Webmaster for FirstAeroSquadronFoundation's (FASF) website. Also the CEO of the 501C(c)(3) aviation history-oriented FASF non-profit, which is dedicated to the Birth Place of American Airpower and Rebirth Place of American Civil Aviation in 1916 & 1917 in Columbus, NM.
Thanks again to our Aviation Scout, Virg Hemphill, for finding this outstanding video segment of the US Navy Flight Demonstration Team busily practicing their maneuvers. This is excellent video footage taken both inside their jets as well as of them from the outside. This video is only 3:43 in length, and little descriptive text is required, since the film speaks for itself. But this does show why it’s easy to become enthusiastic about flying these high performance Fighters.
Don’t hesitate to click your browser into Full-Screen Mode in order to get the best vantage of the cavorting jet fighters. And remember to turn on your sound also. You might wonder, if you’re not a pilot, why the Naval Aviator seen here is grimacing so often: It’s because he is tightening his stomach muscles in order to prevent himself from “blacking out” from the high “G” forces (“g” is for gravity). The aircraft you see here are the Blue Angel’s new McDonnell-Douglas manufactured F-18 Hornets.
Saint Patrick’s Day in Columbus saw the annual arrival of the Coast 2 Coast Bicycling group, which are under the direction of Bubba Barron. Here they pack the Camp Furlong Recreation Hall to hear Ric Lambart describe what took place in Columbus 102 years ago as American Air Power was born – – – and American Civil Aviation was reborn.
Ric describing how the Jenny Flight Controls worked in the first group of JN-2 Jennies. Lt. Ira Rader is sitting in the Jenny seen on the screen and is using the old banking control system, prior to the First Aero’s adoption of the superior French developed Deperdussin system – the system still in use today.
The audience audibly gasped as they saw archival movie footage showing one of the female Barnstorming era daredevils doing stunts atop a Jenny’s wing – – – all accomplished without a parachute.
As usual, after the program’s conclusion, there were many questions to be answered by our presenter.
The 60 some odd bicycle enthusiasts take about two months to bicycle from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic. These hearty peddlers have established a new tradition of stopping on each of their Coast to Coast journey’s to take in the special charm of Columbus, NM – and to absorb its unique and significant place in American History.
The above three photos are still shots taken from the FASF video that was made of the event.
Here’s a shot of two of the Coast 2 Coast Peddlers stopping for a break.
Paula McLain, author of the phenomenal bestseller The Paris Wife, now returns with her keenly anticipated new novel, transporting readers to colonial Kenya in the 1920s. Circling the Sunbrings to life a fearless and captivating woman—Beryl Markham, a record-setting aviator caught up in a passionate love triangle with safari hunter Denys Finch Hatton and Karen Blixen, who as Isak Dinesenwrote the classic memoir Out of Africa.
Brought to Kenya from England as a child and then abandoned by her mother, Berylis raised by both her father and the native Kipsigis tribe who share his estate. Her unconventional upbringing transforms Beryl into a bold young woman with a fierce love of all things wild and an inherent understanding of nature’s delicate balance. But even the wild child must grow up, and when everything Berylknows and trusts dissolves, she is catapulted into a string of disastrous relationships.
Beryl forges her own path as a horse trainer, and her uncommon style attracts the eye of the Happy Valley set, a decadent, bohemian community of European expats who also live and love by their own set of rules. But it’s the ruggedly charismatic Denys Finch Hatton who ultimately helps Beryl navigate the uncharted territory of her own heart. The intensity of their love reveals Beryl’struest self and her fate: to fly.
Set against the majestic landscape of early-twentieth-century Africa, McLain’s powerful tale reveals the extraordinary adventures of a woman before her time, the exhilaration of freedom and its cost, and the tenacity of the human spirit.
As of this date, the movie version of Ms. McClain has not yet been released, so keep your eyes busy looking for it opening.
Much of the above piece is thanks to HuffPost journalist, Rebecca Ford.
Thanks to both Computer Guru, Kim Komandoof Phoenix (nationally syndicated talk radio host) and the Real Engineeering group, we bring you this 8:37 long video in answer to the query.
Their hosts for this visit were FASF Trustees Dr. Kathleen Martin, FASF Treasurer, Alma Villezcas, and Trustee Ric Lambart, all seen in the below photo. The manager of New Mexico’s esteemed Pancho Villa State Parkand Director of its renown Exhibit Hall, John Read, and his wife, Elle, both long time members of the FASF, also took part in welcoming both Dr. Dague, and the Smiths to both Columbus and its sister city, Palomas, Mexico.
Both Dr. Dague and Leigh Smith regularly conduct “Army Staff Rides” from El Paso’s Fort Blissto Columbus for the purpose of teaching Army combat history to their students from the Army’s Sergeants Major Academy. Today’s gathering was to help both Mr. Smith and Dr. Daguebecome better acquainted with Columbus, NM, and some of the people who work with its unique history, which resulted from it being the launching place of the famous response to Pancho Villa’s raid on the town in 1916, and the resulting “Punitive Expedition,” which was launched by order of then President Woodrow Wilson.
The VIP visitors from Fort Bliss gifted the FASF with some special items of historical significance regarding the Army’s Sergeants Major Academy and about the Non-Commissioned Officer’s training – – – and of their significant role in making the history of the Army itself.
Remember: To see any of the FASF Site’s photographs in High Resolution, simply click on them.
L to R above: Alma Villezcas, John Read, Elle Read, Gretta Smith, Leigh Smith, Dr. Kathleen Martin, Dr. Everett Dague,and Ric Lambart. The above photo is courtesy of the Pink Store!
After the lunch at the Pink Store, John Read demonstated his new video camera equipped drone (see below photos) with which he plans to make new aerial views of the historic FAS 1916-17 Airfield. He launched his drone from the main East West Runway of the airfield.
Above, John Read, flies his drone aloft with his remote control instrument panel. The view down the runway is East towards El Paso, TX
The drone’s quiet four rotor blades swiftly lifted the device so high above the runway that we lost sight of it altogether. Here it is returning by its own internal GPS guidance system.
The above photo was recently located by the now retired and once very active Chief Historian for the U.S. Army’s Sergeant Major’s Academy located at Fort Bliss, in El Paso, Texas, Dr. Robert Bouilly, who has, over the years, kindly provided a number of rare and fascinating historic photos and other information about the First Aero squadron’s experiences at Columbus during the Punitive Expedition. That Punitive Expedition is something about which Dr. Bouilly likely knows more than any other living professional Historian.
The photo is in the New Mexico Archives in Sante Fe, NM, and is part of the Palace of the governors Photo Archive. One of the FASF’s own advisors, Dr. Roger Miller, remains the foremost expert on matters pertaining to the First Aero’s operations during that expedition. His excellent and colorfully written Memorial Booklet to this event, A Preliminary to War, can be found right here, on this website. Simply click on the preceding link to read the story.
Dr. Bouilly presenting his lecture, yesterday, at Columbus’ Pancho Villa State Park. He explained the little known incident of a number of Chinese Miners, along some who had helped General Pershingin Mexico, both groups of which were placed in a Refugee camp at Columbus, literally rescued by the greateful Pershing.
Here below are some other photos of this very rare twin-engined adaptation of the famous JN-4 Jenny. Only a few of these unique airplanes were constructed. They were tested in Columbus by the First Aero Squadron’s pilots, but found to be wanting in performance to such and extent that they were rejected, in terms of having any future with the U. S. Army.
JN-4 Jenny converted into a twin-engined reconnaissance airplane.
These photos will give you a clear idea of what was done to the successful JN-4 in order to make it a twin-engined aircraft. basically, you will notice that the engine and its cowling in front of the airplane was removed and replaced by another cockpit, one which was designed for either an observer of an aerial machine gunner. The ship’s power was then derived from the placement on each lower wing, on either side of the fuselage, of the additional two engines.
Another photo of the Twin Jenny. This conversion shows the old R-2 type of vertical fin at the rear. It also has a completely different propeller style than does the photo immediately above. The larger Rudder was installed in order to provide better lateral control in case of an engine failure while in flight.
Another view of the Twin Jenny secured to an engine test platform.
This rare photo is thanks to the aviation Blog writer, Kurt Wheaton, who’s grandfather, Ivan, flew Jennys before and after WWI. Mr. Wheaton inherited hundreds of photos taken by His grandfather. The ship to the far right above, is the rare Curtiss single-seat “Scout.” To its rear, (L), between the two Curtiss ships, is the ubiquitous JN-4, itself, and the one behind it is the “Twin Jenny.” Later, during WWII Curtiss built a number “Scout” aircraft, but, while they bore the same name as the rare machiner above, they were totally differnt and modern military aircraft.
One day short of their 4th month of existence, the officers and enlisted men of the 1st Aero Squadron stationed at Texas City, Texas, celebrated the Fourth of July with a special meal. This menu also lists a roster of all the personnel assigned to the United States’ first operational flying squadron back in 1913. (U.S. Air Force photo).
Upon the orders of then President Taft, the Army’s 2nd Division was movilized to protect our border with Mexico, because of increasing dangers that the Mexican Revolution might spill over into the United States – – – and part of that Army Division was organized into the nation’s first active duty Army Aviation Squadron: The First Aero Squadron.
Only 4 months into their existence, the men of that unit celebrated their Nation’s Independence with a formal Dinner Party, and printed the below menu, which is in the National Museum of the Air Force’s Archives. If you click to enlarge the below photo, your will be able to easily see the front side of the Menu, where you will recognize the imprint of the American Eagle sitting above the title of the FIRST AERO SQUADRON. . . along with the date of the Dinner.
Menu from the July 4th 1913 Formal Dinner held by the four month old new First Aero Squadron located in Texas City, Texas. Notice that all the Squadron’s Personnel are listed. Click on Menu’s image above to see it in HD quality.
1914 Panaramic Photo of FAS Personnel at their new duty station on North Island, San Diego, California. Click on the photo to see it in high resolution. To the left in this photo, you can recognize some of their Curtiss manufactured Jenny R-2’s, the first planes used two years later at the beginning of the Punitive Expedition inot Mexico from Columbus, NM.
Have you ever noticed that the lower part of the Boeing 737NG engines appear flat? What is the reason for this – – – and a few more interesting details will be covered in today’s 7:56 min. video.
Mentour Pilot
If you’re interested in aviaton from any point of view, you’ll enjoy visiting Petter’sinformative YouTube channel, where you’ll find many answers to questions you’ve had about the industry, from how to become a pilot, to what kind a salary structures to expect, or to specific questions simply related to airplanes in general.
Now, here’s Petter’sstory in his own words – in the international language of aviation: English.
“I, my mane is Petter, and I’m a 36 year old Boeing 737NG Training Captain and TRI/TRE (Tripple type rated / TRE: Type Rated Examiner) Instructor from Sweden. I have a beautiful wife and two small sons that are constantly keeping me busy. I have worked in the airline business for 16 years now and I have been based in different parts of Europe during that time including the UK, Sweden and Spain, where we now live.
Introduction to the Mentour Pilot channel (3:16)
I launched the Mentor Pilot Channel as a hobby project. I was being asked a lot of questions by young aviation enthusiasts about how I enjoyed my job, how I became a pilot and how things actually worked. I realized that there are very few ways to get questions answered out on the internet today in a simple and constructive way. If you go into forums like PPRUNE for example, honest discussions very quickly turns sour because of unhappy individuals trolling the discussion threads. I wanted my channel to be positive and constructive, the same way as we instruct new cadets in my airline.
I do realize that all views expressed on my channel are MY views and as such are only a reflection of what I think and might not be representative of others. I still think that it is better to get one honest and constructive view rather than 200 sour and negative ones. I do my best to tell both sides of the story but I do love my job.
The main goal is to help new pilots and people on their way into the industry to answer the questions they might have in a positive and constructive way.
I am also adamant on that my channel is not for political discussions and that I am only representing myself and no-one else.”
Here, below, is one more of Petter’s informative videos regarding why there are no main landing gear doors on the Boeing 737 series.
Lt. Colonel James K. “Jimmy” Lee, Jr., Professor of Military Science and Commander of the University of Texas (UTEP) Army ROTC’s “Fighting Miner Battalion” in El Paso, Texas, gave a special Power Point and Video presentation to the Daedalian Flight 24 at the El Paso Club in downtown El Paso, yesterday. Almost every member of Daedalian Flight 24 is also an active member of the FASF.
Colonel Leegave an animated description of the current University ROTC program which he directs at UTEP.Jimmy, an Army Mustang and recipient of the coveted SILVER STAR medal for heroism in battle, has been one the FASF’s Trustees for the past three years. His background is here on the FASF Trustee Page of this site.
Each semester at UTEP, Colonel Lee’s Battalian of Cadets conducts a “Staff Ride” over to visit and study the Army’s history, including that of the First Aero Squadron’s involvement in the “Punitive Expedition” back in 1916 and 1917, at Columbus, NM, the birthplace of American Air Power and rebirth place of American Civil Aviation.
Remember to click on any of the following photos to see them in high definition.
Colonel Lee opening his Power Point Presentation.
L to R: All taking in Jimmy’s talk, are: Mario Campos, Charlie Overstreet, Lt. Commander Cindy Sweeney, Roger Springstead, Norm Rice and Virg Hemphill.
Jimmydescribes the many and diverse opportunies for scholarships provided by the ROTC programs.
The Colonel shows some of examples of both Air and watercraft used by the U.S. Army in today’s combat.
Slide Jimmy presented showing the surprising use of both aircraft and boats by today’s Army as related to those assets used by the other services.
Jimmy fielding questions from the Daedalians about the previous Army Comparative Equipment Chart.
In answer to a question from Daedalian Colonel Pitt, Jimmy explained the battelfield circumstances that led to the award of his Silver Star medal in Iraq.
L to R: Listening to Jimmy’s presentation are: Larry Spradlin, Pete Brandon, and Alan Fisher.
Jimmy fielding more questions from the Daedalians.
Retired USAF Colonel Alan Fisher, who once commanded the AFROTC unit at New Mexico State University, comparing notes after the presentation with Colonel Lee. Daedalian Fight Captain, Roger Nichols a retired USAF Navigator and Pilot is behind the podium between the two experienced ROTC commanders.
L to R: Posing after the event are: Colonel Bob Pitt, Simon Hernandez (Assistant to Colonel Lee, and the UTEP ROTC Recruiting and Scholarship Chief), Jimmy Lee, Roger Nichols and Ric Lambart. Group photo courtesy of Daedalian and 1st Aero member, Roger Springstead. All above butMr. Hernandez are active FASF members.
The first two videos in this post are taken in high definition (HD) clarity, so don’t hesitate to open each of them to full screen – and keep your sound turned on for the full experience. If you watch the videos on a mobile device or in your email notice, you will miss the full experience seen on a larger computer screen’s monitor.
Two USN Super Hornets in formation, left ship is breaking to land . . .
This featured image, above, of Two F/A-18C Hornets, assigned to the “Knighthawks” of Strike Fighter Squadron One Three Six (VFA-136), performing a carrier break maneuver at the conclusion of the tactical air power demonstration during the 2005 Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain
Classic US Navy carrier break – – – and landing. Lots to see and enjoy in this 2:07 long video. just below. Want to know what it is like landing on an aircraft carrier? Here you go – – – Hold on!
And, here below, is what it’s like (6:36 long video) to bring this same hot Navy fighter back to your pitching and rolling carrier – when the weather tries to make you fail . . . Case II Recovery in Low Visibility, with a Pitching Deck Swings from 6-10 feet.
And, for a special bonus, here below (10:49 long) is a video of a group of high speed passes as seen from either shipboard or land – – – and from both inside – and outside – the cockpits.
