In Flight USA Article Categories
In Flight USA Articles
SFO Beacon at Hiller Aviation Museum
First Controlled Flight, 1885 Style
Editor’s note: Our friends managing the upcoming Golden West Regional Fly-in and Airshow in California (Yuba County Airport, KMYV, June 7-9) tipped us off to this year’s special attraction, a full-sized, flyable, replica of the John Montgomery glider Santa Clara. So what is the big deal about a glider? How about the fact that it was developed in the mid 1880s and successfully flown in controllable flight about 15 years before the Wright Brothers started flying their gliders! Given the current controversy about “who made the first controlled flight?” In Flight USA contacted the builder of this remarkable reproduction, Thom Taylor, and asked for a personal account of his adventure into the world of aviation pioneer, John Montgomery. Enjoy!
By Thom Taylor
John Montgomery standing by the Santa Clara, circa 1904-5. (San Diego Air & Space Museum)As a young child I always had an interest in airplanes and model aircraft. As I grew older I developed a keen interest in history around the era of the two world wars, and the way technologies advanced in time of conflict. I also studied the history of California. When I retired, I turned to woodworking as a hobby. I quickly learned woodturning, mastered woodworking’s other skills.
After reading a book about the Wright Brothers, I decided to build a 1/3 scale model of the 1902 Wright glider using period materials and construction techniques, from the stand point of a woodworker, having no personal flying experience. The glider, which took me 1,200 hours and a year to build, is on display at the California Aerospace Museum in Sacramento, Calif. The museum’s curator asked what my next project might be, and having no idea he suggested a John Montgomery type aircraft. Like most people with no knowledge of John Montgomery I set out to learn about this most amazing Californian.
Record Holding Albatross Retires to Hiller Aviation Museum
By Herb Foreman
The Grumman Albatross on the runway at the Hiller Aviation Museum. (Hiller Aviation Museum)Reid Dennis, venture capitalist and charter jet operator has donated his beautiful Grumman Albatross to the Hiller Aviation Museum at the San Carlos (Calif.) Airport. The Albatross will be a significant addition to this already wonderful display of aircraft. I’m certain if Stan Hiller were still alive today, he would have a very wide smile on his face.
Reid was born in the San Francisco Bay area and grew up watching the Pan American Clipper Ships flying from their port at Treasure Island to Hawaii and other destinations throughout the world. They must have had a profound effect on the young man as he grew to manhood.
The Pylon Place - May 2011
Aviation Museums - Education and Community Contribution
The best hands-on exhibit is flight in a general aviation aircraft. (Steve Wallace, Planes of Fame)By Marilyn Dash
An Aviation Museum brought me to flight. My entire flying career can be traced to that fateful day when I walked into the Hiller Aviation Museum and volunteered. I’ve told the story many times how Stan Hiller took a special interest in inspiring me to become a pilot. With his nudging and the opportunity to meet so many pilots who were available to teach, share, and inspire – I was on my way.
Since then, I have travelled to many other Aviation Museums around the country and have found so many reasons to dedicate this month’s column to these museums, their volunteers and the programs they have in place today to inspire our youth to dream of aviation as a career or just a passion.
Wings at Sea
Eugene Ely and the Centennial of Naval Aviation
A century ago, the world’s navies relied on battleships to rule the seas. These giant floating fortresses of steel were built with great effort and expense by leading seafaring nations. Their size and power captivated the imaginations of millions and often influenced events ashore without firing a shot.
Against this backdrop, few would have expected the newly-invented flying machine still a frail-looking contraption of wood and fabric to play any role in a future victory at sea, much less prove to be utterly decisive. Yet one of the first steps towards the ultimate ascendancy of airplanes at sea occurred in San Francisco Bay on January 18, 1911.
What's Up?!
2011: I Want to Start off the New Year With a Bang, So BANG!
By Larry Shapiro
Looking back some of you may know I’ve had to deal with some major health issues in the past 12 or so months and I chose to share them with you. Of course, with my sense of humor, I laughed at them because I’m invincible and even though I can’t leap over tall building, I have flown over a few.
Lesson learned: Be careful, you might get what you wish for or some things you didn’t wish for.
In early November I had a rather severe accident. No it didn’t involve an airplane or car. The fact is, I don’t know what happened. I can tell you a couple of things: one is that it was the scariest thing that has every happened to me in my 70 years and second, it was also the most painful.
What's Up!?
Don’t Assume
By Larry Shapiro
As a child I remember folks telling me to never assume anything because it makes an ass out of you and me! Now, a ton of years later it still holds true. I hear “I assumed this and that” time after time and no one seems to heed the words and learn the lesson. Drum role please … I’m as guilty as I’m sure many of you are. How many times have you asked for directions, whether or not the food is good at the Road Kill Café, or whether the dude wrenching on your bird of paradise is a licensed and insured mechanic. One more assumption that’s a real pain … don’t assume you don’t need to get it in writing; you do!