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 ENGINE LOVERS TAKE NOTE

Aircraft Engine Historical Society Formed

       Last August, the first historical society devoted the the piston, jet and rocket engine was formed.  The Aircraft Engine Historical Society has four goals:

1)  Promote a historical society, open to the public, which fosters an appreciation of the people, art, and science associated with aircraft engine development, manufacturer, and use.

2)  Educate students, historians, enthusiasts and the public about the history of aircraft engines.

3)  Obtain, archive, and disseminate historical material related to aircraft engine development, manufacturer, and use.

4)  Encourage the restoration and public display of historical aircraft engines.

        AEHS also began publishing a quarterly magazine called Torque Meter, the Journal of the Aircraft Engine Historical Society.  The magazine will feature articles, technical reports, and photographs of engines.  AEHS hopes to help collectors and those interested in rebuilding engines through articles in the magazine, networking, seminars, and their web site.  For more information about memberships visit the AEHS web site at www.enginehistory.com

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"A thing of beauty and a joy to fly, forever and forever, Amen."  (A pilot who flew the Douglas A-326 Invader.)

I was stationed at Yokota AFB, Japan with the 13th Bomb Squadron from December 1946 to May 1950.  We flew the A-26 ("A" for attack) that was later redesigned the B-26.  I served as crew chief and flew as flight engineer.

The A/B-26 (built by the Douglas company at plants in Long Beach, CA and Tulsa, OK between 1941 and 1945) was equipped with two 2800 Pratt and Whitney engines that produced 2000 hp each.  Speeds of well over 400 mph were not uncommon in a dive to the target.

Armament consisted of:   4000 lbs of bombs in the bomb bay, 14 forward firing 50 caliber machine guns (8 in the nose and 3 on each wing) for the pilot, two 50 caliber guns in each upper and lower turret for the gunner, as well as rockets and or napalm tanks under each wing.

After the war, one 13th Bomb Squadron alumnus become well known when he set a new record for around-the-world flight in a modified A-26 dubbed "the Bombshell".  In 1947, Milton Reynolds broke the previous record set by Howard Hughes in 1937.  Reynolds, a Chicago pen manufacturer, landed at Yokota for refueling and dropped off a specially engraved pen for General Douglas MacArthur.

The A-26 , recalled for service in Vietnam, become the only combat aircraft to see service in World Warr II, Korea, and Vietnam.  Formally retired in 1972, the last A-26 can be viewed at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.  Although the aircraft was retired, the 13th Bomb Squadron continues.  Today it flies the B-1 Lancer out of Dyess AFB, Texas.

"The Devils's Own Grim Reapers, " former members of the 13th Bomb Squadron, organized the 13th Bomb Squadron Association.  They meet annually at various cities throughout the U.S.  Over 200 members were present at the September 2001 reunion in Nashville, TN

If you ask anyone who flew the A-26 in combat, they will tell you it performs like a big fighter and packs one helluva punch.

Want more information?   www.13thbombsquadron.org/

Joe Stroud                                                                                     
    
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Prop & Rotor

Introduce Someone to the Wonder of Flying

             I recently had the opportunity to introduce someone who had never flown to the wonder of flight.  In the past, I have flown children on Young Eagle flights and taken numerous passengers flying, but this flight was different.  All my previous passengers had flown before -- on an airline, with the military, or with someone else.  I wanted to make this flight a pleasant experience for Gayle, A.E.C.'s office manager.  So I went out early and flew around traffic pattern a couple of times to check for turbulence.  I figured if I knew where we'd encounter bumps, I could prepare Gayle. 

    Before we took off, I gave a quick preflight briefing and covered safety aspects for the flight.  Then I explained how I moved various controls during the flight such as throttle and how this was normal.  We buckled in and taxied to the runway.

    Then came the big moment.  I started the takeoff roll.  As our speed increased so did Gayle's anxiety.  Since I had already flown that morning I was able to predict when we would encounter some light turbulence on climb out and warn her that it would feel like we were driving across railroad tracks.

    We continued out climb through the light chop and reached smooth air.  Gayle relaxed and started to breathe again.  She looked out the window and said the flight wasn't that bad, in fact it didn't feel like we were even moving.  I told her that our ground speed was about 100 knots.

    As we flew I pointed out towns and landmarks while Gayle made observations about patterns in plowed fields and the size of a farmer's cotton crop.  After half an hour it was time to return to the airport.  A.E.C. had about 35 tests to give and Gayle was needed.

    It takes effort to ensure someone enjoys their first flight, but the rewards are worth it.  A pilot can experience anew the wonder of flight through the eyes of the first time passenger.  I know I did.  It was also a rewarding personal experience because it renewed my own enthusiasm for flying which has been on the wane due to the restrictions resulting from Sept 11th.                                                                          

Bob Hanson                                       
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BIRMINGHAM FSDO NOTICE

An appintment is required.

    Due to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and the war on Terrorism, the FAA Flight Standard District Office (FSDO) is closed to the general public.  All services are now by "appointment only."   No same day appointments will be accepted.

    Appointments must be scheduled to occur on either a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday of each week between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.  An appointment can be made with an individual Operations or Airworthiness Inspector by calling them directly or with the FAA receptionist by caalling (205) 731-1557 ext O.

 Federal Air Marshal Program

        The FAA is recruiting Federal Air Marshals. The vacancy announcement is posted
on the FAA's employment Web site at http://jobs.faa.gov. Here you can find out about the
job, compensation, qualification requirements, and how to apply.

        If you are a general aviation pilot and are unsure of your authorization status, please
contact your local Flight Service Station at 1-800-WXBRIEF. VFR pilots must receive a full
briefing from their Flight Service Station or DUATS, as well as familiarize themselves with the
text of the NOTAM.

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From the Editor…

     On September 11, 2001, aviation took a major hit that knocked it to its kees.  Aviation is down, but not out.  And now, those of us who have a vested interest in aviation have to work hard to make the American public aware of the vital role aviation plays in the United States.

    We'll have two good opportunities to get our story to the public.   In 2003, aviation will celebrate the 100th birthday of powered flight.  The flight of a replica Wright Flyer should show not only how far aviation has come, but that it is here to stay.

    Another oppportunity is the AOPA General Aviation Restoration Fund.   This public education program will be designed to help calm American fears about aviation.  The program will reach out to the American public and elected officials through advertisements and members of general aviation, explaining aviation's role in the United States.

    Once again, why don't we all raise a toast to aviation and its vibrant past, present, and future.  Have a happy holiday season!