ODS Assigned Fairchild J2K-2 Forwarder

October 2015
The Official Monthly Newsletter of the Old Dominion Squadron,
Commemorative Air Force
ODS Assigned
Fairchild J2K-2 Forwarder;
Ryan PT-22 Recruit to CAF
Fairchild
J2K-2 Forwarder
U.S. Coast Guard
Stinson
OY-1 Sentinel
Nasty Break V
Old Dominion Squadron
Franklin Municipal Airport
32454 John Beverly Rose Drive
Franklin, Virginia 23851
E-Mail:
[email protected]
On the Web:
www.OldDominionSquadron.org
www.Facebook.com/OldDominionSquadron
For more coverage, see:
Pages 2-3
A History of the Fairchild Model 24/J2K-2 Forwarder
Pages 4-5
From Texas to Virginia;
Flying Cross-Country in the Fairchild J2K-2 Forwarder
Page 9
Ryan PT-22 Recruit Departs Franklin for
Dallas, Texas and CAF Headquarters
Pages 10-11
In the Air with the Fairchild J2K-2 Forwarder
Pages 12-13
Up Close with the Fairchild J2K-2 Forwarder
Pages 16-17
ODS Members Gather with the Fairchild J2K-2 Forwarder
Page 20
ODS Members Experience the J2K-2 in Flight
Pages 24-25
Looking Back at ODS’ Ryan PT-22 Recruit
October 2015
Taildragger
Inside This Issue
A History of the Fairchild
Model 24/J2K-2 Forwarder
2-3
From Texas to Virginia;
Flying Cross-Country in the
Fairchild J2K-2 Forwarder
4-5
ODS
Events and Operations
Old Dominion Squadron
2015 Operations
6
August ODS/EAA 339
Pancake Breakfast
7
Old Dominion Squadron
and EAA Chapter 339
Cook Up Monthly
Pancake Breakfasts
8
Ryan PT-22 Recruit
Departs Franklin
for Dallas, Texas and
CAF Headquarters
9
In the Air with the
Fairchild J2K-2 Forwarder
10-11
Up Close with the
Fairchild J2K-2 Forwarder
12-13
ODS
Member News
and Information
ODS 2016 Dues Due
October 1, 2015
14
ODS PX Reminder;
ODS September Birthdays;
Charitable Planning;
ODS 2015
Saturday Membership
Meeting Schedule
15
ODS Members Gather with the
Fairchild J2K-2 Forwarder
16-17
ODS 2015
Adopt A Hangar Program
18
CAF Col Joe Mendes
Takes OY-1 Orientation Flight;
Instruction and Check Ride
to Follow
19
ODS Members Experience the
J2K-2 in Flight
20
ODS
Meeting News
and Information
ODS Meeting Minutes/
September 13, 2015
21-23
Looking Back at ODS’
Ryan PT-22 Recruit
24-25
The Road to the Spitfire
26-28
ODS Contact/Officer Listing
28
ODS Membership Application
29
Page 2
A History of the Fairchild
Model 24/J2K-2 Forwarder
Assigned to the CAF’s Old
Dominion Squadron in August
2015, the Fairchild J2K-2
Forwarder is a variant of Fairchild
Aircraft Corporation’s Model 24.
It represents two aircraft, V162
and V163, that were assigned to
United States Coast Guard Air
Station Charleston (South
Carolina) in 1936.
Purchased by CAF’s High Sky
Wing in 2000, this particular
aircraft was originally a 1946
Fairchild F-24R with serial
number N81348. During the
restoration process, it was decided
to adopt a new paint scheme of
a Coast Guard coastal patrol
Fairchild 24 or J2K-2. The silver
and yellow paint job added the
final touch to what would become
a show-stopper aircraft. In 2003
the aircraft won “Best Liaison”
aircraft at the Commemorative
Air Force’s Airsho.
developing a reliable and rugged
small aircraft for personal and
business use. The Fairchild 22
became somewhat of a hit and
led directly to the new and much
improved Model 24 which gained
rapid popularity in the early 1930s,
noted for its pleasant handling
characteristics and roomy interior.
Having adapted many components
from the automotive industry
(expansion-shoe brakes and
roll-down cabin windows), the
aircraft was also affordable and
easy to maintain. In production
continuously from 1932 to 1948
TYPE
the aircraft remained essentially
The Fairchild Model 24, is a
unchanged aerodynamically and
four-seat, single-engine monoplane internally, with the simple addition
light transport aircraft that was
of extra passenger seating and
used by the United States Army
optional equipment. The first
Air Corps as the UC-61 and by
models were equipped with only
the Royal Air Force. The Model
two seats, but in 1933 a third seat
24 was itself a development of
was installed and by 1938 a fourth
previous Fairchild models and
was added. The interior was first
became a successful civil and
created for the Model 24 in 1937
military utility aircraft.
by noted American industrial
designer Raymond Loewy. A
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT minor airframe revision was made
in 1938 with the redesign of the
Fairchild Aircraft was hit hard
vertical fin and re-designation from
by the Great Depression in the
C8 to F24G onwards.
early 1930s as airline purchases
disappeared. Consequently, the
(Continued on page 3)
company attention turned to
Honoring American Military Aviation through Flight, Exhibition and Remembrance
October 2015
As an innovative concept, the
aircraft was available with two
powerplants, Warner's reliable
Scarab and Fairchild's in-house
200 hp Ranger series in the
F24C-8-D, E and F. Initially,
the 1932 model Fairchild 24C-8-B
used a reliable and popular Warner
125 hp radial engine, and the
Fairchild 24C-8-C used the
Warner 145 hp radial. American
Cirrus and Menasco Pirate inline
engines were also occasionally
used in some earlier Fairchild 24s.
Later models such as the popular
24Ws upgraded to the 165 hp
Warner Super Scarab.
Page 3
and improved Argus IIs and
were allocated to a newly formed
adjunct of the Royal Air Force
(RAF), the Air Transport Auxiliary
(ATA). An additional 306
Ranger powered Argus IIIs
were also used by the ATA. In
British service, the majority of
the Argus type operated with
the ATA ferrying their aircrew
to collect or deliver aircraft to
and from manufacturers,
Maintenance Units (MU)s and
OPERATIONAL HISTORY
operational bases. The Argus I
In civil use, the aircraft was a
was a Warner Scarab-equipped
quick sales success with prominent aircraft identified by its windbusinessmen and Hollywood actors driven generator located on the
purchasing the aircraft. In 1936,
starboard struts, and was equipped
Designed for operations from
the US Navy ordered Model 24s
with a black-painted propeller.
relatively unimproved grass
designated as GK-1 research and
The Argus II was also a Scarabairfields, the sturdy undercarriage
instrument trainers. The type was
powered aircraft, usually with
construction used a vertical oil
also used by the US Army as a
a transparent cabin roof. This
dampened cylinder above the
light transport and by the Coast
mark was certified for heavier
wheel with a pivoting strut attached Guard with the designation J2K-1. operational weight than the Mark I
to the lower fuselage. The result
The Civil Air Patrol operated
and was identified by its yellow
was a complex but undeniably
many Fairchild UC-61/24s and
propeller. The Argus III was
solid undercarriage that could
some aircraft were fitted with
equipped with the six-cylinder
absorb large amounts of shock
two 100 pound bombs for what
inverted inline Ranger engine.
and was also adapted for the
became successful missions against
fitting of twin floats for waterGerman U-boats off the east coast
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
based operations.
of the United States in the early
stages of the Second World War.
Crew: one
The sturdiness of construction
The UC-61 was also procured by
Capacity: three passengers
of the aircraft has ensured many
the US Navy as the GK-1 and by
Length: 23 ft 10 in
have survived to this day. Some
the British Royal Air Force as the
Wingspan: 36 ft 4 in
suggest the massive spruce main
Fairchild Argus.
Height: 7 ft 8 in
spars can be loaded up to 10g, and
Wing area: 193 sq ft
while that figure is unproved, all
In 1941, the United States Army
Empty weight: 1,813 lb
prewar utility category aircraft
Air Forces (USAAF) placed an
Max takeoff weight: 2,882 lb
were designed to withstand at
initial order for 163 Fairchild
Powerplant: 1 × Ranger L-440-5
least 4.1g as opposed to the 3.8g
C-61s, however via Lend-Lease,
6-cyl. inverted air-cooled
postwar design limit standard.
One Hundred Sixty-one of these
in-line piston engine, 200 hp
were shipped abroad. Under the
The Fairchild 24 built by Kreider- auspices of this program, the
PERFORMANCE
Reisner Aircraft, Hagerstown,
majority of the 525 Warner
Maryland, a division of Fairchild
Scarab Fairchild 24s/C-61s went
Maximum speed: 124 mph
Aviation Corporation, remained
to Great Britain. Most of these
Range: 465 miles
in production from 1932 to 1948,
aircraft saw service as Argus Is
Service ceiling: 12,700 ft
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essentially the same airframe but
with various powerplant and
configuration enhancements. In all,
Fairchild constructed over 1,500
Model 24s, with an additional 280
being constructed by the Texas
Engineering & Manufacturing
Company (TEMCO) in Dallas
when that company purchased the
manufacturing rights after World
War II.
Sources:
Wikipedia
CAF High Sky Wing
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October 2015
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Page 4
From Texas to Virginia; Flying Cross-Co
Sunrise finds ODS’ Fairchild J2K-2 Forwarder
at a small Arkansas cropduster field
Honoring American Military Aviation through Flight, Exhibition and Remembrance
October 2015
Page 5
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ountry in the Fairchild J2K-2 Forwarder
Pilot/Photographer:
CAF Col Michael Kuhnert
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October 2015
Page 6
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Old Dominion Squadron 2015 Operations
The Old Dominion Squadron’s
current 2015 Operations
schedule is listed at right for
reference. See future issues of
Taildragger for event additions
and updates.
Old Dominion Squadron members
who are aware of or have additional
information about other 2015 air
shows or similar events within
about a 150 mile radius of Franklin
Municipal Airport are encouraged
to contact ODS’ Operations
Officer, CAF Col Michael Kuhnert,
as soon as possible. CAF Col
Kuhnert will immediately follow
up and negotiate ODS aircraft, PX
and turret appearances with those
events offering the most potential
for the Squadron.
The Old Dominion Squadron will
also need several volunteers to
attend each 2015 event to help
support ODS aircraft, turret, PX
setup and sales activities as well
as Squadron recruiting efforts.
Contact CAF Col Kuhnert for
more information and to sign up
for specific events of interest.
CAF Col Michael Kuhnert
Operations Officer
ODS
Aircraft/
Turret/
PX
Status
Event/
Air Show
Event
Location
May
7-9
Arsenal of
Democracy:
World War II
Victory
Capitol
Flyover
Over
Washington,
D.C.
by way of
Culpeper
Regional
Airport
OY-1
Complete
May
16-17
Warbirds
Over the
Beach
Virginia Beach,
Virginia
Turret/PX
Complete
May
23
ODS /EAA
339
Spring Fling
Fly-In
Franklin,
Virginia
OY-1/PT-22/
Turret/PX
Complete
June
5-7
World War II
Weekend
Reading,
Pennsylvania
OY-1
Complete
June
20
Women
Can Fly
Hampton Roads
Executive
Airport
PX
Complete
September
26
Wings,
Wheels and
Keels
Hummel,
Virginia
ODS Aircraft/
Turret/PX
Working
October
3-4
American
Heroes
Air Show
Hampton Roads
Executive
Airport
ODS Aircraft/
Turret/PX
Working
October
10
Culpeper
Regional
Airport
AirFest
Culpeper,
Virginia
OY-1
Working
October
17
WilliamsburgJamestown
Airport
Anniversary
Williamsburg,
Virginia
ODS Aircraft/
Turret/PX
Working
Date
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October 2015
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Page 7
August ODS/EAA 339 Pancake Breakfast
Photography:
CAF Col Bob Collette
CAF Col Karen Stout
CAF Col Tom Swartzlander, Jr.
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October 2015
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Old Dominion Squadron
and
EAA Chapter 339
Cook Up Monthly Pancake Breakfasts
The Commemorative Air Force’s
Old Dominion Squadron and
EAA Chapter 339 of Chesapeake,
Virginia will cook up pancake
breakfasts once again in 2015 on
the fourth Saturday of each month
(except December). Each pancake
breakfast takes place in the Old
Dominion Squadron’s hangar at
Franklin Municipal Airport (FKN)
in Franklin, Virginia from 8:30 to
10:30 AM. The cost per person
is a $7.00 donation.
2015
September 26
October 24
November 28
Jointly prepared by the Old
Dominion Squadron and EAA
Chapter 339, both organizations
will need volunteers at the
Squadron’s hangar each month.
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Page 8
October 2015
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Ryan PT-22 Recruit Departs Franklin
for Dallas, Texas and CAF Headquarters
Page 9
CAF Col Michael Kuhnert (right)
briefs CAF Col David Oliver
(CAF Director of Operations)
prior to his PT-22 check ride
Congratulations are in order following
CAF Col David Oliver’s (right)
successful PT-22 check ride
Photography:
CAF Col Bob Collette
Final departure from Franklin
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October 2015
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Page 10
In the Air with the Fair
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October 2015
child J2K-2 Forwarder
Page 11
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Photography:
CAF High Sky Wing
Tosha Ransom
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October 2015
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Up Close with the Fair
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October 2015
rchild J2K-2 Forwarder
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Page 13
October 2015
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ODS 2016 Dues Due October 1, 2015
Colonels:
October 1, 2015 is the date when
2016 Old Dominion Squadron dues
are due and payable. The amount
is $50 and remains unchanged from
2015. Continued Old Dominion
Squadron membership requires
being both a Colonel in good
standing in the Commemorative Air
Force and having your annual
Squadron dues paid up.
Or, bring your payment to the
next Squadron meeting (cash will
Please fill out the bottom portion
be accepted at that time). If you
of this form, enclose your check or pay at the monthly meeting, please
money order (no cash please) made use the form below since it helps
out to “Old Dominion Squadron,
our record keeping. Note that all
CAF” and mail to:
Squadron dues are required no later
than October 15. After that date
your Squadron membership will
CAF Col Robert L. Collette
lapse until such time as dues are
4707 Jolliff Woods Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23321-1335 received.
Remember, all Commemorative Air
Force and Old Dominion Squadron
dues are tax deductible and paying
before the end of the year gives you
an additional tax deduction for
2015.
2016 will mark the beginning
of our 33nd year as a member
of the Commemorative Air Force,
a truly unique institution that
we can all take pride in being a
part of. So, don’t let your friends
and Squadron mates leave you
behind. Your help and participation
has been, and will continue to be,
vital to the continued growth and
success of the Old Dominion
Squadron.
CAF Col Bob Collette
Old Dominion Squadron Leader
CAF Old Dominion Squadron
2016 Dues Form
From CAF Col:
CAF Number:
Spouse’s Name:
Current Address:
Current Telephone Numbers (Home):
(Work):
(Fax):
Current E-Mail Address:
I certify that I am a current Commemorative Air Force Colonel and, therefore, eligible for
membership in the Old Dominion Squadron.
Col:
Page 14
Date:
(Signature)
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October 2015
ODS PX
Reminder
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ODS September
Birthdays
Page 15
Charitable
Planning
An easy way to make a planned gift
is by including a bequest in your
will. Through a bequest, you can
make your wishes known today
without relinquishing needed assets
during your lifetime. Both large and
small bequests can play a major role
in the Squadron's development.
CAF Col Robert H. Halsey
Mooresville, North Carolina
September 8
CAF Col Karen Stout
PX Officer
The Old Dominion Squadron is
looking for several volunteers to
attend each air show and other
scheduled events throughout the
2015 tour season. These volunteers
will be needed to help transport and
setup the PX as well as support PX
sales activities during these events.
A bequest to the Squadron can
be included in the body of your
Last Will and Testament or in an
addition to it through a codicil.
To name the Squadron as the
beneficiary, please use its legal
name, "CAF Old Dominion
Squadron."
As with lifetime gifts, a specific
purpose may be designated for the
use of your bequest. If this is your
desire, you or your lawyer should
contact ODS to make sure the
language used in your will correctly
states the restrictions. Testamentary
gifts to the Squadron are typically
deductible for estate tax purposes
and may be made in several ways.
Contact CAF Col Karen Stout,
PX Officer, for more volunteer
information as well as to sign
up for specific shows of interest
throughout the year.
ODS 2015 Saturday
Membership Meeting Schedule
See future issues of Taildragger
for 2015 Operations event
additions and updates.
October 10 @ FKN
November 14 @ PVG
FKN:
Franklin Municipal Airport,
Franklin, Virginia
PVG:
Hampton Roads Executive Airport,
Chesapeake, Virginia
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October 2015
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Page 16
ODS Members Gather with t
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October 2015
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the Fairchild J2K-2 Forwarder
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Page 17
October 2015
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ODS 2015 Adopt A Hangar Program
Page 18
2015 Donors
January
July
CAF Col Buck Barrett
CAF Col Ed Lucas
CAF Col Buck Barrett**
CAF Col Bob Collette*
CAF Col Ed Lucas**
February
The Old Dominion Squadron’s
Adopt A Hangar program
continues for 2015. To adopt the
hangar, a Squadron member or
other individual agrees to
contribute as much as they can
toward one or more months’ rent.
Current monthly rent is $650.
Anyone contributing to one
month's rent, at one time or over
several months, is eligible for a
ride in one of ODS’ aircraft.
For more Adopt A Hangar
information and contribution
opportunities, contact CAF Col
Todd Fisher, ODS Finance Officer
or CAF Col Bob Collette, ODS
Unit Leader/Adjutant. Make your
checks payable to the CAF Old
Dominion Squadron and mail them
to either Squadron officer.
CAF Col Buck Barrett
CAF Col Bob Collette*
CAF Col Ed Lucas
Full Month
**Full Month Over Year
August
*Full Month
CAF Col Buck Barrett
CAF Col Allen Karst
CAF Col Ed Lucas
CAF Col Tom Swartzlander, Jr.
March
September
CAF Col Buck Barrett
CAF Col Ed Lucas
April
October
CAF Col Buck Barrett
CAF Col Ed Lucas
Anonymous*
*Full Month
May
November
CAF Col Buck Barrett
CAF Col Ed Lucas
June
December
CAF Col Buck Barrett
CAF Col Marion Cecconi*
CAF Col Carroll Keeter
CAF Col Ed Lucas
CAF Col Ben Wainwright*
CAF Col Todd Fisher
Finance Officer
*Full Month
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October 2015
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CAF Col Joe Mendes
Takes OY-1 Orientation Flight;
Instruction and Check Ride to Follow
Page 19
CAF Col Joe Mendes (right)
with CAF Col Tom Swartzlander, Jr., ODS Stinson OY-1 Sentinel pilot
Photography:
CAF Col Bob Collette
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October 2015
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Page 20
ODS Members Experience the J2K-2 in Flight
CAF Col Merle Bingham, Jr. (near left)
and CAF Col Steve Hager (bottom right)
with CAF Col Michael Kuhnert,
ODS Fairchild J2K-2 Forwarder pilot
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October 2015
Page 21
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ODS Meeting Minutes/September 13, 2015
CAF Col Bob Collette
Squadron Leader/Adjutant
STAFF REPORTS
Unit Leader, CAF Col Bob
Collette, opened the meeting
and led everyone in the Pledge
of Allegiance. Twenty-one
colonels were present.
Minutes from the August meeting
were accepted as entered into the
record.
Administration: Executive
Officer, CAF Col Larry Stout,
had nothing in particular to report.
Financial: CAF Col Collette
reported on behalf of CAF Col
Todd Fisher, who was not present,
and briefed everyone on ODS’
current finances. Revenues on hand
in the business checking account
and credit card account, along
with deposits pending, amount
to $5,918. The Minimum Cost
Recovery Program (MCRP) funds
available for the Squadron's aircraft
reflect balances of $4,090 for the
OY-1 and $8,197 for the PT-22.
Squadron membership remains at
46 colonels. To date, 11 members
have paid their dues for FY 2016
and 35 remain outstanding.
Operations: CAF Col Michael
Kuhnert gave a brief recap of his
trip to Midland, Texas to pick up
the UC-61 and the subsequent
difficulties associated with the tail
wheel inner tube that now appear
to have been resolved. The PT-22
was picked up by CAF Director of
Operations, CAF Col David Oliver,
on August 27 and successfully
flown to CAF Headquarters at
Dallas Executive Airport. The
remaining events for the 2015 air
show season, now include: Wings,
Wheels and Keels at Hummel,
Virginia (September 26); AirFest
at Culpeper, Virginia (October 10)
and Williamsburg-Jamestown
Airport’s birthday event (October
17). The Ft Lee, Virginia Military
Weekend (October 17) and the
USCG Open House at Elizabeth
City, North Carolina (October 24)
have now been cancelled. CAF Col
Collette will contact the organizers
of the 2015 American Heroes Air
Show, to be held October 3 and 4 at
Hampton Roads Executive Airport
to see if they would like ODS to
participate.
Maintenance: CAF Col Al Karst
indicated that both the UC-61
and the OY-1 are in an up status.
Tom Shelby will be asked to do
an inspection of the OY-1 elevator
bell crank to comply with AD
46-31-02. CAF Col Kuhnert will
attempt to locate a new tach gauge
with a better display and associated
cable to replace the one currently
installed in the UC-61.
Safety: CAF Col Buck Barrett had
nothing in particular to report.
PX: CAF Col Karen Stout noted
that T shirt sales during the last
pancake breakfast were excellent.
New t-shirts with a picture of the
UC-61 and a better picture of the
OY-1 will have to be ordered
during the winter will have to be
procured.
COMMITTEE/PROJECTS
Taildragger: CAF Col Euverard
indicated that an expanded
story featuring the arrival of
The F-24UC-61/J2KForwarder
will be included in the October
issue.
Photography:
CAF Col Bob Collette
(Continued on page 22)
Honoring American Military Aviation through Flight, Exhibition and Remembrance
October 2015
Public Affairs/
Communications: CAF Col
Euverard indicated that he has
taken pictures of the UC-61 for
publicity as well as redoing the
Web site, Facebook page, ODS
presentation, Taildragger front
page and recruiting brochures. He
has also obtained photos of the
aircraft in flight from the High
Sky Wing.
Recruiting: CAF Col Collette
indicated that ODS is anticipating
the arrival of several new members
including Raf Collado, Dave
Culler, Sean Cushing and Thomas
Hendrickson. CAF Col Collette
once again requested that all
colonels attempt to recruit new
members. He reminded everyone
that the Squadron can be very
flexible when it comes to enticing
new recruits including (1) having
the first year ODS dues waived or
having the first $50 dues payment
cover two years rather than one or
(2) giving new recruits an ODS
t-shirt from PX stocks or (3) giving new recruits a free flight in one
of our aircraft or some combination of each. Squadron members
can choose whatever incentive
works best.
Fund Raising: CAF Col Tom
Swartzlander had nothing in
Page 22
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Photography:
Mo Meeker
particular to report. CAF Col
Collette noted that the PT-22 prop
was being advertised for sale on
Barnstormers with an asking price
of $1,900.
Social Report: CAF Col Larry
Stout indicated that he was
exploring places for the Squadron
to hold its Christmas party. A
suggestion was made to contact
the Point Plaza Motel in Newport
News, where previous events have
been held, or the Chesapeake
American Legion Post 280 in
Churchland.
Sunshine Committee:
Although CAF Col John Friesz
had nothing in particular to report,
CAF Col Barrett advised that Tuya
McNamara, wife of CAF Col Tom
McNamara, had recently passed
away. CAF Col Collette will send
a sympathy card on behalf of the
Squadron. Others who wish to
send condolences to Tom can send
them to his address at 108 Cove
Drive, Seaford, Virginia 23696.
ODS/EAA 339 Pancake
Breakfast: CAF Col Friesz noted
that the Squadron took in $164
during August's Pancake Breakfast
when 62 meals were served. As
previously noted, T-shirts sales
were brisk (7 were sold) adding a
further $140.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
CAF Col Collette reviewed the
catalog from the store that makes
nametags for our Squadron Silver
Star Award to obtain ideas for a
wall plaque featuring the names
of our squadron-mates who have
"gone west." CAF Col Friesz will
go back to the store to obtain a
price estimate for a Squadron
"Gone West" wall plaque.
CAF Col Collette requested that
Colonel's Karst, Barrett and Tom
McNamara remove the Squadron's
aircraft jacks from the old DeCosta
(Continued on page 23)
Honoring American Military Aviation through Flight, Exhibition and Remembrance
October 2015
hangar and move them into the
Squadron's hangar. ODS will
thereafter attempt to expeditiously
sell them for whatever the market
will bear.
CAF Col Euverard explained that
he has contacted the company
(Banner Express) which had
previously made signage for our
two aircraft and requested that they
provide information on the cost
of a similar sized sign in vinyl for
the OY-1. The proposed cost was
$30. A price estimate for new
metal sign for the UC-61 is about
$76. CAF Col Euverard was
requested to prepare a sign
requirement of similar dimensions
and layout as that for the PT-22
and provide it to Banner Express.
CAF Col Boehme offered to pay
for both signs.
CAF Col Collette explained that
CAF Headquarters has advised that
expenses associated with obtaining
the UC-61 from Midland ($1,546)
can be recouped from the PT-22's
MCRP funds, which will be
transferred to the UC-61. The
PT-22 MCRP account, which
amounted to $8,197, will also be
charged for expenses associated
with the UC-61's annual inspection
just completed by the High Sky
Page 23
Taildragger
Wing (approximately $1,500)
and a previously existing bill
($991). After all those expenses
are covered there should be about
$4,000 left over in the PT-22
MCRP account which will be
transferred to the UC-61 account.
The required MCRP minimum
balance for the UC-61 is $7,500.
CAF Col Collette noted that
annual Squadron dues in the
amount of $50 are payable on
October 1 but he will accept
them sooner. Although credit
cards are accepted, there will be
a 10% surcharge added, which
brings the total to $55. Starting
this month, Taildragger will
feature the standard dues
collection notice.
Staff elections will be held in
November. Unit Leader, Safety
Officer and Finance Officer
positions are subject to election
this year. CAF Col Larry Stout
heads the Nominating Committee.
CAF Col Collette advised that
CAF Col McNamara took the
Squadron's Chevrolet Blazer in
for its annual inspection in August
and paid for both the inspection
and a replacement windshield.
NEW BUSINESS
CAF Col Tom Swartzlander noted
that he will be flying the OY-1
to AirFest at Culpeper, Virginia
(October 10) and, if any Squadron
members wished to attend, he
would donate his motel room (paid
for by the air show organizers) to
the attendees. It was also noted that
attendees could take the Squadron's
Chevy Blazer in lieu of chartering a
mini-van. Anyone interested should
contact CAF Col Swartzlander.
The next ODS membership
meeting will take place at 10:00
AM on Saturday, October 10, 2015
in the conference room of the
Franklin Municipal Airport
Operations Building. The Staff will
meet at 9:30 AM.
Honoring American Military Aviation through Flight, Exhibition and Remembrance
October 2015
Taildragger
Page 24
Looking Back at ODS
CAF Col Ray Heineman
with newly assigned PT-22 (2007)
CAF Col Mike Spalding (rear cockpit)
takes his PT-22 check ride (2009)
CAF Cols Allen Karst and Ann Easterbrook
with Miss Cherie (2011)
CAF Col Garrett Hendrickson at
Williamsburg-Jamestown Airport (2013)
Honoring American Military Aviation through Flight, Exhibition and Remembrance
October 2015
S’ Ryan PT-22 Recruit
Page 25
Taildragger
CAF Col John Friesz
runs an engine test (2009)
CAF Cols Garrett Hendrickson
(front cockpit)
and Michael Kuhnert (2011)
CAF Cols John Friesz (front cockpit)
and Michael Kuhnert
arrive at Louisa County Airport (2012)
CAF Col Michael Kuhnert
at Suffolk’s Festival of Flight (2014)
Honoring American Military Aviation through Flight, Exhibition and Remembrance
October 2015
Page 26
Taildragger
The Road to the Spitfire
Part III of IV
3. Mitchell received the Air Staff
requirements for the 10/35 while
I was there and is naturally
desirous of bringing the aircraft
now building into line with this
specification. He says he can
include 4 additional guns without
trouble or delay, (ii) and (iii) are,
of course, deletions which he
welcomes. The saving in fuel
amounts to 273 lbs (Mitchell's
estimate is 59 gallons); thus there
is a big saving in weight (180 lb
even after adding the additional 4
guns).
4. [In this paragraph Sorley referred
to the new Hawker fighter, which
later became the Hurricane.]
Towards the end of April Sorley
visited the Supermarine works
to discuss the new fighter with
Mitchell and on May 1st he
informed the new Deputy Chief
of the Air Staff, Air Vice-Marshal
Christopher Courtney:
generally with the requirements
of the F.7/30 Specification
subject to certain concessions.
As designed, it has every
feature required by our latest
specification 10/35 with the
following differences:
"On Friday, 26th April, 1935, I
saw at Supermarines a mock-up
of a fighter which they are building
to Specification 37/34. This is
one got out by A.M.R.D. [the
Air Member for Research and
Development—Air Marshal Sir
Hugh Dowding] to cover the
redesign of the Supermarine
F.7/30.
37/34
(i) Guns: 4 in wings
(ii) Bombs: 4 x 20
(iii) Fuel: 94 gallons =
1/2 hr maximum plus nearly 2
hrs at normal rpm
2. According to the 3 7/34
Specification it is to comply
10/35
(i) Guns: 6 or 8 in wings
(ii) Bombs: Nil
(iii) Fuel: 66 gallons =
1/4 hr maximum plus 1 hr at normal
rpm
5. Both aircraft look to be excellent
in the hands of Mitchell and Camm
and I suggest that they are likely
to be successes. I say this because
I foresee in these two aircraft the
equipment we should aim at
obtaining for new squadrons and
re-equipping Bulldog squadrons in
1936 if we commence action now
to make this possible."
Sorley then went on to suggest
that either or both of the new
monoplane fighters should be
placed into production without
waiting for the results of flight
trials, even at the expense of the
Gloster F.7/30 (which later became
the Gladiator): "I am aware that
this is an unorthodox method but
with the political situation as it is
and the possibility of increased
expansion close upon us we should
take steps to produce the latest
design in the shortest possible
time."
(Continued on page 27)
Honoring American Military Aviation through Flight, Exhibition and Remembrance
October 2015
At this time Sorley was only a
Squadron Leader; his position
in charge of Operational
Requirements meant that he had
access to officers on the Air Staff,
but he had very little power of his
own. He could achieve his aims
only by convincing those who held
real power within the Service.
Taildragger
Page 27
On May 5th Air Commodore R. H.
Verney, the Director of Technical
Development, commented on
Sorley's letter:
"1. As a matter of principle I
am against asking firms to make
alterations on prototypes once the
decision to place the order has been
given, and I have had my design
conference with the designer. But
I realise that there are special
circumstances which may make the
cases of these monoplanes an
exception to the rule.
press this forward as quickly as
possible, as a reserve.
settled. We need not fill the tanks
always and, as DTD says, it is
easier to cut down than to increase.
5. The question as to how much
We may have to cut down the wing
should be risked to save delay in
tankage [in the Hawker fighter] to
putting either or both of these two fit in the guns. I think the custom
monoplanes into production, if
of ordering jigs and tools for more
2. As regards the Supermarine
they should prove satisfactory, is
than two types should be referred
F.37/341 agree that there should
a matter of policy rather beyond
to A.M.S.O. [the Air Member for
be no great difficulty in adding the me. It should be realised that if the Supply and Organisation, Air
four additional guns. Deleting the
design and construction of jigs, etc, Chief Marshal Sir Cyril Newall].
bombs would be a help, but I
were begun there would be a risk
Personally I think DTD's
should not be in favour of reducing of serious alteration, and possibly
suggestion (to wait until the
the tankage, as this could be done
wholesale scrapping, if changes
machines have taken the air) is
in production models if required;
have to be made. I would rather
sound."
it is always much easier to decrease say that directly the aeroplanes
than to increase, and experience
have been flown and we know the Towards the end of May, following
shows that as the engine power
best or the worst, as the case may
discussions with the Chief of the
goes up we often wish to add extra be, that then would be the time for a Air Staff (Air Chief Marshal Sir
tankage. Nor need the aeroplanes
production gamble if circumstances Edward Ellington), in a letter to
be flown with full tanks.
necessitate.
Dowding Air Vice-Marshal
Courtney delivered the final edict
3. [This paragraph dealt with the
In his covering minute to Verney's from his department on the changes
Hawker monoplane fighter.]
letter. Air Marshal Dowding told
required by the Service to the new
4. We must realise that we
Air Vice-Marshal Courtney:
Supermarine and Hawker fighters:
have very little experience of
monoplanes of this type, and
"DTD's comments are at Enc 4A.
"In the first place I quite agree that
difficulties in developing them are I agree generally with them. I think nothing should be allowed to delay
certain to have to be faced. I should we should adopt the principle of
the construction and flying tests
be very opposed to holding back
leaving the tankage unaltered, as
of these aeroplanes. But I think
on the Gloster F.7/30 with Perseus the fuselage and wing shapes and
(Continued on page 28)
engine, and feel that we should
dimensions are already irrevocably
Honoring American Military Aviation through Flight, Exhibition and Remembrance
October 2015
we could possibly bring these
aircraft into line with the F. 10/35
Specification without necessarily
imposing delays.
2. Guns
As regards the Supermarine, since
DTD says there should be no great
difficulty in adding the four
additional guns, I should certainly
like this done. [Then he went on to
discuss the new Hawker fighter].
3. Bombs
I imagine that the deletion of
the bomb requirement from the
specification will please everyone
and should make things easier for
the firms.
4. Petrol
I agree with you that the tankage
should be left unaltered, unless it
has to be cut down in order to fit
in the extra guns.
5. Jigging and Tooling
I raised the question with the
C.A.S. recently and the ruling
was that no steps should be taken
in this direction until the aircraft.
had actually been flight tested."
Taildragger
(b) Reduction of the fuel to 75
gallons, though the actual tankage
need not be reduced unless it is
necessary to do so to provide space
for the guns.
(c) Deletion of the bomb
requirements.
Could you please ask the firm to
quote for the above as an addition
to the contract, but at the same
time inform them that it is not
desired that any alteration should
be made to the aeroplane at the
present state of manufacture, as
it is of the utmost importance
that it should be completed and
flying as quickly as possible. It
is desired that the design and
manufacture of new wings should
proceed at the same time, so the
conversion could be made at a
later stage in the flying trials."
Page 28
Old Dominion Squadron
Franklin Municipal Airport
32454 John Beverly Rose Drive
Franklin, Virginia 23851
E-Mail:
[email protected]
On the Web:
www.OldDominionSquadron.org
www.Facebook.com/OldDominionSquadron
So much for the background to
UNIT OFFICERS
the fitting of the eight machine
guns into the new fighter. A
Squadron Leader/
further change, introduced into
Adjutant/Recruiting
the design at about the same time,
CAF Col Bob Collette
was equally important though
[email protected]
It remained only to tie up the
less spectacular. One area of
Executive Officer
contractual side of the business and weakness in the initial design of
CAF Col Larry Stout
on May 28th Air Commodore
the Type 300, as in its predecessor,
Verney wrote to the Air Ministry
was the method of cooling the
Finance
Director of Contracts, Mr. B. E.
engine. The evaporative system,
CAF Col Todd Fisher
Holloway:
with its uneven operation and
Fund Raising Coordinator
general vulnerability to battle
CAF Col Tom Swartzlander, Jr.
"In Minute 7 of S.35617A.M.R.D. damage, was hardly suitable for
[Dowding] has agreed to the
a combat aircraft. Could anything
Maintenance
Air Staff proposals that this
better be done, without having
CAF Col Allen Karst
aeroplane should be brought
to resort to the draggy radiators
Operations
into line with the F. 10/35
that Mitchell had tried so hard
CAF Col Michael Kuhnert
Specification as soon as possible.
to avoid in his high-speed
This involves:
designs? In retrospect the
Public Information/
(a) The design and manufacture
problem of engine cooling might
Newsletter Editor/Web
of a new set of wings to take 8
seem only a trivial part of the
CAF Col Jim Euverard
Vickers Mark V or Browning
story, but we have seen that it
PX
guns with 300 rounds of
could contribute to the downfall
CAF Col Karen Stout
ammunition per gun...
of a fighter.
Safety
Source:
CAF Col Buck Barrett
Price, Alfred. Spitfire, A Documentary History.
New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1979.
Honoring American Military Aviation through Flight, Exhibition and Remembrance
October 2015
Page 29
Taildragger
Old Dominion Squadron
Membership Application
NAME
MAILING ADDRESS
(CITY)
(STATE)
HOME PHONE
(ZIP)
BUSINESS PHONE
CELL
FAX
E-MAIL
PROFESSION
COMPANY & TITLE
IF RETIRED, PAST PROFESSION
COMPANY
DATE OF BIRTH
MARRIED?
CAF COLONEL ID NUMBER
ARE YOU A PILOT?
IF YES, SPOUSE’S NAME
LIFE MEMBER?
Student
DATE JOINED
 Private
Commercial
ATR
WHAT SQUADRON ACTIVITIES ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?
Flying
Maintenance
Restoration
Social/Historical
WHAT SKILLS WOULD YOU BRING TO THE SQUADRON?
Computing
Maintenance
Photography
Salesmanship
Technical/Creative
Writing
Woodworking
Other
I have enclosed my first year dues. I also understand that I must be a CAF Colonel in good standing or have sent my
Colonel application to Commemorative Air Force HQ prior to joining the Old Dominion Squadron or Carolinas Wing.
$50.00 per unit (if joining in October, November or December), $35.00 per unit (if joining in January, February or March),
$25.00 per unit (if joining in April, May or June), $15.00 per unit (if joining in July, August or September).
Make all checks payable to:
Old Dominion Squadron, CAF.
Mail application and payment to:
CAF Col Bob Collette
Squadron Leader/Adjutant/Recruiting
4707Jolliff Woods Drive
Chesapeake, Virginia 23321-1335
SIGNATURE
DATE
Honoring American Military Aviation through Flight, Exhibition and Remembrance