Vintage Aircraft Boosters Club

The "Supercruiser" The Vintage Aircraft Boosters Club Southern California Historical Aviation Foundation Western Museum of Flight Newsletter 12016 Prairie Avenue, Hawthorne, California 90250 Phone: (310) 332-6228 * * * FAX: (310) 644-6778 * * * Internet: www.wmof.com

Southern California Historical Aviation Foundation

elcome to the July/August 1997 issue of the "Supercruiser," the Vintage Aircraft Boosters Club, Southern California Historical Aviation Foundation, Western Museum of Flight's monthly newsletter.

his issue of the "Supercruiser" is dedicated to the Air Faire held at Jack Northrop Field, Hawthorne Airport on August 23rd and 24th - and the Western Museum of Flight's booth and display. By most accounts, this was the Museum's most successful participation at this annual event.

F-14A Tomcat, YF-23A Black Widow II, F-5A Freedom Fighter, YF-17 Cobra ( photo by Garry Pape )

Western Museum of Flight's lineup of aircraft just in front of the Northrop Grumman hangar - a very advantageous position. Pictured here (left to right) is the Museum's newly painted Grumman F-14A "Tomcat," Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23A "Black Widow II," Northrop F-5A "Freedom Fighter," and the Northrop YF-17 "Cobra."

F-14A Tomcat ( photo by Garry Pape )

It took a lot of hard work and dedicated effort on the part of the Museum volunteers and staff to get this big cat spruced up for the air show. This aircraft drew much attention from the many Air Faire visitors that passed it.

WMOF Aircraft in front of Northrop Grumman hangar ( photo by Garry Pape )

This view shows the close proximity we were to the Northrop Grumman hangar. The many displays in the hangar brought of the attendees past the Museum's display area. One question asked by many of the guests - will we see the Northrop Grumman logo next year?

WMOF's Douglas A-4A Skyhawk ( photo by Garry Pape )

Our Douglas A-4A (originally designated A4D-1) Skyhawk.

Northrop YF-23A Black Widow II ( photo by Garry Pape )

Early in the morning, before the crowd arrived, WMOF staff (Jim "JJ" Johnson) and volunteers took turns at manually cranking up the canopy so admiring onlookers could peer into the cockpit. This mostly composite aircraft caused many of our visitors to believe it was not a real airplane, just a mockup (with some it took quite an effort to convince them that it was in fact a real airplane that had flown).

"Pioneers of Aviation" ( photo by Garry Pape )

Under the tent were the "Pioneers of Aviation." To the right, under the YF23A's wing was the Museum's sales table.

YF-23A cockpit viewing ( photo by Garry Pape )

Our big attraction was viewing the cockpit of the YF-23A. For both days of the Air Faire their was a constant line of about 20 people all day long. This was such a hit that we plan to bring a second stand over next year and open the F-14A's canopy so our visitors can view the interior. On a regular basis Museum volunteers were asked to take pictures of a visitor near the cockpit, stairs, or aircraft.

"Pioneers of Aviation" ( photo by Garry Pape )

The "Pioneers of Aviation" were kept busy answering questions and autographing books and photos.

G. Pat Macha ( photo by Garry Pape )

G. Pat Macha, teacher, writer, historian. Pat has been searching for and writing on aircraft wrecks for many years. Here he is signing his book Aircraft Wrecks in the Mountains and Deserts of California, 1909 - 1996.

George Marrett, Roy Wolford, Erik Shilling ( photo by Garry Pape )

Some of our "Pioneers of Aviation:" George Marrett (experimental test pilot and flew combat in Vietnam), Roy Wolford (long time Northrop employee, chief Northrop photographer for many years, and Museum supporter), and Erik Shilling (Flying Tigers pilot).

Jeff Eddy ( photo by Garry Pape )

Museum volunteer Jeff Eddy. Jeff assisted at the sales table. He was also called upon on a number of occasions to answer questions concerning the Museum and the aircraft on display, which he did most admirably.

Fred Erb, Jerry Huben, Bud Anderson ( photo by Garry Pape )

In the shade under the YF-23A's wing (from left to right) are Museum staffer Fred Erb, M. G. "Jerry" Huben (over 50 years at Northrop and still going) and WW II P-61 pilot A. E. "Bud". Anderson.

Cindy Macha-Skonsby and Cal Shoemaker ( photo by Garry Pape )

SCHAF trustee and museum worker Cindy Macha-Skjonsby and A-4 test pilot Cal Shoemaker pose in front of the Museum's A-4A.

Warren Bailey and Jim Johnson ( photo by Garry Pape )

On the left is a good friend of WMOF, Warren Bailey, Historical Society president of the Travis Air Force Museum. Our Jim Johnson is with Warren trying to get cool under the wing of our YF-23A.

Arlie Blood, Chedo Chuckovich, Erik Shilling ( photo by Garry Pape )

From left to right: Col. Arlie J. Blood, USAF (Retired), SCHAF Trustee Chedo Chuckovich, and AVG pilot Erik Shilling.

Mark Oliver ( photo by Garry Pape )

Museum volunteer and head of the library and archives - Marc Oliver. Mark has been a long time worker at the museum and knows about as much about the museum as do any other person there.

Bud Anderson and Garry Pape ( photo by Garry Pape )

On the left is A. E. "Bud" Anderson. Bud was a pilot flying P-61 Black Widows with the 425th Night Fighter Squadron in Europe during World War II. To his right is the Museum's curator, Garry Pape.

Model of Proposed New WMOF Facility ( photo by Garry Pape )

This architect's model is a proposed design for the Western Museum of Flight's new facilities and was on display at the Museum's visitors tent during the Air Faire.