Canadian Car & Foundry (North American) Harvard Mk IV (FAA Reg. Number N294CH)
I was somewhat surprised to see the old girl again, John and I put a good many hours on her. Of all the aircraft I have flown she still holds the fondest memories for me, and every time I hear that familliar rumble of a radial and the snarl of that prop my eyes turn skyward and a smile comes to my face. It is great to see her being preserved and displayed as she is. Looking back it is a wonder she survived some of the things we did with her, I am sure the poet that wrote High Flight must have flown a Harvard. John Bootsma unfortunately is no longer with us as he passed on last year. Take care of the old girl, it was nice to see her again.
K Dusterhoft, Drayton Valley Alberta Canada
March 2008
Beech RU-8D Twin Bonanza (Serial # USAF 58-1358)
While brousing aricraft at various air museums I came across the picture of the RU-8D known as Lonley Ringer 358 by the guys in the 138th RRU at Danang Vietnam. I flew many missions in 358 with Mr. Clapham. On one occasion Mr. Clapham saved our lives when we flew into the propwash of a C-130 during our landing flair. Mr. Clapham was flying co-pilot that day and when the pilot froze Mr. Clapham grabbed the controls and managed to get 358 back in the air and saved our lives. He was a great pilot and a good officer, I have thought of him often and am sorry to hear about his passing. Take good care of 358, she took good care of us and deserves to be displayed in your museum.
Ron Knight, SP/5 United States Army Security Agency
138th Aviation Co. 224th AVn Btn Danang Vietnam 1966-67
April 2008
Beech SNB-5 Twin Beech Model 18 (FAA Reg. Number N87693)
I reported to Fasron 895, Whidbey Island, (Oak Harbor) Washington in November 1952 and served with the unit thru January 1955, as an Aviation Structural Mechanic. The first aircraft I ever worked on was the above pictured SNB 5. What a thrill to a 76 year-old man to see something he "cut his eye teeth" on. As best I can recollect some of the major maintenance problems we faced were, fuel leaks and brakes. I was involved in all of the periodic checks on this plane, along with post flight gripes. There were times I wished the plane would go elsewhere, but I have to admit, it gave me the background to work on other types of aircraft. Oh yes, I also got to fly as an observer on instrument training flights in order to qualify for a 1/2 set of flight pay. Some of the instrument and GCA landings were interesting to say the least. Thank you again from an ex "airdale"
Eugene Hoenig
July 2009