Journalist - A graduate in German, Jake has a passion for aviation history, and enjoys sampling new carriers and aircraft even if doing so demands an unorthodox itinerary. Remember the illumination flares as we were coming in on final as the sun had not come up yet. United States. Flying Tigers received the All-Cargo Route #163 across the Pacific into Asia. However, Kadena was not able to resupply the galley but the crew got a lot of junk food to hold us over till we got to Tokyo where we were off-loaded again and the plane was serviced. He wouldnt believe me until I showed him the slip of paper. But for the ladies I say Thank you I was one of those 18 year old boys that was scared to death. And yes, we had a flight load of pucker factor and apprehension. (LogOut/ Flying Tiger history began during World War II when the original aircrafts were small fighter planes. We all wanted to get home, but wondered if this old crate could get us there. A great story, even made me cry, vaguely remembering the trips each way, to and from Vietnam. Expansion On August 7, 1989, Federal Express merged Flying Tigers into its operations. The return to the States from RVN was like being in a decompression chamber. In 1963, Air Cargo Operations moved back to the Los Angeles International Airport. The men were superstitious that the plane would crash it would be just their luck to die in a dumb accident on the verge of getting home. The soldiers onboard were flying there not to fight, but to help train South Vietnamese forces. We relied on each other and the soldiers to manage.. Web978 views 8 months ago Andee Wright served as a flight attendant with Flying Tiger Line from 1967 to 1978. Now going to the USA which I had forgotten about. Contact Thank you to all who came out to join us for our BBQ Fly-in! On December 15, 1965, Flying Tiger Line Flight 914, an L-1049H Super Constellation (N6914C), struck California Peak after the pilot became disorientated in IFR conditions, killing the three crew. Free shipping for many products! The C-46s flew the domestic operation while the C-54s remained in overseas charter service. I extended in Vietnam so that I could get out early. Although the fledgling Flying Tiger Line was in a precarious financial situation during its early years, it enjoyed extraordinary growth throughout most of the 60's, and eventually emerged as the industry's foremost all-cargo carrier. These were to take place in Honolulu, Wake Island, Guam, and the Philippines (Clark Air Base). What's The Latest With Delta's Ex-LATAM Airbus A350s? It was obvious the airplane had been used a lot, but it was clean and the attendants were friendly and upbeat. In April of 1949, after a four-year battle, the company was awarded CAB (Civil Aeronautics Board now FAA) certification and established the FIRST ALL-CARGO Scheduled Route 100 from Los Angeles to Boston with points in between. Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 was a Lockheed Super Constellation aircraft, which is pictured here. THe girls (attendants) were great cant saw much for the people of California . Many of the women continued to fly, either with Tigers or other airlines; more than a few married Tigers pilots and started families. On March 6, 1967, Flying Tigers first DC8-63F aircraft arrived. With four Rolls Royce engines that developed 5,700 horsepower, it cruised at 375 miles per hour, carrying up to 60,000 pounds of cargo over a range of 3,000 miles. She laughed. Imitation lets you catch up to the guy ahead, but never lets you pass." Ceased operations. Welcome Home with many thank you for all your support of the Vietnam veterans!! 365 days later. Travel the world, the ad said. On December 14, 1962, Flying Tiger Line Flight 183, an L-1049H Super Constellation (N6913C), crashed on approach to Lockheed Air Terminal in. Because they were young and energetic, they could work a 5-hour flight from Japan to Vietnam, spend an hour on the ground, turn around and fly 5 hours back to Japan, then take a quick shower and then go out dancing at a go-go club. For military personnel, it was a deeply emotional journey in both directions. Each of the awesome giants flies more than 200,000 pounds of cargo at 575 miles per hour over a 3,500-mile range. I was a Flying Tiger Flight Attendant for 5 years, and those many experiences flying into Tan Son Nhut. I remember well my Flying Tiger trips. As in Korea, these flights carried both cargo as well as military personnel and their dependents. (it was the only one on the tarmac) Leaving Bien Hoa at 9:00 P.M on June 25th 1969 and arriving in Oakland CA on June 25th at 9:30 P.M. The CL-44s moved Tigers into leadership as the worlds largest freight and contract airline. Flying at 210 miles per hour, the C-54 carried 20,000 pounds of cargo over a 2,000 -- mile range. The aircraft that disappeared was around five years old. Photo: The aircraft departed from Andersen AFB in Guam before disappearing over the Western Pacific Ocean. Just reading this article brings tears to my eyes. A true airfreighted with a unique swing-tail design, the CL-44 permitted the straight-in loading of freight no other plane could carry. Thank you and God Bless you all!!!! On Wednesday morning in Sacramento, as many as 30 former flight attendants for the airline are reuniting to honor servicemen killed in the war. The first all-cargo airline in the country was born on June 25, 1945, based in a two-car garage in Long Beach, California and flying Budd Conestogas. Flying Tigers continued to fly military troops and cargo into Vietnam during the war years. I went to Nam aboard a ship which very nicely cut 21 days off my tour. In 1975, the airline published the Airfreight Guide for Hazardous Materials, and quickly became a leader in the education and transportation of dangerous goods throughout the world. I was on those flights, twice over and back although on other carriers. That flight SUCKED., but at least I got out of that chit hole. Also in 1946, Flying Tigers moved from Mines Field to the Lockheed Air Terminal in Burbank, California. I often wondered what happened to them and now your story has given closure. Gotoff the jet and was greated by relatives. Flying Tiger Line flight 739 was a multi-leg charter service that originated at Travis Air Force Base in the US state of California. While there I recall them telling us that there are enemy at the end of the runway and when we take off we are pulling up as fast as we can to keep from being hit. Photo: USAF/Mike Andriacco via Wikimedia Commons, ITA Airways To Fly Pope To Budapest On An Airbus A320neo, How Ethiopian Airlines Is Working To Accelerate African Aviation's Development, 92.8%: Scoot Posts Its Highest Ever Load Factor In March 2023. I have just relived a very important part of my young life, thru these articles and the loving responses. Others slept for hours, exhausted and often traumatized from their experiences in Vietnam. And there were parties every single day and every single night, Foster remembered. The big, glamorous airline back then was Pan Am. Large crew bases were situated at Los Angeles, New York City and Lockbourne, Ohio (Rickenbacker International Airport). On March 3, 1986, operations commenced in the new Columbus, Ohio Hub at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. After an almost three hour delay, the airplane is back in the air and en-route to our final destination Vietnam. (1968-1989), B-747-100 Flying Tigers was the first airline to operate Boeing 747 passenger aircraft converted into efficient air freighters. In accordance with the government directives and in the interest in protecting the health of our visitors, the Aviation Museum & Library is currently closed. WebAir America was an American passenger and cargo airline established in 1946 and covertly owned and operated by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1950 to 1976. We turned off our running lights to avoid ground fire.. WebAs Flying Tiger Line flight attendant Andee Wright recalled, There was no special training by the airlines or the military about how to handle it. Some years ago I made contact with one of those stewardesses and found out about their reunions. Crossing the international date line was my experience in time travel. WebFlying Tiger Airport: Home Real Estate About Things to do FAQ's FAA Info. What I do remember is that the plane had a very unpleasant odor and the food was cold. The aircraft was operating a MATS charter flight from Gander to Frankfurt. The airline industry is always full of new developments! The other airlines that that had the contracts to take service men to that war zone in South East Asia was Seaboard World Air lines it was rumored to be own by lady bird Johnson as she was on the Board of directors of Braniff International air ways and that they and Tiger Airlines got those troop movement contracts back in the day; The old boy network was in bed with the men sitting in the white house: Flying Tiger 707 (March 68) from Travis to Anchorage (refuel), on to Okinawa (refuel), and finally to Bien Hoa. Such as, I didnt know if I was going to make it back and not wanting to think about that. On October 1, 1980 Flying Tigers merged with Seaboard World linking the United States with Europe and the Middle East. (1945 - 1947). I for one of many of us flew Tiger Airlines going and coming. After just under two hours on the ground, The Free Lance-Star reported that the flight departed Guam just before 21:00. After the aircraft failed to arrive at Clark Air Base in the Philippines, the flight was declared as having gone missing on the morning of March 16th, 1962. Established at the end of the Second World War, Flying Tiger Line made history as the first US-based scheduled cargo-carrying airline. ATDB.aero shows that it spent most of its career at Flying Tiger Line, but did also serve Lufthansa on a leased basis. one of conscious unease. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for FLYING TIGERS Douglas DC-8 -Aviation Postcard Airlines-WGA-927 at the best online prices at eBay! In the Vietnam airlift, Flying Tigers provided strategic flights from the US to numerous military bases throughout the Pacific and Southeast Asia geographic region. Stay tuned for more upcoming Fly-in Events New River Estates Worthington Springs, FL. Founded in 1945 by a group of pilots who had flown in World War II, Flying Tigers was Americas first major cargo airline, a seat-of-the-pants operation that hauled freight on Canadian turboprop planes. When you went to school for Pan Am, they showed you how to do your makeup and your hair. In addition to the emotional impact, the flight attendants risked physical harm while flying to military bases in an active combat zone. 7 Aug 1989. The flight attendants were as depicted in this article, both going and coming home. We relied on each other and the soldiers to manage.. The company said it needed flight attendants. More on this later). The years after the Vietnam war saw continued growth for the Flying Tigers. In 1969, during the Vietnam War, a 21-year-old Seattle woman saw a job ad for a California cargo airline called the Flying Tiger Line that had a large presence in San Francisco. The estimated duration of its westbound flight to the Philippines was reportedly around eight hours, although the aircraft had enough fuel onboard to fly for another hour on top of that. From 1979 to 1980 the Flying Tiger Line passed Pan Am to become the world's number one air cargo carrier. As the company celebrated its first year of Transpacific service, ground breaking for Flying Tigers first Asian terminal took place in Tokyo, Japan the companies hub for Asian operations. Not one of us said a word. WebThe Flying Tiger Line Incorporated. They were cordial but standoffish. But soon after they started working troop transports to Southeast Asia, the women realized that the job required a whole different set of skills. These aircraft had the powerful "Q" (Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7Q) engines and heavy landing gear and could simultaneously carry both 250,000 pounds (110,000kg) of fuel and 250,000 pounds (110,000kg) of cargo loaded through both the nose door and the side door at the same time. The aircraft carried additional fuel in two additional tanks installed in the main cabin.[12]. War touches more people than the veterans who fought in it. As one observer put it, "Nobody brings in mail like those Tiger birds". A fine bunch of people. I was Infantry so I knew I had reason to be worried, but these ladies put us all at ease, as much as was possible .. one of the truly great memories Im thankful to have .. We went out to the airstripvery early in the morning in a vehicle. It was never seen or heard from again, despite an extensive search operation. Sources: ATDB.aero, Aviation Safety Network, The Free Lance-Star. June 69. During the Vietnam years the Flying Tiger Line also worked overtime for the US Postal Service. In December 1946, Flying Tigers received its first Transpacific Military Contract, flying C-54s to Tokyo and Hawaii. The food on the airplane had to be thrown away because there was no refrigeration on the aircraft for over 48 hours. Eleven members of the AVE joined Prescott and formed the National Skyways Freight Corp. In August 87, the newly re-engined DC8-73DF freighter came online with the Tiger fleet of B-747s and B-727s. Not Flying Tigers but nevertheless an unforgettable flight. Out of rocket range. He tried to grab it but I told him If she had wanted him to have it she would have given it to him. With that I went back to reading. Sometimes, when the wheels pulled up on takeoff, the whole plane would burst out in yells and clapping. In 1965, Flying Tiger Line began operating jet aircraft when on September, 27, We crossed over the international dateline and it became the 2nd of January. Flying from Clark AFB to Guam refueling then on to Travis AFB and Home. Departed Bien Hoa (21 Apr 69)) on Flying Tiger (Stretch 8) with fuel stop in Japan. With only six thousand employees around the world, the Flying Tiger Line carried cargo and people to all corners of the planet. Rumbles & Bangs: Japan Airlines Boeing 767-300ER Encounters Engine Failure, Investors Are Now Worried About US Airline Stocks. (LogOut/ Piloted by the novice American Volunteer Group, who were from all branches of the military and civilians, these men provided military support to the Republic of China in their defense against the Japanese invasion between 1941-1942. WebHis 93 U.S. military passengers, three South Vietnamese soldiers and the 11 civilian crew members aboard Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 disappeared on their way from Guam to the Philippines. With the Boeing 707s supplemented by Canadair CL-44s, Flying Tigers supplied U.S. military forces and became the largest carrier of cargo in the Pacific. Federal Express (FM / FDX) Base / Main Hub. After all the things i remember about my viet nam year , i never remembered about the flight to or from . As the war worsened, and the airline continued hauling scared young men into Vietnam and bringing broken men out, the Flying Tigers crews found themselves wrestling with anger, confusion and sadness. This represented a significant transition for the Flying Tigers, and paved the road to future success. I then went back to my seat with a book after putting that slip of paper in my wallet. I stopped a stewardess to inquire if they had any other reading material on board. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for FLYING TIGERS Douglas DC-8 -Aviation Postcard Airlines-WGA-927 at the best online prices at eBay! I sat looking out the window the whole flight home, never said a word. I wouldnt trade the experience for a million dollars, stated Julie Kane, a flight attendant for Seaboard World Airlines. . In 1969, during the Vietnam War, a 21-year-old Seattle woman saw a job ad for a California cargo airline called the Flying Tiger Line that had a large presence in San Francisco. They coped, as always, by leaning on each other. I remember the flights to and from, but what really sticks in my mind was the blast of hot, humid air that swept through the plane when they opened the doors. The plane very quiet, We relied on each other and the soldiers to manage. These women allayed the fears of soldiers heading to war and offered support and reassurance to those headed home. Canadair CL-44 I went to Nam not on a Flying Tiger plane, and made it back home in one piece with no PTSD, only a parasite from the veggies. The flight attendants, although very young themselves, couldnt believe how young the troops were just 17 and 18 in some cases. thanks for the ride over and putting up with some of us. No lights on the plane in the dark. They became known for carrying a number of unique cargoes, including Shamu the SeaWorld killer whale and the torch of the Statue of Liberty. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for FLYING TIGERS Douglas DC-8 -Aviation Postcard Airlines-WGA-927 at the best online prices at eBay! As a grunt and a company commander from the 1st ID, who had left a few week old daughter and now was headed home to see her and the rest of the finally, I didnt cry but I damn sure slept well on that plane for the first time in 18 months. Put it, `` Nobody brings in mail like those Tiger birds '' these flights carried both as! 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Stewardesses and found out about their reunions for over 48 hours Prescott and formed the National Skyways Corp... Service that originated at Travis Air Force Base in the New Columbus, Ohio Hub at Rickenbacker Air National Base... Nam year, i didnt know if i was one of those year... That slip of paper in my wallet glamorous airline back then was Am! Scared to death re-engined DC8-73DF freighter came online with the Tiger fleet of and!

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