over a thousand feet.
He’s flown thousands
of miles flying back
and forth and back and Old Navy Corsair, Skipper Riley, spies some action through binoculars with fuel truck Chug, and Skipper’s right-hand-man Sparky.
Skipper was an ace flier and top instructor of the esteemed Jolly Wrenches squadron until an incident during a combat mission took
forth and back and him off the front lines and left him grounded for life. Skipper’s aircraft sounds were provided by new recordings of an F4U Corsair.
Chug was inspired by an old truck at a small airport in Minnesota. As soon as the Disney team saw the truck, they agreed, “that’s him,
we’ve found Chug!” The crew photographed the truck extensively for reference. 2013 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
c U R AT O R'S c O R N E R
From the
Archives
by Amy Heidrick
Located in our Library
and Archives building,
adjacent to the Charles
Simonyi Space Gallery,
is the Museum’s photo-
graphic collection, which
is estimated to contain
as many as four million
images, including photo-
graphic prints, film nega-
tives, glass plate negatives,
transparencies, film slides,
lantern slides, photo al- The Robert W. Stevens Collection Collection/The Museum of Flight
bums, and scrapbooks. Broker Baily Covey (left) and pilot Johnny Moore
The archives is comprised pictured with a shipment of Schlitz beer.
of the large personal col- spectators. It includes images that document avia-
lections of several noted tion milestones and highlight events that dazzled
aviation photographers and the world, such as the 1910 Los Angeles Interna-
historians, including Bow- tional Air Meet at Dominguez Field. We have an
ers, Gordon S. Williams, album of photographs in our collection that were
Goodmanson Album
David Hatfield, Robert W. taken by “Los Angeles Examiner” photographer
The Los Angeles International Air Meet at Dominguez Field in 1910.
N
Stevens, and Norm Taylor, Lloyd Goodmanson at the famed air meet where
as well as numerous smaller the Wrights, Glenn Curtiss, Louis Paulhan, and
early 110 years ago, when the collections of images and C.K. Hamilton, among others, flew demonstra-
Wright Brothers made their first individual donations. As the Museum’s Photo Ar-
successful flight at Kitty Hawk, chivist, it is my primary duty to care for, organize, tion flights for an awestruck crowd. While his
only five people witnessed the inventory, and preserve our photographic col- images of the early aircraft on show are obviously
groundbreaking event. Fortunate- lection, as well as make it available to the public. invaluable, I find that the most fascinating im-
ly, one witness, a local man named John T. Dan- ages captured by Goodmanson are those of the
iels, was enlisted to operate the Wright’s Gund- I believe we have a truly unique and dynamic astonished crowd: heads all tilted upward with
lach Korona camera, capturing the historic flight photographic collection at The Museum of Flight, smiling, gasping faces and wide eyes. To me, these
in an image that could be shared with the world. one – I am proud to say – that continues to amaze are some of the most amazing images in our col-
Daniels had never seen anything like the Wright and even surprise the lection, because they perfectly capture that sense
Flyer before, nor had he ever seen a camera be- most dedicated avia- of awe that the world
fore that day! As the respected aviation historian tion historians with felt when humans
and photographer Peter M. Bowers noted in the its depth and breadth. took to the skies. The
introductory chapter of his “A Complete Guide Our collection illus- Goodmanson album is
to Aviation Photography,” “The art of airplane trates not only the en- only one of the many
photography has developed in parallel with the tire history of aviation, treasures we have in
growth of aviation… As ‘flying machines’ began in terms of evolution our growing collection.
to appear in the 19th century, the technique of and changes in the
photography was sufficiently advanced to serve design of aircraft over
as a readily available recording medium.” As a re- time, but also repre- The Museum regularly
sult, photography has truly documented the evo- sents the people behind The Museum of Flight Collection receives donation of-
lution of modern aviation technology in a way the aircraft: the manu- Alaska Airlines stewardess Julie Sparks fers of photographic
that no other method could: it has provided vi- facturers, mechanics, with a beer tap onboard a DC-6. President materials, and I work in
Charlie Willis had the bar installed and
sual proof that humans have conquered the skies. pilots, passengers, and served free beer to all military personnel. conjunction with the
Registrar and Senior
8 Aloft July | August 2013 museumofflight.org
Elliot Bay, with a suit-wearing man walk-
ing across one of its wings. After scanning
WHAT THE HECK
the transparency, I discovered that the IS A BALLY BOX?
figure was Eddie Allen, famed Boeing By Dan Hagedorn
test pilot, who died tragically just a few
years later piloting the Boeing XB-29.
While trying to track down dynamic im-
ages of female pilots, I found an image of
two members of the Associated Women
Pilots of Boeing Field (AWPBF), in full
flight suits, serving waffles to a group of
The Peter M. Bowers Collection/The Museum of Flight men. Elliott Merrill, seated in the fore-
The Boeing 314 Yankee Clipper is towed with Boeing test pilot ground of the image, was another no-
Eddie Allen walking on the wing table Boeing test pilot, who also taught
flying lessons at Boeing Field, including
T
Curator to determine which donations we accept into to many members of the AWPBF. The
the photo archives. While we are always seeking to photo was undoubtedly staged, but it’s one of my fa- he Collections Department has
expand our collection with high quality aviation im- vorite photos because I wonder what it was trying to been bleating for years, to anyone
ages, we are also seeking materials that come with a say. Women can fly an airplane and still get breakfast who will listen, about the need
story. One of my favorite parts of working with our on the table too? No matter the message, it is a unique to secure the funding and instal-
photographic collection is having the opportu- lation of a dedicated Bally Box to house
nity to meet with donors to learn the history portions of the permanent collection
behind the images and hear their stories about that require extraordinary atmospheric
when, where, and why the photographs were and temperature gradient controls.
taken. Often, in the process of accepting and For the most part, genteel folk listen
processing new donations, we make amazing politely then try to make an escape.
discoveries. One of my favorite examples came
when we accepted a small collection of nega- Seriously though, these purpose-
tives that the donor’s father had taken during designed and built refrigerated,
his time working at The Boeing Company walk-in storage units are usually as-
in the 1930s. The negatives were very small sociated with one of the prime en-
and, in order to correctly identify their sub- gineering firms that provide these
ject matter, I scanned them so they could be highly specialized units to world-class
viewed in a larger format. After showing the museums, Bally Refrigerated Boxes,
scans to the donor, he was happily surprised Inc., of Morehead City, N.C. Most
to discover that what we thought was just a collections professionals simply refer
basic image of a Simmons SP-1 Sport Mono- to them by their generic description
plane was also a fun snapshot of his mother,
The Museum of Flight Collection
– Bally Boxes – and then do interpre-
Associated Women Pilots of Boeing Field pilots serve breakfast. tive dances to explain to normal folks
who was sitting and smiling widely in the
cockpit of the plane. He had never seen the photo and spirited aviation image. During a search for images why they get so excited about them.
before and was thrilled to see that moment had been in the Robert W. Stevens Collection that celebrated
captured. Making these kinds of discoveries and learn- the unique history of aviation in Alaska, I came across a The Museum’s art collection, number-
ing the history of the images not only makes my job great photo of dozens of cases of Schlitz beer being un- ing more than 500 individual items,
exciting, but ultimately enriches the historical value loaded from a Star Airlines Fairchild Pilgrim, followed as well as a number of sensitive Glass
of our collection and its usefulness for our researchers. immediately by a photo of a dairy cow being loaded Plate Negatives and a variety of other
into a Fairchild. Another collection held an image of rare ephemera, require such isolation
In addition to working with incoming donations and fur-trimmed parka-wearing Alaska Airlines stewardess and dedicated environmental condi-
caring for the collection, as the Photo Archivist, I also pouring a beer from the built-in tap onboard a Doug- tions in order to maximize their pres-
work to fulfill photo requests from the public. We typi- las DC-6! Each of these images is a perfect example of ervation potential. Most Bally Boxes
cally receive on average at least one photo request per the unique images we discover daily in our collection. are about the size of a single-car ga-
day, usually from authors, students, model-makers, rage, and are erected inside an existing
family historians and aviation enthusiasts who are seek- While I frequently work to fulfill requests for custom- structure – and provided with a hatch
ing images for publication in a book or magazine, or ers who are not able to visit the Museum in person, we to “stage” rare items in-and-out while
for research and reference purposes. I have also received do allow in-person research of our photographic col- they adjust to temperature changes.
requests from interior designers, a motorcycle dealer- lection. Researchers who visit us in person often make
ship, a jewelry designer, and even a brewery owner – all their own amazing discoveries within our collection. Collections staff has identified a lo-
of whom were seeking dynamic aviation-related im- cation for one of these beauties, and
ages to decorate their walls or for use on their products. If you are interested in obtaining images from our collection would love to hear from a donor
Fulfilling photo requests is a bit like a scavenger hunt or setting up an in-person appointment in our Research who just gets all tingly about refriger-
for me, and I find that one of the most exciting parts Center, please fill out our on-line research request form ated, featureless structures. Talk about a
about it is all of the interesting images I discover in the at http://www.museumofflight.org/collections/image- naming opportunity!
process. When searching for unique images of the Boe- request, contact us at curator@museumofflight.org, or call
206.764.5874.
ing 314 in the Bowers Collection, I found a 4-by-5- Dan Hagedorn is the Chief Curator at The
inch color transparency of a 314 being towed through Amy Heidrick is the Photo Archivist at The Museum of Flight. Museum of Flight.
Seven Days,
Eighteen Hours,
& Forty-nine Minutes.
by Ted Young
T
his July marks the 80th an- range. A new controllable pitch propeller gave added fuel economy and
niversary of Wiley Post’s a better climb rate. Two vital new instruments were a Sperry automatic
memorable 1933 solo pilot that Post dubbed “Mechanical Mike” and a radio compass bor-
circumnavigation of the rowed from the Army Air Corps. Both instruments would allow Post
world, a feat of impressive to undertake his own navigation, and even an occasional nap in flight.
flying skill and sheer endurance
that made Post a national hero. For his second around-the-world flight, Post followed essentially the
Relatively little known today, same 15,000-mile route around the top of the globe. Bad weather
in the early 1930s Wiley Post dogged him almost the entire way, the worst he had ever encountered.
ranked with Charles Lindbergh The first leg was a non-stop, 3,942-mile flight from New York to Ber-
and Amelia Earhart in the pan- lin, in 25 hours and 45 minutes, the first such flight between the two
theon of American aviators. Hav- cities. Halfway across the Atlantic, Post ran into a weather front, using
ing successfully flown around his new autopilot and the radio compass to guide him to Berlin. Prob-
Stevens Collection, The Museum of Flight the world not once, but twice in lems with the autopilot, a lack of maps, and more bad weather forced
Will Rogers gets out of the modified his Lockheed Vega Winnie Mae, two unscheduled landings on his way across the Soviet Union. Post
Lockheed Orion with Wiley Post in Post was tragically killed along grabbed a few hours sleep whenever he could. From Khabarovsk in
the cockpit. Post’s modifications with his friend, Will Rogers, in eastern Siberia, Post flew 2,800 miles to Alaska, aiming for Fairbanks.
to the Orion, which Lockheed did
not approve, led to the airplane 1935 in the crash of Post’s modi- Off course, he landed at the small town of Flat, where the Winnie Mae
becoming extremely nose heavy. fied Lockheed Orion in Alaska. was damaged on landing. Hurried repairs enabled Post to fly on to Fair-
When Post lost power taking off banks, but bad weather grounded him for eight precious hours. His
from a lake at Point Barrow, Alaska,
the Orion nose-dived into the water,
Wiley Post grew up on a farm next hop was to Edmonton in Alberta, weather forcing him to climb
killing Post and Rogers instantly. in Oklahoma, but upon seeing to 20,000 feet for brief periods to get over the Canadian Rockies. The
his first airplane in 1913, deter- final 2,044-mile leg from Edmonton to New York was in clear weather.
mined to become a pilot. He left Using the Sperry autopilot, the exhausted Post allowed himself to doze
school after the eighth grade, off, using a wrench tied to his finger to jerk himself awake as his hand re-
later finding work as a rough- laxed when he fell into a deep sleep. Post landed at Floyd Bennett Field
neck in the Oklahoma oil fields. at 11:50 p.m. on July 22, 1933. More than
In 1926, Post lost an eye in an 50,000 people came out to welcome him.
industrial accident, using the Post had completed the flight in seven days,
compensation money to buy his 18 hours, and 49 ½ minutes, but his total
first airplane. After a time barn- flying time of 115 hours and 36 ½ minutes
storming, Post got a job as a per- was 21 hours better than his earlier flight.
sonal pilot for two Oklahoma oil
Peter M. Bowers Collection, The Museum of Flight
Peter M. Bowers Collection, The Museum of Flight
men. In August 1930, using their Post’s 1933 solo flight pointed toward Post cracked up the Winnie
Harold Gatty, on the left, an Aus- new Lockheed Vega 5B named the future of air travel when ordinary
tralian and accomplished naviga- Mae landing on the rough
tor, accompanied Post on his first Winnie Mae, Post won the Los people, not record-seeking pilots, would air field at Flat, Alaska,
round-the-world flight in 1931. Angeles-to-Chicago Air Derby. fly around the world safely and reliably. after flying 22 hours and
32 minutes non-stop from
Post decided to attempt a re- He had demonstrated the value of the au- Khabarovsk in Siberia.
cord flight around the world with the Winnie Mae, aiming to beat topilot, radio compass, and a mechanical-
the 21-day record of the Graf Zeppelin airship. The Australian Har- ly superb engine, in the process making
old Gatty, an experienced navigator, agreed to join him. Gatty plot- the world seem a smaller place. Fourteen
ted a route across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe, across the Soviet years later, on June 29, 1947, Pan Ameri-
Union to Alaska, and from Alaska across Canada to their starting can Airways used another Lockheed-built
point: New York City. On June 23, 1931, Post and Gatty took off airplane, a Lockheed 049 Constellation,
from Roosevelt Field on Long Island. They returned eight days, 15 to make the first commercial round-the- The Museum of Flight Collection
hours, and 51 minutes later to national and international acclaim. world flight, completing the circum- Wiley Post stands next to his
Lockheed Vega, Winnie Mae,
navigation in 92 hours and 43 minutes in late 1934. The itineraries
Two years later, at 5:10 a.m. on July 15, 1933, Wiley Post set off on an flying time spread over twelve days. for both his 1931 and 1933
even more ambitious flight around the world, alone, in an attempt to world flights are listed on
the side of the fuselage.
break his own record time. He had modified the Winnie Mae for this
flight. By flying solo, Post could add larger fuel tanks for even longer Ted Young is a volunteer at The Museum of Flight.
10 Aloft July | August 2013 museumofflight.orgJuly
Flight Plans
Thursday, July 4 | 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
William M. Allen Theater Space Exploration Day
“The Twenty-Seven Flags” July 20 marks two of the most important events
Independence Day Celebration in the early history of space exploration: the first
Members of Skyway Post 9430 of the Veterans manned landing on the Moon with Apollo 11 on July
of Foreign Wars honor the Nation’s 232nd 20, 1969, and the first robotic landing on Mars with
birthday with a salute to the American flag – all Viking 1 on July 20, 1976. The Museum will honor
27 versions that have officially represented the this historic date with space-related activities.
United States over the years. From the first 13-star
flag authorized by Congress in 1777 to today’s
50-star flag, the presentation of each iteration is Saturday, July 20 | 2:30 to 4 p.m.
accompanied with the story of its symbolism in William M. Allen Theater
this moving and educational program for all ages. A Celebration of Skydiving
Join us for an exciting exploration of skydiving,
one of the most popular adventure sports in
Thursday, July 4 | 5 to 9 p.m. the world! Skydiving experts, including Luke
Wells Fargo Free First Thursday Aiken and Bill and Lysa Adams, will discuss
Once a month, the Museum stays open late – the background history and the cutting-edge
and admission is free. Enjoy the Museum’s Great developments in the sport. Aiken trained
Gallery, Airpark, and more from 5 to 9 p.m., Felix Baumgartner for his recent jump from
courtesy of Wells Fargo. Museum Store and Wings approximately 24 miles above Earth, and
Café will also remain open for the extended hours designed, built, and tested his equipment. He
also plays himself in the upcoming motion picture
on this night. “Iron Man 3.” The Adams are local skydiving
experts who own and run the indoor skydiving
company iFLY.
Sunday, July 7 | 2:30 to 4 p.m.
William M. Allen Theater
The Great African Air Safari
Presentation
Join the pilots and crew of the Great African Air
Safari as they share stories from their flights in
three de Havilland DHC-2 Beavers from Cape
Town, South Africa, to Vumbura, Botswana,
and back. The crew landed at remote airstrips and
took the aircraft through preserves, including the Calendar subject to change.
Okavango Delta, known for its wide variety of African Visit museumofflight.org for updates.
wildlife. These flights will be virtually recreated in the 9404 E Marginal Way S. | Seattle, WA 98108
Museum’s Aviation Learning Center. 206.764.5720
Saturday, July 13 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
East Parking Lot
Helicopter Day
Come to the Museum for a day of celebrating
heroes and the helicopters they fly! Learn
how helicopters play an important role in
law enforcement, fire service, public safety,
communications, national defense, and homeland
security. The day will feature static displays,
special presentations, and entertainment.
Representatives from many organizations
including local flight schools, Border Patrol,
Search & Rescue units and branches of the U.S.
military will be available to answer questions. Any
helicopter enthusiasts can arrive early to see the
helicopters land and be displayed.
museumofflight.org Aloft July | August 2013 1112 Aloft July | August 2013 The Peter M. BowersCollection/The Museum of Flight museumofflight.org
Lockheed F-104 Starfighter
Lockheed via The Museum of Flight
W
hen it first flew a scant nine years after the end of World War II,
the futuristic look of the F-104 was simply unbelievable – and
its published performance, only hinted at for security reasons
in period magazines, matched its rocket-like appearance. Although a
real hot rod, the F-104 lacked agility that would have been required to
be a “dog fighter,” but, in spite of that, had a considerably longer range
than contemporary British and Soviet fighters. The ultimate version,
the F-104G, saw extensive service with NATO nations and had credible
ground attack capability, although pilots had to fly the aircraft from take-
Lockheed via The Museum of Flight
off to landing. More than 2,400 served with eight nations between 1954
and 1979. The West German Air Force (Luftwaffe) lost not less than 69
of their F-104Gs in their first four years of service to accidents. Three
special NF-104As were used by the Aerospace Research Pilot School at
Edwards AFB, Calif., and one of these set an unofficial altitude record of
museumofflight.org 118,860 feet for aircraft taking off under its own power.August
Flight Plans
Thursday, Aug. 1 | 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 to Sunday, Aug. 4 | 10 a.m.
William M. Allen Theater to 5 p.m.
Wells Fargo Free First Thursday East Parking Lot
Once a month, the Museum stays open late – Need For Speed Weekend: A Family
and admission is free. Enjoy the Museum’s Great Festival of Fast!
Gallery, Airpark, and more from 5 to 9 p.m., The Museum of Flight is once again your front-
courtesy of Wells Fargo. Museum Store and Wings row seat to Seattle’s annual exciting weekend
Café will also remain open for the extended hours of sleek jets and roaring engines! Located
on this night. next to the launching pad for the Boeing Air
Show at Seafair Weekend, the Museum’s East
Parking Lot will become a village of family
Saturday, Aug. 3 to Sunday, Aug. 4 | 9 a.m. activities surrounded by historic aircraft, fast
to 4 p.m. cars, speedboats, and entertainment between
Seafair Foundation’s Backstage Air the takeoffs and landings of the Patriots Stunt
Team’s L-39 aircraft. Need For Speed offers a
Show Experience beer garden, a sandwich kiosk, souvenirs, kids’
Attention all air show enthusiasts: check out this activities, and live music.
once-in-a-lifetime, VIP experience! Enjoy a behind-
the-scenes look at the Boeing Air Show as you visit
The Museum of Flight and Lake Washington! Your
backstage pass also includes a catered lunch and
reserved grandstand seating for the Boeing Air Show, Calendar subject to change.
featuring the Patriots Jet Team. For more information, Visit museumofflight.org for updates.
contact Seafair at 206.728.0123 ext.102 or 9404 E Marginal Way S. | Seattle, WA 98108
foundation@seafair.com. 206.764.5720
U N D A Y
D A Y - S
SATUR T 3 - 4
ATTENDEE EXPERIENCE
AUGUS
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
Special tours and guest speaker at The Museum of Flight
AUGUST 3-4
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
AUGUST
- VIP access to Boeing Air Show headliner, The Patriots 3-4
Jet Team
AUGUST 3-4
AUGUST 3 - 4
- VIP access to the Boeing Air Show Flightline
- Catered lunch &SATURDAY-SUNDAY
Reserved grandstand seating for the Boeing Air Show Go behind the scenes with
AUGUST 3 - 4
the Boeing Air Show at
SATURDAY-SUNDAY Seafair Weekend!
AUGUST 3 - 4
$199 per person
Go
Gobehind
behindthe
the scenes with the
scenes with theBoeing
BoeingAir
AirShow
Show
at
at Seafair Weekend
Seafair Weekend
For more information, contact Seafair at 206.728.0123
ATTENDEE
ATTENDEEEXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE $199
ext. 102 or $199
foundation@seafair.com. per person
per person
- Special toursand
andguest
guest speaker
speaker at
at the
the Museum
MuseumofofFlight
Backstage Air Show Experience Benefits the Seafair Foundation Programs
- Special tours Flight
- - VIP
VIP access
access totoBoeing
BoeingAir
Air Show
Show headliner,
headliner, The
ThePatriots
PatriotsJet
JetTeam
Team
- - VIP
VIP access
access totothe
theBoeing
Boeing Air
Air Show
Show Flightline
Flightline
- Catered lunch & Reserved grandstand seating for the Boeing Air Show
- Catered lunch & Reserved grandstand seating for the Boeing Air Show
for more information, contact Seafair at 206.728.0123 ext. 102 or
for more information,foundation@seafair.com.
contact Seafair at 206.728.0123 ext. 102 or
foundation@seafair.com.
Backstage Air Show Experience Benefits the Seafair Foundation Programs
Backstage Air Show Experience Benefits the Seafair Foundation ProgramsWeekend Family Workshops
Sponsored by
Every Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Explore the exciting world of flight in fun, hands-on workshops offered every Saturday and Sunday! Family workshops are free with
Museum admission and open to all ages (kids 6 and under should come with an adult helper). When you arrive at the Museum, just sign
up to participate at the workshop location. Groups with 10 or more children, please call ahead to find out whether we will be able to
accommodate your group. Contact the Interpretive Programs Coordinator at 206.768.7187.
Helicopters! One Step: Apollo 11 Seafair Mania!
July 6, 7, 13, 14 July 20, 21, 27, 28 August 3, 4
Did you know Leonardo da Vinci had Celebrate the anniversary of the 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
an idea for a machine like a helicopter? first moon landing. Make your own Once again, it’s time for the annual
Join us as we learn about these amazing space capsule then reenact a Boeing Air Show! In celebration, all
flying machines. Then construct several re-entry and splashdown! fans are invited to stop by the Museum’s
helicopter models of your own. activity area to make fabulous souvenirs.
Plane Spotting Stargazing Summer Family Fun!
August 10, 11, 17, 18 August 24, 25, 31 Tuesday-Thursday,
Airplanes come in many different How can we study the universe without 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
designs. Even when there are several leaving Earth? With telescopes! From
planes of the same design, they simple telescopes using visible light July 9-25 & August 6-29
often receive unique paint schemes to space telescopes, we can see some Enjoy aviation and aerospace activities
to make them stand out. Come and amazing things. Join us! for the whole family!
explore the history of airplane
livery and create your own.
Tip-to-Tail Tours
Home-built Aircraft UAVs
Sunday, July 21 Sunday, August 18
11 a.m. and 2 p.m. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Great Gallery Great GalleryMichael
Thirty-Second Annual
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Carriker
Pathfinder
Awards
A
legend among his peers,
Mike Carriker is more
than a test pilot. He
has become the pilots’
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voice behind Boeing innovation for
more than two decades.
The Museum of Flight Joining The Boeing Company in 1990 as a Production Test Pilot,
Carriker was the 737 senior project pilot during the initial development
Pathfinder Awards Honor and testing of the Next Generation 737. He was Captain on the first
flight of the 737-600, 737-900 and first officer on the Boeing BBJ. In
Three Northwest Visionaries: 1998 he became the 737 Chief Pilot. In 2001, he was assigned to what
became the 787 program as the Chief Pilot. In April of 2013, Mike
became the Chief Pilot for Airplane Development, Boeing 777X,
working on yet another great Boeing airplane.
Under Carriker’s leadership, the exceptionally efficient technologies
Michael H. Carriker of the 787 – Boeing’s first entirely new airplane in 15 years – became
a reality. Carriker guided the design team to ensure pilot interfaces
of the airplane were as similar to the 777 as possible to minimize
training differences for Boeing airline customers while simultaneously
Bruce R. McCaw leveraging newer technologies that were not available 15 years ago.
He introduced the first fully fly-by-wire roll control on a Boeing
transport airplane, led the campaign for GPS Landing System and dual
heads-up displays as basic equipment, and paved the way for previously
Frank A. Shrontz unappreciated safety and operational benefits. Carriker also advocated
for state-of-the-art Performance Based Navigation to permit Required
Navigation Performance approaches and bring previously “boutique”
Special Aircrew and Aircraft Authorization Required procedures into
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holders of the Navigation Performance Scales, a display system that
W
depicts the flight path using Performance Based Navigation.
ith its annual Pathfinder Finally, and most critically, Carriker led the test team responsible for
planning and executing the 787’s flight test program, developing,
Awards, The Museum of validating, coordinating, and approving all test operations limitations,
Flight honors individuals advisories, test plans, and checklist procedures. And on Dec. 15, 2009,
he captained the first flight of the Dreamliner, launching a 7,000-hour
with ties to the Pacific Northwest who test program that used seven different test airplanes. The program was
have made significant contributions to the awarded the Collier Trophy in 2011 – Boeing Commercial Airplane’s
first Collier win since the 777.
development of the aerospace industry. On
October 26, the 2013 Pathfinder Awards Carriker’s love of aviation extends to its history. His in-depth knowledge
of the technical history of airplane design enables him to explain to
will be presented to Michael H. Carriker, young engineers how and why airplanes were designed in the past,
Bruce R. McCaw, and Frank A. Shrontz. and how those designs have changed as technology has opened new
possibilities. In addition to authoring a chapter on Structural Dynamic
Damping testing in The Society of Experimental Test Pilots’ (SETP)
Experimental Flight Test manual, Carriker is a Fellow in The Society of
Experimental Test Pilots, and has received the Ray E. Tenhoff award, the
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AIAA Octave Chanute award, and the SETP Iven C. Kincheloe award for
For reservations or more information, outstanding test pilot of the year. He is one of three pilots in the world
contact Alison Bailey qualified to fly the Museums Boeing 247D and is one of the last pilots
at 206.764.5715 to fly the Museum’s B17F. He has flown more than a dozen of the types
or email to abailey@museumofflight.org. displayed at The Museum of Flight.
For more information on past recipients, visit
museumofflight.org/exhibits/pathfinders.Bruce Frank
McCaw Shrontz
A T
irline founder, pilot, he sixth leader in The
philanthropist, Boeing Company’s
aviation historian, history, Frank Shrontz
record-setter, leader, retired on Jan. 31, 1997,
and visionary. Rare is the man who after a career that spanned 38 years
lives up to such adjectives. Rare is and saw the company become a
Bruce McCaw. top exporter and manufacturer of
commercial jets and become involved in significant space and defense
Though his business acumen and philanthropic influence has been felt projects such as the International Space Station and the Joint Advanced
throughout the Northwest and across the nation, perhaps it is his love Strike Technology fighter.
and enthusiasm for aviation that will have the greatest lasting impact
on generations to come. Frank Shrontz joined Boeing in 1958 with a law degree from the
University of Idaho and an MBA from Harvard. He left the company
Fascinated with aviation since childhood, he has been the quiet and in 1973 to become Assistant Secretary of the Air Force and, in 1976,
oftentimes anonymous driving force behind countless efforts that have accepted a position as Assistant Secretary of Defense. He rejoined
shaped the Pacific Northwest aviation business culture since the 1960s. Boeing in 1977 as corporate vice president of Contract Planning
Additionally, he is directly responsible for steering The Museum and Administration. Starting in 1978, he was assigned positions of
of Flight on a course that began as a small repository of aerospace increasing responsibility at Boeing Commercial Airplanes and, in April
history and grew into one of the world’s truly great educational 1984, became its president. Shrontz became president of The Boeing
air and space institutions. Company Feb. 25, 1985, and served as chairman and chief executive
officer from April 1986 until April 1996. He correctly saw that over
His interest in the fledgling Museum of Flight began as a volunteer the next decade, Boeing would have to substantially reduce the time
in 1979, four years before the Red Barn opened its doors to the and cost required to produce quality products if the company was to
public. He joined the Museum’s Board of Trustees in 1985, and maintain its market leadership in the face of global competition. While
served two years as Chairman of the Board, during which the most companies only seek to reinvent themselves in during competitive
institution saw some of its most spectacular growth. Among the many crisis, Shrontz committed Boeing to fundamental change when the
accomplishments during his tenure were the arrival of the British commercial airplane business was booming and the U.S. defense
Airways Concorde, the addition of the Personal Courage Wing named budget still reflected Cold War priorities. The commitment to process
for his father, and the acquisition of the Champlin Collection – one improvement that began in the late 1980s helped the company weather
of the most remarkable fleets of WWI and WWII aircraft to be found the business downturn in the early 1990s and positioned Boeing to be a
anywhere. Subsequent to his chairmanship of the Museum Board, stronger competitor for the long term in every sector of its business.
McCaw was a force in funding the new Aviation High School home
on the Museum campus, combining his interests in the Museum, During Shrontz’s tenure as Boeing CEO, Boeing launched development
education, and aviation in one initiative. of the 777 jetliner and the Next-Generation 737 series, and won a share
of important U.S. government contracts, such as the V-22 Osprey
He’s found tremendous success in the air as well. Along with longtime tiltrotor, F-22 fighter, and RAH-66 Comanche helicopter, as well as the
friends Joe Clark and Clay Lacy, McCaw founded the Friendship role of prime contractor on the International Space Station.
Foundation in 1988. In an ambitious fundraiser for children’s charities,
the Foundation chartered a 747SP dubbed “Friendship One” which In addition to his vision and skill as a business leader, Frank Shrontz has
set an around-the-world speed record while raising more than always demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to public service.
$500,000. And as co-founder, vice president, and director of Horizon He has been particularly active in the push for education reform, at the
Air, chairman and founder of Forbes Westar, Inc., and former director national, state, and local levels. He has also been hailed for his efforts in
of Alaska Air Group, McCaw has been a vital voice in the growth and support of a wide range of civic, cultural, and human service projects
prosperity of the aerospace industry in Washington State and beyond. in all Boeing locations. Under his leadership, Boeing strengthened its
programs of generous giving to the community and greatly expanded
A pilot for more than 40 years, McCaw holds both commercial and programs aimed at encouraging volunteerism by Boeing employees.
instrument ratings and is type-rated in a Learjet, Dassault Falcon
50 and 900, and Fairchild F-27. One of the leading technological The son of a sporting goods merchant, Shrontz graduated from Boise
and business innovators of his time, he was co-founder and High School in 1949 and the University of Idaho in 1954 with a
director of McCaw Cellular Communications, Inc. and Claircom Bachelor of Laws degree. Following a commission and service in the
Communications and former director of Championship Auto Racing U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956, he attended the Harvard Business
Teams (CART). Among his many awards and accolades are Seattle’s School, where he received an MBA in 1958. Shrontz has received many
First Citizens Award, which he accepted, along with his mother honors and recognition for his career accomplishments, both locally and
Marion Oliver McCaw and brothers Craig and John, in 2004. nationally. In 1997, The Boeing Company created the Frank Shrontz
Endowed Chair of Professional Ethics at Seattle University in his honor.
In 2004, he was inducted into the National Business Hall of Fame.
museumofflight.org Aloft July | August 2013 17Museum News
Vietnam Bronze Map 3D Theater Opens July 6
Commissioned for Museum
T
hanks to two generous donors,
The Museum of Flight will
soon be home to an impressive
tribute to Vietnam veterans
who served with valor, courage, and
honor in the United States Armed
Forces from 1959 to 1975.
Sculpted in high relief by Vietnam
veteran and former Air Force pilot
James Nance, the map measures 8
feet high by 7 feet wide, covers an
area of 900,000 square miles, details
all major U.S. airbases, and presents
the most accurate representation in existence of the Ho Chi Minh Trail net-
T
work. The original was commissioned as a gift to the Air Force Academy
by its Class of 1970 and was installed in 2010 in their Vietnam Pavilion
he William M. Allen Theater, adjacent to The Museum
Memorial building. The Museum’s version will be installed this fall in the
of Flight lobby, will re-open July 6, following an
T. A. Wilson Great Gallery, in close proximity to the Vietnam collection:
extensive renovation. The 272-seat venue will feature
the McDonnell F-4C (F-110A) Phantom II, the Bell UH-1H Iroquois
new seats, new carpet, better acoustics, and – most
“Huey” helicopter and the Lockheed YO-3A. For more information about
importantly – will accomodate 3-D films.
the map, please visit http://jamesnancesculpture.com/.
The first movie to grace the theater will be “Fighter Pilot:
You have a unique opportunity to pay permanent tribute to those who
Operation Red Flag.” An exciting adventure featuring Capt.
served in Vietnam and Southeast Asia during this period. At the base
John “Otter” Stratton engaging in international training
of the sculpture, 20 spots will be available for $2,000 apiece to honor a
exercises in his F-15 Eagle, Fighter Pilot shows the danger and
family member or friend. Each space has room for two lines of 28 charac-
complexity of combat flying from the perspective of the pilot
ters each. Please contact Sandie Dolese, Senior Advancement Officer, at
in extraordinary 3-D.
206.768.7199 or sdolese@museumofflight.org for more information.
Adults: $5 with admission; $8 for movie only. Children: $4 with
admission; $7 for movie only. Members: $4.
Weekend Boeing Field Tours
T
he Museum of Flight is offering Boeing Field tours on Help Us Add the Electra to
weekends where visitors can get an intimate and rare peek
inside security fences. Our Collection
Two specially trained volunteers host each tour. Under the watchful
eyes of the King County International Airport, the Museum’s van
driver maintains radio contact with control tower operators, driving
slowly on the 8-mile perimeter road. Seated alongside, the Museum’s
tour guide provides a description of what passengers are seeing, and,
during the brief stops where aircraft activities claim the right of way,
historic information about the airport.
Today, the 594-acre airport serves 150 businesses, small commercial
passenger airlines, cargo carriers, private aircraft owners, helicopters,
corporate jets, and military and other aircraft. It is also home to the Boeing
T
Tom Cathcart
787 flight-test program, 737 deliveries and other Boeing operations.
he Museum continues its efforts to add a Lockheed 10-E
Air traffic slows down on weekends, but there’s always the possibility Electra to its collection. As one of two surviving 10-Es,
of glimpsing into a private hangar, and seeing some of the world’s this aircraft will be the only one on permanent display in a
most advanced private aircraft. museum and is restored to nearly identical specifications as
the plane Amelia Earhart piloted in 1937. At this point, $867,000 of
Tickets may be reserved online or at the Admissions Desk for the the $1.4 million goal has been raised. Help land the Electra by visiting
1:30 and 3:30 p.m. departures on Saturdays and Sundays. museumofflight.org/electra.
18 Aloft July | August 2013 museumofflight.orgYou can also read
