 |
Home | |
About | |
Exhibits | |
Mystery Plane | |
Pilots | |
Store | |
Toys | |
Rides | |
Membership | |
Volunteers In Action | |
Valpo EAA | |
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
 Museum Planes Flown: All Bio Jim was growing up during WWII, and even though his dad had an airplane, it couldn't be flown from 1941-45, because most civilian air traffic was grounded then. Dad had an Aeronca, and then at one point bought a brand new Stinson Voyager 108-3, which he was very proud of, and carried a photo of that plane in his wallet until he passed away in 1980. After high school graduation, Jim attended IU. During the second year at IU, Jim saw a poster at the post office with a picture of the Navy plane F7-U "Cutlass." The plane looked rather enticing, and Jim was seriously thinking of becoming a naval aviator. At that time, in 1953, the Korean conflict was occurring, and Jim thought that he might be drafted, and so signed up in the field of his interest - to become a Navy pilot. Although sworn in during July, Jim wasn't called for training until December. Initial training began at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL, and consisted of indoctrination school that lasted for two weeks. One of the instructors, a gunny sergeant, informed the trainees, that they were NAVCAD's (Navy cadets), and were "lower than a snake's behind." Whiting South, a division of the Pensacola Naval Air Station, served as Jim's first Navy experience to fly utilizing the "SNJ" (Navy version of the AT-6 "Texan"), and also a flight simulation system. There were three stages to the training encompassed proportionally by three syllabi. The "A" syllabus included 20 flights, in which the 19th might be a solo. The 20th declared the success and continuation to the "B" syllabus, which covered precision landings, always with an instructor, including landing in a crosswind. This stage also covered beginning aerobatics. "C" syllabus was where the fun for a pilot began, as aerobatic training commenced with loops, rolls, barrel rolls, spins, and chandelles. Aviation fine-tuning occurred here. This concluded flying at Whiting field, with a transfer to Saufley Field. This new training at Saufley was mostly learning formation flying, although some "dogfighting" (air to air combat) was included. Once again, flying took place in the dependable SNJ. Flying then moved to Baron Field at Foley, AL, near Mobile, and changed pace to aerial gunnery and bombardment. Landings and take-offs were contained within specifically painted areas meant to represent the top of an aircraft carrier. This training, FCLP (Field Carrier Landing Practice) preceded "Carrier Qualification" (landing on a real carrier). Carrier Qualification turned out to be easier, but more fear was incurred, as this was the real thing - a boat, not a painted area. For naval aviation to take place, a carrier sails into the wind. Even if there is no headwind, although there almost always is, a carrier creates its own wind, which is commonly 26-28 knots. Landing into the wind makes the process go well. Qualifying took place in the SNJ, requiring 6 successful take-offs and landings (called TRAPS). Transfer to Corry Field meant instrument training for the remainder of the first year. Advanced instrument training, flying by reference to the aircraft's instrument panel, took place in Corpus Christi, TX in an "SNB," which, in civilian terms, was known as the D-18 twin Beechcraft. Then going to Cherry Point, NC, Jim flew the Skyraider armed with rockets, napalm, bombs, and ground strafing ammo, practicing all four methods of attack. This took place from May through December of 1955. In January of 1956, Jim was transferred to the K-3 airfield in South Korea. This entailed further training flights, while being there to occupy South Korea after the ending of the Korean Conflict. During this training, old ammo was used up consisting of 100-260-500-1000 lb bombs. After seven months here, the field was then passed over to the Korean Marines, and Jim was transferred to Iwokuni, Japan, just down the bay from Hiroshima. Being stationed in Japan offered some opportunity to experience the Japanese culture, and Jim visited various sites, and marveled at the detailed construction of the temples. After seven months, Jim was shipped to Saint Louis, MO, where he served out his remaining time in the MARTD (Marine Aviation Reserve Training Detachment). By option, Jim chose to remain in the Marine Reserves, achieving the rank of captain. Semper Fidelis, which means always faithful in Latin is the Marines motto. Once one becomes a Marine, they are regarded as family for the rest of their life. Back in civilian life, Jim, and his brother John, purchased a Piper Arrow (one of the first few built), and then a Piper Commache. Until Jim's independent purchase of a Lake L-4 "Buccaneer," Jim had flown military, or two-party purchased aircraft. Afterwards, he helped finish the "RV" project, which is a small blue and white kit sport plane, and then, in 1991, purchased the T-34, which was IAM's first restoration project. Finally, in 2000, the opening of Indiana Aviation Museum has been the culmination of many years of aviation experience, Jim's lifetime passion. Send an e-mail message to Jim. Please sign our Guest Book and add your comments. |
||||||
So come see the Museum -  | ||
 | ||
|
Contact the Webmaster © Copyright 2001 Indiana Aviation Museum. All rights reserved. 4601 Murvihill Rd. Valparaiso, IN 46383 Phone: 219.548.3123 Site maintained by IAM volunteers |
Top of Page | |
