Fall - The Silver Falcons

A FLIGHT OF FANCY
Gents,
My son and I have just returned from a trip around the pattern in
the EAA’s Eastern Air Transport (Pitcairn) tri-motor at Briscoe
Field in Lawrenceville.
In the vernacular of the day “THAT WAS SOO FUN!”
She’s a beauty and flies as smooth as can be. You can even talk
inside the cabin.
We were the only paying customers on board the first flight, the
rest all being media.
Our return to earth was announced by a squeak, . . . . . squeak! A
perfect three-point landing.
What a delight. I’d highly recommend it !!!
—Sandy
770 643-7648 / 800 965-3168
Fax 770 643-7650
The rEAL Word | Fall 2007 7

FRED YARBROUGH WINS
Cool temperatures, clear skies and gentle breezes greeted those who were able to get all their
bones loosened up and headed in the same direction the morning of the Bo Thomas
Memorial Golf Tournament, dubbed the “Chopper Open” in honor of our Golf Chairman,
former Chicago Chief Pilot Gordy Nelson, himself ensconced in the 2nd foursome… We
had the good breakfast provided by the Marriott and then all just walked out the back door
to the beautiful Willow Crest Golf Course, which is part and parcel of the Oak Brook Hills
Marriott Resort… There the staff had our carts all lined up and ready for our Tee Times…
Our new champion, Capt. Fred
Yarbrough, holding the Piontek Cup.
It is easy to report the winners as Fred Yarbrough took most of the men’s honors including
the Piontek Cup for Lowest Gross… Winning Low Net was Bill Brodt and the Longest
Drive was stroked by Tom Brennan… Of course Fred won Nearest to the Pin and Putting
Contest too!
For the ladies it was pretty much a repeat of the men’s with Duane Fischer taking every trophy
(Including Shortest lady) except Low Net which was won by Lynda Soucie.
Speaking for myself and Lou Beyer, we were glad to make it all the way around the course
without serious injury!
—Jim Holder
8 The rEAL Word | Fall 2007

THE BO THOMAS OPEN!
The rEAL Word | Fall 2007 9

BO THOMAS OPEN CONTINUED
MEET YOUR 2008 CONVENTION CHAIRPERSONS
Kathy and Ed McGarvey and Jack and Shirley Gordon, our convention chairpersons for 2008.
The convention will be held in Florida next year and further information will be available in the
January newsletter as well as attendance forms and information. With the well organized and
enthusiastic Florida membership that we have, next year’s convention will most certainly meet
or exceed the wonderful time we all just had in Chicago. Hopefully we’ll see you all there.
10 The rEAL Word | Fall 2007

2007 SILVER FALCONS CONVENTION, CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen,
If you were not there, you missed a GREAT get-together in
Chicago…
Our 11th Annual Silver Falcons Convention is now part of the
rich EAL history that we all share, and it was terrific. A last
minute change to the Marriott Resort Hotel at Oak Brook was
accomplished without a hitch for the attendees. It was a lush
venue with their beautiful on-site golf course surrounding the
hotel, and the hotel was excellent in every respect.
Our hosts were members of the Chicago O’Hare Eastern Air
Lines Pilots Association. Those deeply involved in making sure
that no detail was left to chance were Larry Niemann, Carolyn &
Tom Helms, Doty and Bob Shipner, Jim & Marilyn Cobb, Karen
and Walt Cwain and our golf chair Gordy Nelson. They ALL did
a SUPER job. Thank you very much!
These wonderful people saw to it that our time in Chicago-land to
reminisce with comrades was spectacular! Many first timers were
in attendance and were glad that they came. The weather was
ideal as early fall temperatures and a dry air mass settled over the
area.
Beverly &
Windy Wingate
Bill Grieme, Bob Shipner
Duane Fischer and first timer Fred Yarbrough took most of the
golfing honors.
At the business meeting we were brought up to date and our 2008
B.O.D. was confirmed with Bill Vaden as president, Hank Sanak
as VP, Ron Mussig as secretary and Stuart Hughes and Sandy
McCulloh as directors. After a little arm-twisting Ed McGarvey
and Jack Gordon agreed to look around north Florida for an
October venue for next year’s reunion. Thanks Guys! More
later…
Next on our calendar is the Annual Silver Falcons Christmas
Dinner on Friday, December 7th at the Petit Auberge Restaurant
in Toco Hills, in NE Atlanta. We hope to have the menu in the
next The rEAL WORD. It is close to PDK… Mark your calendars!
More later…
—Sandy McCulloh
Scribe
Karen & Walt Cwian Carrie Reagin, Bill Vaden Kathy McGarvey, Alison Brill
The rEAL Word | Fall 2007 11

Bob Shipner, Pat & Fran Glenn, Doty Shipner, Wright George
Carrie Reagin, Bill Knoerr
Dick & Jane Borrelli
Doty Shipner,
Larry Niemann
Doug Brablec, Virginia Hoffman
Ed & Kathy McGarvey
Cheryl & Jim Furlong
Brenda & Nick Roberts
Don Teel & Tom Helms
12 The rEAL Word | Fall 2007

Tiger & Fen Lind
Alison & Walt Brill
Dana & Jake Jacobus
Jane Borrelli, Carolyn Helms,
Dick Borrelli
Jim Rathbone, Dana & Jake Jacobus, Ed McGarvey
John & Alice Lundblad
Ed McGarvey, Shirley & Jack Gordon
Jim Cobb
Jim Holder
Bob Thomas, Jay Madala
The rEAL Word | Fall 2007 13

Jack Rolfson, Elaine Mason
John Hardbottle, Bill Brodt
Tiger & Fen Lind, Jack Rolfson & Elaine Mason
Jean Winzeler, Wright George, Lynda Soucie
Lou & Linda Byer
Mark Angstadt, Jane Ozmet
Kathy &
Denny Schaar
Jean Winzeler, Lynda Soucie
14 The rEAL Word | Fall 2007

John Knepper, Dick Borrelli, Doty Shipner
Lea & Terry Johnson
The rEAL Word | Fall 2007 15

Rebecca Brennan, Duane Fischer
The Cake
Thedra & Bob Cook
Pat Glenn, Bob Shipner
Paul & Duane Fischer
Mary Helen & Ron Hofmeyer
Sandy McCulloh, Tom Brennan
16 The rEAL Word | Fall 2007

WWII Aviation Accident Stats by Barrett Tillman.... who is
an aviation author of note, he is researching WWII losses for
a new book.These figures will surely give you pause.
For the new book I computed the AAF’s average daily loss
in combat for June ‘44: nearly 50 aircraft. Today if we lost
that many in a year we’d probably park our air forces!
After the Camarillo accident a few of my acquaintances
were wondering how 19 year olds mastered high
performance fighters with little training during
WWII. I looked into it and found some rather interesting
figures. This same question was brought up in the P-51
Torque Roll discussion.
WWII ACCIDENT STATS
Branching out overseas gets difficult. As I mentioned
previously, I cannot find combat losses verses accidents.
I also cannot find specific type losses. But if you look at
Airplane Losses in US and Overseas you will see that
page two breaks out the Continental US verses overseas.
There were a total of 43,581 losses overseas and 21,583
losses in the US.
Keep in mind this includes combat losses but I can
almost guarantee nearly all the 21,583 Continental US
losses were accidents. The Continental US does not
include AK and HI, the only places in North America
that had direct combat with the Axis.
The short answer is they did what they needed to do and
accepted the losses.
Unfortunately, it looks as if combat and accidents losses
are usually combined when overseas. The information
below sheds some light on the accident losses. The info
is from the Army Air Force Statistical Digest WWII
published in Dec 45. According to it, thousands of
aircraft were lost due to accidents.
In the Continental US between 1942 and Aug 1945 (see
t214.pdf ) there were 824 P-51 accidents, 131 of those
fatal resulting in 137 fatalities and 358 aircraft wrecked.
The P-47 was much worse with 3049 accidents, 404 of
those fatal with 455 fatalities and a staggering 1125
airplanes wrecked.
This is just the beginning according to the table. If you
add up all the accident losses on that table you get
47,462 accidents, 5533 of which were fatal resulting in
13,624 fatalities and 12,506 aircraft wrecked. Keep in
mind this was just in the Continental US.
Also in the US looking at all AAF accidents from Dec
41 to Aug 45 there were 52,651 accidents, 6039 of those
fatal resulting in 14,903 deaths and 13,873 aircraft
wrecked.
While en route from the US to the theater, 909 planes
were lost.
Airplane losses on combat mission by theater states a
total of 22,948 aircraft were lost during combat. If we
subtract this from the 43,581 total overseas losses figure
above, we get 20,633 aircraft lost not during
combat.
I found these figures absolutely overwhelming and
much more than I ever would have thought. Total losses
due to accidents for WWII may never be known, or at
least it is beyond my researching skills, but I do think it
was in the thousands. Gives me even more appreciation
for that generation.
On a lighter note, here are some other figures just for fun.
9,707,109,000 gallons of gas used form Jan 42 to Aug 45
459,750,000 round of ammo expended overseas from Jan
42 to Aug 45
107,886,000 hours of flying time from Jan 43 to Aug 45
7,952,020 bombs dropped overseas from 43 to 45
2,057,244 tons of bombs dropped overseas from Dec 41
to Aug 45
2,362,800 combat sorties from Dec 41 to Aug 45
299,230 aircraft accepted from Jan 1940 to Aug 45
808,471 aircraft engines delivered from Jan 40 to Aug 45
799,972 propellers delivered from Jan 40 to Aug 45
40,259 enemy aircraft destroyed Feb 42 to Aug 45
The rEAL Word | Fall 2007 17

Gentlemen,
MERGER INPUT FROM TRISTANI
I just received my latest “The rEAL Word” (Summer 2007) and
as usual, I enjoyed the contents and am extremely appreciative of
those who make it happen.
Regarding the Editorial that speaks to the possible merger of
REPA and the Silver Falcons, since membership opinion is
encouraged and I am not attending the Business Meeting at the
Chicago Convention to submit such, please accept the following
as my input.
“ I, JP Tristani, Captain-EAL, member in good standing in the
Silver Falcons hereby resign from the Silver Falcons effective on
the date of merger of REPA and said Silver Falcons.”
JP Tristani 23 July 2007 Ramsey, NJ
While I do not feel obliged to tender my reasons for such action, I
would like to note that I resigned from previous membership in
REPA when I would not submit to insult nor accept membership
that allowed SCABS equality in REPA. I freely accepted the right
of REPA to allow what the membership desired, I did not fight
against it, I merely “voted with my feet.”
I have great admiration for those who formed The Silver Falcons
organization and believe that in doing so, [they] brought respect
and honor to those of us who fought to the bitter end....regardless
that I believe that there were many such as I who opposed the
“sympathy strike,” but participated as best we could while sustaining
a conviction that forces beyond our control would force
the destruction of EAL.
LOTS OF LETTERS!
I am Larry Beveridge, a son of Captain Boyd R. “Speedy”
Beveridge and Ann McDougle Beveridge, former “stewardess”
(when they actually called them that) from 1955-57 when she
married my father and then had to quit flying to have me in 1961.
My father was an Eastern pilot, and later a captain, back in the
1950s, 60s, and early 70s when he had to retire due to health reasons.
I still remember when he made Captain when I was a very
little boy, and his shirt being cut out the back scared me to death
the night he came home from Atlanta where he was based.
I have a few stories of my own perceptions as a child.
He told lots of stories over the years about the War and leading
into the days he went into Eastern in the 50s and then later. Flight
School, and all those huge manuals, Miami, “Screw Schedule”,
teletype machines, type 2 bids, layovers, New York, feeling like a
glorified bus driver...
I am just writing a note here for possible contact with anyone who
may have memories of the days when he was flying. He died back
in 2000, and it would be nice to hear from some folks who actually
knew him. I think he and I had a lot of uncovered ground as a
father and son. I don’t even care if the memories might be negative;
just a word is enough for me.
He was a surly character at best, and I know that, so I would
expect to hear some colorful stories; I am 46 now, so I can handle
it. :-) It would just be nice to get in contact with someone,even
for a little while; stewardesses, pilots, co-pilots, “ramp rats”,
whatever, who actually knew him during those old days.
Please forward this to anyone you feel might have something to
share.
Without contributing anything to the Silver Falcons except my
membership, and while I have not attended any of the conventions,
dinners, fly-in’s, cheap breakfasts revered by all airline
pilots, I have enjoyed the newsletter as well as the camaraderie,
fun, pride and memories that all of you personally have shown
and contributed along with the other more active members.
But nothing is forever.
A SPECIAL REQUEST FROM
LARRY BEVERIDGE
Kind regards,
JP
This is something I just sent to the Silver Falcons in hopes of a
reply:
Hello to all the remaining Silverliners,
The number must be thinning now as time marches onward...
sadly...
18 The rEAL Word | Fall 2007
Thank you for your time,
Larry Beveridge, Son of Two Duck Hawks
Rutherfordton, North Carolina
formerly of Bedford County, Tennessee
larryb13@bellsouth.net
VALUABLE INFO FROM JOHN HALLADAY
Regardless of your personal status, consider passing this along to
all veterans, families of veterans or individuals with veterans in
their family.
This was information was sent in by COL LaGrange in
Manhattan, after our Kansas Council of Chapters meeting on 18
August. This is valuable information to all retirees and some who
did not retire, but had combat duty. John Halladay
While making nursing home arrangements for my aged father, I
recently became aware of a valuable program that I wish to share
with you. It is particularly helpful as you consider Long Term
Care Plans and should be factored into your decision process.

“Aid and Attendance” is an underutilized special monthly pension
benefit offered by the Veterans Administration for veterans and
surviving spouses who require in-home care or live in nursing
homes. To qualify, a veteran (includes the surviving spouse) must
have served at least 90 days of active military service, one day of
which is during a period of war, and must be discharged under
conditions other than dishonorable. The veteran’s benefit is
$18,234 annually (paid monthly) and increases to $21,615 if a
veteran has one dependent. The surviving spouse alone is $11,715
annually.
For more information, call 1-800-827-1000, visit www.va.gov
(type “Aid and Attendance” in the search block), or contact your
local VA office. You can also apply on-line at
vabenfits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp however a VA representative
visited my dad in the nursing home before the benefit could
be approved.
This is a good opportunity if you have a parent or older sibling
who ‘fits the bill.’
The following Silver Falcons and family members are currently
under the weather and would appreciate calls, cards, and visits from
friends. A card or a friendly voice can do wonders when a person is
really hurting!
It’s easy to get on the Lay-A-Bed list. All it takes is a bad headache
and a big mouthed friend. Getting off the list is another matter
altogether! No one ever tells us when they get well!
Therefore we have had to make rules to control this situation. In the
future:
1. When the flower dies, take your name off the lay-a-bed list
whether you are sick or not.
2. If you are still sick, put your name back on the list and we will
send you a new flower!
3. When the new flower dies, go back to rule one!
Capt. Walt Shelton
2145 Hampton Trail
Conyers, GA 30013
(770) 483-1019
LAYABED
Capt. Travis Dugger
100 Wassergass Rd.,
Hellertown, PA 18055.
(610) 838-6292
travdugger@aol.com
MERGER INPUT FROM ROBERT ABBOTT
Dear Dick:
My initial reaction Re; your editorial on REPA merger talks was
“Me too!”
However upon further thought, and a review of the bylaws of the
Silver Falcons, I have decided that even a discussion of the possibility
of a merger would unfortunately necessitate my resignation
from the organization.
Excerpts from Bylaws:
Article I: General. “who walked and did not cross the picket line
during the lockout in 1989/1990,”
Article II: A “common interest may share their camaraderie”
C “Perpetuate the memory of Eastern Air Lines as well as the
rEAL Pilots and Flight Attendants.”
I believe all these tenets would be violated by even entertaining
the though of merger talks. A merged group could engage in
camaraderie by sharing stories about the strike “How much did
you make while I walked the picket line” would be good for
starters.
Thank you for your hard work, all of you.
Fraternally,
Robert Abbott, rEAL Pilot
San Jose, Ca
PS: Feel free to publish this letter if you so desire.
The rEAL Word | Fall 2007 19

CAPTAIN GORDON W. HUSTON
February 15, 1931 - August 23, 2007
OBITUARIES
Banks, Tesha Sevier and Jaesan Buchanan; sister and brother-inlaw,
Beverly and James Ross of Lake Keowee, S.C.; and several
nieces and nephews.
Captain Gordon Wycoff Huston lost his battle with cancer on
August 23, 2007.
He was born in Burlington, Iowa the son of Paul and Lucile
Huston and brother to Terry Huston (wife Betty). He attended Iowa
Wesleyan College and Iowa State University. He went through the
Naval cadet program at Pensacola FL and became a Navy jet pilot.
After 5 years in the Navy he was hired by Eastern Airlines and flew
commercially for 33 years. He lived in Wayne, NJ, Miami FL, and
retired to Venice FL in 1993.He was a member of Quite Birdmen,
Experimental Aircraft Association, Tailhook Society, The Silver
Falcons, American Legion, Englewood Elks, Christ United
Methodist Church, Plantation Golf and Country Club, Plantation
Friendly Association, Venice Cloudbusters and International Flying
Farmers.
He enjoyed his family and friends, flying, golf, skiing , photography
and travel He is survived by wife, Barbara and daughters
Roberta and husband Allan Fiore of Butler, NJ, Rebecca Huston of
Bradenton, FL and son Michael of Bloomingdale, NJ, two grandsons,
Tucker Huston and Alex Fiore, and brotherTerry Huston.
The Honts Funeral Home was in charge of the funeral which was
at 10am Thurs. August 30th at the Winfield Methodist Church,
Winfield, Iowa, with the Rev. Nancy Bender officiating. A
Celebration of life will be held in late October in Venice, Fl. In lieu
of flowers, memorial donation may be made to Tidewell Hospice &
Palliative Care of Venice,210 Wexford Blvd. Venice, Fl 34293,
American Cancer Society or your favorite charity.
CAPTAIN THEODORE L. “TED”
HUTCHESON JR.
Capt. Theodore L. “Ted” Hutcheson Jr., 70, of Eagles Landing in
Williamson, passed away Sept. 19, 2007, at Crawford Long
Hospital in Atlanta.
He was born in Miami, Fla., to the late Luverne and Dorothy
Hutcheson. He was a captain for Eastern Airlines for 23 years
before retiring in 1985. He was a member of the First Presbyterian
Church in Griffin and enjoyed golfing and being with his family.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ed
Hutcheson.
A memorial service was conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22,
2007, in the chapel of Moody Funeral Home with the Rev. Billy
Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to
the American Diabetes Association, 17 Executive Park, Suite 115,
Atlanta, GA 30329 in memory of Ted.
CAPTAIN BRYAN WALKER WILMOTH
Nov. 21, 1939-Aug. 30, 2007
Capt. Bryan Walker Wilmoth, age 67, of Griffin, passed away
Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007, at his residence.
Capt. Wilmoth was born Nov. 21, 1939, in Dallas, Texas, to the late
Madge and Allwyn Wilmoth. He was a 1958 Graduate of Sunset
High School in Dallas. He retired from Eastern Airlines in 1989
after a distinguished 26-year career. He remained active in general
aviation after his retirement. He was preceded in death by his brothers,
Richard and Lilburn.
Survivors include his wife, Sue Bradshaw Wilmoth; sons and
daughers-in-law, Nathan and Patty Wilmoth and Tim and Jennifer
Wilmoth, all of Griffin; daughter and son-in law, Wendy Wilmoth
and David Bunnell of Griffin; siblings, Al Wilmoth, David
Wilmoth, Judy Vincent and Steve Wilmoth, all of Dallas, Texas,
Tom Wilmoth of George, South Africa, and Glenda Horton of
Fayetteville; grandchildren, Sloane Best, Randy Rivers, Carlito
Wilmoth, Anesa Wilmoth, Timothy Wilmoth, Jade Wilmoth and
Malachi Wilmoth; several nieces and nephews; and devoted friend,
Capt. J.B. Holder of Conyers.
Memorial services for Capt. Bryan Walker Wilmoth were conducted
at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, 2007, in the chapel of Haisten
McCullough Funeral Home. The Rev. Wesley Price will officiate. A
reception followed the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers,
donations in memory of Capt. Wilmoth may be made to the
Capt. Bryan W. Wilmoth Memorial Scholarship, C/O Middle
Georgia College Foundation, 1100 Second St. S.E., Cochran, GA
31014.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Barbara Hutcheson; children
and their spouses, Danni Lynn and Alan Banks of Concord, Danny
and Lynda Ovaert of Henrietta, Texas, Patricia and Russell
Buchanan of Williamston, S.C., and Ted L. and Elizabeth
Hutcheson III of Alpharetta; grandchildren, Kristin Banks, Trevor
20 The rEAL Word | Fall 2007

CAPTAIN BOB AYARS REALLY LIVED HIS DREAM!
The following was received from Mrs. Lil Ayars. We print it with pride, friendship and fond memories
Bob was a man who
really knew himself. At
the young age of six
years he knew he wanted
to be a pilot and fly
airplanes. As he grew up
he moved his bedroom
to the attic so he could
paint an airport on the
floor and hang his model
airplanes from the
ceiling. He also worked
at the local airport for
airplane rides.
He joined the Air Force
the week he graduated from high school. He started work on his
flight ratings during his four year enlistment. After separating from
the Air Force, he became a flight instructor at a small airport near
Pittsburgh. There he met a girl named “Lil”. Lil owned a one third
interest in a 1939 Taylorcraft. Bob thought she might be “All
Right”. Lil thought he was “Good Looking”, and asked him to
accompany her on her dual cross country. Six months later they
were married.
Bob continued his flying career asa civilian flight instructor for the
Army in San Marcos, Texas. He moved on to a non-sked, Saturn
Airlines, one year with United Airlines, and then on to Eastern Air
Lines in 1962. Between jobs he flew drilling equipment and explosives
in a B-25 to South America.
For about half his career with Eastern he was based in Atlanta,
Georgia. While there he became active in the Civil Air Patrol. As
commander of the Composite Squadron at Southeast Expressway
Airport, he participated in many search and rescue missions and
worked with young
cadets members.
He was at his best
when he was preparing
for a trip with
Eastern. Almost
always he would
say, when leaving
for the airport, that
he would see the sun
shining that day
regardless of the
weather on the
ground. He was
proud to be a rEAL
Eastern Pilot and
often told people that Eastern Pilots were the most professional and
proficient in the industry. They were individuals who made their
decisions in the best interest of safety and the comfort of the passengers.
They were also pilots who refused to compromise the
integrity of the aircraft, crew, and passengers. They maintained
their integrity, self respect, and never forgot their purpose in life.
Flying with the CAF was another adventure he loved. He flew the
P-38, P-39, A-26, B-25, and his own T-34. He served as a Wing
Leader of the Central Texas Wing of the CAF. He never lost his
wonder of meeting and being with the AVG Flying Tigers, the
Doolittle Raiders, and the Fighter Aces, which he had read about as
a young boy. He considered them his role model in life. He was a
fierce patriot, loved his country, and worked many years flying air
shows to honor and remember the men and women who served this
country, making their sacrifices for this our freedom.
Bob’s passion for flying
was surpassed only by his
love of God. He was a
proud yet humble man.
Bob unabashedly professed
and talked of his love for
God. His life style spoke
louder than his words. On
July 14th Bob went to be
with the Lord, but he left an
abundance of love for his family and friends. He put out his hand
and not only touched the face of God, but embraced him forever.
Along with a memorial
service in Blanco, Texas,
the Centex wing of the
CAF performed a flyover
during military honors at
Ft. Sam Houston on
Friday, August 3. It
couldn’t have been more
perfect. They had two
formations of planes with
the P-39 pulling up and “Going West”. Bob was watching from
above with a thumbs up!
Bob’s legacy: HE REALLY LIVED HIS DREAM!
Captain Robert G. Ayars was born October 28, 1933 in Salem, New
Jersey. He served four years with the United States Air Force
during the Korean conflict. He is survived by his wife of fifty years,
Lillian, his sons David Glenn Ayars, Douglas Scott Ayars, Brothers
Richard Ayars, Raymond Ayars, and Sister Dorothy Hillegas. His
family and friends miss him greatly!
The rEAL Word | Fall 2007 21

The scientific theory I like best is that the rings of Saturn are
composed entirely of lost airline baggage.
FLYING TRUTHS
Before each flight, make sure that your bladder is empty and your
fuel tanks are full!
An old pilot is one who can remember when flying was dangerous
and sex was safe.
Airlines have really changed, now a flight attendant can get a pilot
pregnant.
Both optimists and pessimists contribute to the society. The
optimist invents the aeroplane, the pessimist the parachute.
If helicopters are so safe, how come there are no vintage/classic
helicopter fly-ins.
Death is just nature’s way of telling you to watch your airspeed or
rotor RPM.
Real planes use only a single stick to fly. This is why bulldozers &
helicopters—in that order—need two.”
There are only three things the copilot should ever say:
1. Nice landing, Sir.
2. I’ll buy the first round.
3. I’ll take the ugly one.
As a pilot only two bad things can happen to you and one of
them will.
a. One day you will walk out to the aircraft knowing that it is your
last flight.
b. One day you will walk out to the aircraft not knowing that it is
your last flight.
There are Rules and there are Laws.
The Rules are made by men who think that they know better how
to fly your airplane than you. Laws of Physics were made by the
Great One. You can, and sometimes should, suspend the Rules but
you can never suspend the Laws.
About Rules:
a. The rules are a good place to hide if you don’t have a better idea
and the talent to execute it.
b. If you deviate from a rule, it must be a flawless performance. (e.
g., If you fly under a bridge, don’t hit the bridge.)
The ideal pilot is the perfect blend of discipline and aggressiveness.
The medical profession is the natural enemy of the aviation
profession.
Ever notice that the only experts who decree that the age of the pilot
is over are people who have never flown anything? Also, in spite of
the intensity of their feelings that the pilot’s day is over—I know of
no expert who has volunteered to be a passenger in a non-piloted
aircraft.
He who demands everything that his aircraft can give him is a pilot;
he that demands one iota more is a fool.
There are certain aircraft sounds that can only be heard at night.
The aircraft limits are only there in case there is another flight by
that particular aircraft. If subsequent flights do not appear likely,
there are no limits.
Flying is a great way of life for men who want to feel like boys, but
not for those who still are.
Flying is a hard way to earn an easy living.
Forget all that stuff about lift, gravity, thrust and drag. An airplane
flies because of money. If God had meant man to fly, He’d have
given him more money.
If black boxes survive air crashes—why don't they make the whole
plane out of that stuff?
If the Wright brothers were alive today Wilber would have to fire
Orville to reduce costs.
In the Alaska bush I’d rather have a two hour bladder and three
hours of gas than vice versa.
It’s not that all airplane pilots are good-looking. Just that goodlooking
people seem more capable of flying airplanes. Or so
seasoned observers contend. A matter of self-confidence? No
doubt, no doubt.
I've flown in both pilot seats, can someone tell me why the other
one is always occupied by an idiot?
Son, you're going to have to make up your mind about growing up
and becoming a pilot. You can’t do both.
There are only two types of aircraft—fighters and targets.
You define a good flight by negatives: you didn't get hijacked, you
didn’t crash, you didn’t throw up, you weren't late, you weren't
nauseated by the food. So you're grateful.
You know they invented wheelbarrows to teach FAA inspectors to
walk on their hind legs.
New FAA Motto: “We’re not happy till you’re not happy.”
22 The rEAL Word | Fall 2007

“The debt that every
generation owes to its past
must be paid to the future.”
Overview
Abigail Scott Dunaway
In the summer of 1787, 39 courageous
men labored in the Philadelphia heat to
craft a document that would become
“The Constitution” of the United States.
Their fundamental belief, upon which
they based their hopes for our nation, was
anchored in the knowledge that an
educated and informed citizenry was the
greatest safeguard of liberty and the
pursuit of happiness. Today, these very
principals are at risk.
Public education in the United States is in
crisis; critical thinking is in short supply;
science, technology, engineering, and
math (STEM) disciplines are in decline.
Hearing that American students in the
STEM disciplines are tied with Latvia for
23rd in the world, we sense the
magnitude of our situation.
REINVENTING OUR FUTURE: THE
“AVIATION MUSEUM
AT MARIETTA, GEORGIA” (AMMG)
Engineers and scientists comprise only 5% of our populace but are
responsible for producing almost 50% of our annual GDP. Still,
each year we see continued erosion in the numbers of young
students who choose to pursue the STEM disciplines. (Today,
Mexico has 80,000 more full-time undergraduate engineering
students that the United States!) Our failing educational system, not
terrorism, represents the greatest threat to our way of life.
We must reverse this trend; we must interest more young people
(men, women, and minorities) in the STEM disciplines. Our
nation’s financial and social fabric rests in the balance.
Statement of Purpose: The Aviation Museum at Marietta,
Georgia (AMMG)
The Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia was created as an
innovative system to address these needs through a focus on
aviation history, education, and experiential learning. Located at
Dobbins ARB in Marietta, Ga., the museum is just 3 miles from I-
75. Situated on a 15.5 acre site leased from the USAF by the Cobb
County government, the plan is to break ground in late 2009 and
open for business in early 2011.
Research shows that middle school is
“decision” time for young students. Lack
of preparation and commitment in middle
school most often precludes pursuing the
STEM disciplines later. A critical and
distinctive aspect of the AMMG will
address this need through a public
Charter Middle School operated by and
centrally integrated into the outreach of
the museum. Numerous interactive
experiences await these young students
not only in the museum, but during many
outside challenges such as our flight
program. We seek to educate, inform, and
equip these young people for technical
leadership in our community, state and
nation.
The AMMG will depict the incredibly
rich aviation story of the Bell Bomber
Plant (now Lockheed Martin) beginning
with the early years of World War II until
the present day. From the B29 to the
C130 to the F22, this plant has produced
aircraft that have transformed our region
and the world. This history lesson is,
however, but a prelude to the true power
of the museum experience: Personal involvement.
This will be an institution for and of the 21st Century. Technology
will be our passport to discovery. We begin with a kiosk. Here,
each visitor will receive their personal “boarding pass”. The
journey begins. Through extensive use of our world-class aircraft
and interactive displays, the museum will be both a history lesson
and an experience-based educational institution.
The boarding pass will direct each visitor to one of seven
fundamental “Threads” for a voyage of discovery about science,
math, and critical thinking. There is no scientific precept than
cannot be taught through the fundamentals of flight and the
challenges of design. AMMG will couple the power of history with
the insights of discovery to produce a life-changing experience by
involving each visitor in the technology of flight.
Through the power of the internet, the AAMG will become a multimedia
center and resource for the entire region. Streaming video,
packaged programming, STEM discipline presentations—all will
be possible through the integral linkage of the AAMG and its
educational outreach. The AAMG will become a center of STEMbased
education in support of educators throughout our state.
The rEAL Word | Fall 2007 23

What’s in it for you or your organization?
We all want to do the right thing. Many important demands
compete for our time and resources. It is critically important,
therefore, that each of us sort our priorities to insure we invest
wisely in furtherance of the greatest good. The AMMG represents
a new model of public education in America. If we succeed, the
possibilities to export this concept are boundless. While we
represent but one small effort, greater power lies in duplicating this
concept nationwide.
Literally, there is no organization, industry, or citizen who does not
have a vested interest in this challenge. Without significant change
in our educational institutions, we risk being subsumed by our
global competitors.
How can your organization become involved? Our needs are
great and the opportunities abundant:
■ AMMG has significant naming opportunities for portions of the
museum and charter school
■ Classroom and lecture facilities need to be built and equipped
■ A multi-media center (which will multiply the impact of the
museum many-fold) is a high-priority “First Tier” need
■ Custom-produced educational videos represent high-value
educational opportunities
■ Funding is necessary to build and operate the charter middle
school.
■ Display design and construction will require substantial
endowment
■ Scholarships will provide greater outreach to the museum and
school
■ Financial and “in-kind” support is needed for initial design and
construction of the physical plant
Visiting professor and museum internships will broaden the
outreach and in-reach of the educational message of the museum
and school
Many of these men and women are opinion leaders for their
organizations and communities. Their commitment represents your
opportunity to partner with us and affiliate with a unique and
appropriate concept. Through this wide base of support, attendance
at the museum site, and our many media efforts, the possibilities for
packaging your organization’s message and your commitment to
the higher calling of the AMMG can have lasting value for your
organization.
Many future scientists, engineers, and leaders will be visit or be
touched by the museum. By partnerships with local and nationally
recognized universities (GaTech, USAF Academy, Southern
Polytechnic Institute, Kennesaw State, etc) we seek to impact a
larger student population.
This is truly an opportunity to “do good by doing good.” Each of
us has a stake in this race. Many scientists, engineers, and
technologists will gain their first exposure to their future
professions here at AMMG. As you consider the needs of your
organization and the larger needs of our nation, why not become
part of this “righteous” project?
Great changes occur where fundamental need intersects with
innovative thought. If AMMG did not exist, we would have to
invent it. Today, in Marietta, Georgia far-sighted individuals have
recognized the need and answered the call. Come join with us in
this 21st century revolution.
“Learning from the Past – Shaping the Future”
Contact Stacy Brown - Director of Advancement:
stacy.brown@aviationmarietta.org
www.mariettairmuseum.org
Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia
358 Roswell Street, Suite 1110
Marietta, Ga. 30060
678-797-0527
In return for your support of these and other endeavors at AMMG,
the rewards are numerous and substantial. AMMG can offer high
visibility to sponsors in the museum setting and through our
promotional outreach. Accessibility to the Atlanta, Georgia, and
national markets is significant. Your product and your message will
be visibly linked to the work of the AMMG. As we partner with
support organizations, the message of each is multiplied by the
synergy of all.
AMMG has a diverse base of support. Many of the leading citizens
of our region and state are serving on our boards or in other
positions of influence. Among these are a sitting US Senator,
current and former US Congressmen and Governors, a retired 4-
star Admiral, and many other citizens of note. Each of these has
responded to the need, challenge, and opportunity offered by the
museum because they see the critical needs facing our nation.
24 The rEAL Word | Fall 2007