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.
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.
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.
Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James recently announced that the B-21 bomber will be called the B-21 Raider. The name represents the historically important role the new long-range stealth bomber will lead for the next 50 years.
The name is a tribute to the sheer bravery and grit displayed by Jimmy Doolittle and the Doolittle Raiders during World War II; and the legacy will now be carried on by future Airmen. Assisting Secretary James on stage to announce the name was one of the original Doolittle Raiders, the last living Doolittle Raider, and Jimmy Doolittle’s co-pilot, 101-year-old Air Force Lt. Col. (Retired) Richard Cole.
The above video is 9:10 in length and is courtesy of Warthog Defense.
If one accepts the premise that the B-21 will be powered by twin unaugmented F135 engines, one can then assume that the new bomber will be larger than a Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle or General Dynamics F-111 “Aardvark,” but smaller than the B-1Lanceror B-2 Spirit.
Given the types of threats from low frequency radars that are projected to be out there in the future and the limitations of current low observables materials, B-21’s subsonic flying wing design will be large enough to counter low frequency radars.
A tactical fighter-sized stealth aircraft must be optimized to defeat higher-frequency bands such the C, X and Ku bands as a simple matter of physics, but a strategic bomber like the B-2 or LRS-B can be larger to counter lower frequency radars. There is a “step change” in a stealth aircraft’s signature once the frequency wavelength exceeds a certain threshold and causes a resonant effect. Typically, that resonance occurs when a feature on an aircraft—such as a tail-fin—is less than eight times the size of a particular frequency wavelength. That means a bomber like the B-21 has to have allowances for two feet or more of radar absorbent material coatings on every surface or the designers are forced to make trades as to which frequency bands they optimize the aircraft to operate in. As such, to defeat low frequency radars operating in the L, UHF and potentially the VHF bands (this is easier said than done—and could in fact be impossible), a flying wing design is in effect, mandatory.
The above video is 10:57 long. The new aircraft will be designed to have global reach, in part by incorporating a large arsenal of long-range weapons. The B-21 is being engineered to carry existing weapons as well as nuclear bombs and emerging and future weapons, Air Force officials explained. It if’s arsenal is anything like the B-2, it will like have an ability to drop a range of nuclear weapons, GPS-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions and possibly even the new Air Force nuclear-armed cruise missile now in development called the LRSO – (Long Range Stand Off) weapon. It is also conceivable, although at this point it is speculation, that one day the B-21 will probably be armed with yet-to-be seen weapons technology. This information is courtesy of “USMilitary Technology.”
Colonel Don Patton, US Army Retired, who is one of the founders of the Dr. Harold C. Deutsch WWII History Round Table in Edina, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis, dropped by to visit the First Aero Squadron 1916 Airfield here in Columbus, yesterday. After touring the FASF Headquarter’s Office, and the Airfield, Colonel Patton and Ric Lambart picked up another FASF long time member, John Read, Manager of the Pancho Villa State Park in Columbus, and went to Palomas, Mexico to have lunch at the world renown Pink Store. The picture below, of Col. Patton, John Read and Ric Lambart was taken by another long time FASF member, Yvonne Romero (scroll down to the Pink Store), the creator – and owner/manager – of the Pink store.Any of the below photos can be seen in full-size by simply clicking on them.
L to R: Col. Don Patton, John Read, and Ric Lambart – Photo by Yvonne Romero
Col Pattonstanding by the wind-sock pole at the 1916 Airfield with Columbus in the background.
After his visit to Columbus and Palomas, Mexico, Colonel Patton departed for Holloman Air Force Base, to join his son, Colonel Jeff “Tank” Patton, USAF, who commands the Base’s 49th Operations Group at the Air Base. After touring the Pancho Villa State Park with John Read, the Colonel visited the home of Richard and Betty Dean.
Dean is considered to be the foremost local historian on matters related to the infamous raid on Columbus in 1916 by Pancho Villaand Richard is also the President of the FASF’s sister organization, the Columbus Historical Society, which operates the well known “Depot Museum” in town. Mr. Dean’sgreat-grandfather was one of the victims of Villa’s marauders on March 9, 1916. Dean has appeared on both PBSspecials about the Raid and also on other national TV networks regarding the same infamous historical event.
Col. Patton standing on the E-W Airfield Runway. The view is to the East towards El Paso, Texas.
Colonel Patton fills our his FASF Membership Application.
Colonel Patton poses in front of the Pancho Villa State Park’s historic Curtiss JN-4 Jenny Airplane.
L to R: John Readexplaining some of the historical facts about the infamous raid of March 9th, 1916 by Pancho Villa, Col. Patton.
L to R: Col. Patton listens to more about the 1916 Raid from John Read.
L to R: Col. Patton listens to John Read explain how this 1914 photo of U.S. General Black Jack Pershing, with Pancho Villa has most often misidentified his Aide de Camp as Lt. Patton (later General George Pattonof WWII fame – who was involved with Pershing in the 1916 Punitive Expedition, but was not in that particular photo. The man so often misidentified as young Patton, was actually the General’s Aide de Camp, Lt. James Lawton Collins, who sometime after WWII also became a Major General himself.). Our new member is not related to General George S. Patton.
Colonel Patton had recently booked one of our long time Advisors, Dr. Roger Miller, former Deputy Historian for the United States Air Force, to speak to his WWII Round Table in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dr. Millermade presentations about both the First Aero Squadron’sinvolvement in the 1916-17 Punitive Expedition, and also the Berlin Airlift. Both topics are specialties of Dr. Miller’s. The former USAF Historian has also authored some well known books on both those episodes of U.S. History.
The above short (only 30 seconds long) video gives you an idea of what’s in store for those lucky enough visitors to our long-time business member’s War Eagles Air Museum (WEAM) this coming April. For only two days, from the 4th through the 6th of that month, the acclaimed Collings Wings of Freedom collection of WWII Warbirds will be giving rides and conducting walk-through tours of the historic aircraft from their famous flying collection. Below is their advertisement for this upcoming nearby event.Below, you will see a short (4:11) video by the Collings Foundation about the “Last Liberator” (B-24 Bomber of WWII). This heavy WWII bomber is the only one still flying, which is remarkable considering the fact that more of these bombers (over 18,000) were produced by the United States than any other military aircraft in our nation’s history. And, almost half of these Liberator’s were produced under contract to Consolidated Aircraft Corporation, the warship’s designer, by the Ford Motor Company. The mother aircraft corporation later became known as CONVAIR (From Consolidated Vultee Aircraft), and was headquartered in San Diego, CA. It became famous for its manufacture of some of the most famous seaplanes of all time, and later entered both the jet airliner field and our NASA Space program, producing the famed Atlas rockets.
By visiting this post’s links to the Collings Foundation’s website, you will be able to actually see short videos of what a ride is like in each of their touring WWII Warbirds.
The “Wings of Freedom Tour” has two goals: to honor the sacrifices made by our veterans that allow us to enjoy our present freedom; and to help educate the visitors, especially younger Americans, about our national history and heritage. All comparable goals to those of the First Aero Squadron Foundation’s own mission. The Collings Foundation encourages people to tour the planes, talk to the veterans who come to visit the aircraft, and participate in a “flight experience”. Celebrating 26 years, the tour has made more than 3,000 visits to airports across the contiguous United States and to Alaska. While the exact number of visitors is difficult to gauge, it is estimated that over 3.5 million people see these fully restored historic aircraft annually.
Thanks to our Aviation News Scout Jerry Dixon and SpaceX for this latest news release.
Following its first test launch, Falcon Heavy is now the most powerful operational rocket in the world by a factor of two. With the ability to lift into orbit nearly 64 metric tons (141,000 lb)—a mass greater than a 737 jetliner loaded with passengers, crew, luggage and fuel–Falcon Heavy can lift more than twice the payload of the next closest operational vehicle, the Delta IV Heavy, at one-third the cost.
Falcon Heavy draws upon the proven heritage and reliability of Falcon 9. Its first stage is composed of three Falcon 9 nine-engine cores whose 27 Merlin engines together generate more than 5 million pounds of thrust at liftoff, equal to approximately eighteen 747 aircraft. Only the Saturn V moon rocket, last flown in 1973, delivered more payload to orbit. Falcon Heavy was designed from the outset to carry humans into space and restores the possibility of flying missions with crew to the Moon or Mars.
The above launch video is 34:18 in length, so if you don’t have the time to watch the entire film, simply fast forward to about 21:00 minutes so see the actual lift off itself. Notice the innovative way that the rockets are saved for further deployments by returning them safely back to earth on their own landing pads right at Cape Canaveral. We are clearly now beginning to bear witness to the great cost savings to the taxpayers achieved by permitting private industry to compete – and run – these heretofore exclusively government run operations.
Just over twenty EAA Chapter 1570 members, many of whom are also active FASF members, Flew and drove over to Columbus from the El Paso, TX area to take part in their Chapter’s first ever group Fly-Out. Those who drove to Columbus served as shuttle drivers for those who flew over and their passengers.
FASF Members, Mike Florey and John Keithly, who is the 1570 Chapter’s President, supplied mobile radio gear so that air and ground traffic could be easily coordinated. Mike even converted his ATV into a “Follow-Me” cart, and proceeded to guide each incoming plane to its parking space. Several FASF members, who are also homeowners at the Airpark, graciously offered their extra hangar space to those who arrived first.
Some of the below are photographs taken by Mike Floreyand Bob Wright. Bob also even shot some novel airborne video footage of the group’s activities using his special camera equipped Drone. This was stitched together with some ground video footage to make the below 5:50 long video, which shows some of the tour’s highlights.
The actual footage in the above video is only about 5:50 in length, while the remainder is devoted to the film’s credits.
The weather cooperated for this first Fly-Out adventure for the Chapter aviators. While they all encountered a cross-wind, it was not serious enough to create any problems. The Fly-In visitors enjoyed meeting the Mayor of Columbus, Philip Skinner, who gave them a warm welcome, and informed everyone about what is happening in the small border town and the Village’s plans for the future. Then the group drove to the historic 1st Aero Squadron’s famous 1916 Airfield, to witness first-hand where American Airpower was launched and where the American Civil Aviation Industry was re-born. The group also visited the Columbus Historical Society’s popular “Depot Museum” and then the also famous Pancho Villa State Park. Both these sites are dedicated the the historic events surrounding the infamous raid on the sleeping town back in March 9, 1916, in which Pancho Villa’s revolutionaries killed 19 Americans and set the town ablaze.
– Remember to click on any photo below to see it full size and in high resolution. –
Mike Florey, on “Follow-Me” ATV leads just landed Judge Alex Gonzales to a parking place. Photo by Bob Wright
Cessna 172 parked in hangar. Photo by Mike Florey.
Juan Brito’s Cessna parked in another hangar. Photo by Mike Florey.
Dr. Pedro Blandon’s Beechcraft Debonair at tie down. Photo by Mike Florey.
Columbus Mayor Philip Skinner(center in black) welcomes visitors to Columbus. Photo by Bob Wright.
Mayor Skinnergreets Jim Foster at right, and (L ro R) John Keithlyand Jerry Dixon.
Mayor Skinner welcomes Juan Brito while (L to R) at rear are Jim Foster and John Signorino.
Mayor Skinnerwelcomes Judge Alex Gonzalez as John Signorino and Juan Brito look on.
Akemi Robinson looks out from behind barrier inside the historic old 1916 Columbus Jailhouse, across the street from the Mayor’s Los Milagros Hotel.Photo by Bob Wright.
Akemi’s husband, Mike Robinson also poses inside the historic 1916 Columbus Jail. Photo by Bob Wright.
Mayor Skinner, at right in black with white cap, wishes the group an enjoyable tour of Columbus.
L to R: Jim Foster,Kathy Whelen, Jerry Dixonand Mike Robinson exploring the old US Airways Marker Arrow and the numerous foundation blocks remaining from the old Columbus Municipal Airport’s CAA Buildings . . .
L to R: Above. at the old 1920’s Airway Arrow are Judge Gonzalez, Jack Roulet, John Keithlyand John Signorino.
Cavalcade of vehicles readies to leave for the Depot Museum and the famous Palomas, Mexico,Pink Store,a proud business supporter of the First Aero Squadron Foundation.
Inside Depot Museum with (L to R): Melinda Signorino, Jerry Dixon, Lewis Lawrence, Juan Brito and John Keithly.
Columbus’ official historian and President of the Columbus Historical Society (which operates both the Depot Museum and the surrounding properties),Richard Dean (L) presented a brief history of the infamous raid and its consequences to the EAA/FASF visitors. At right isMelissa Keithly. Mr. Dean’s great-grandfather was one of those civilians murdered by the Villista raiders during the infamous raid in 1916. He had owned a local mercantile company.
After their visit to the Depot Museum, the group crossed the border to have lunch at Palomas, Mexico’sPink Store where they were entertained by a talented local Mariachi band and had the pleasure of personally meeting the store’s creators and owners, Sergio and Ivonne Romero (see photo of Ivonne below), who also have a home in El Paso, Texas.
Ivonne Romero posing among a few of the thousands of unique works of art she keeps on hand for sale to her International clientele. Ms. Romero regularly travels throughout her homeland to find gifted artisans in order to keep her Pink Store inventory like that of no other similar outlet. The Romerosalso own a store in Silver City, New Mexico.
Above are (L to R): Mike Robinson, Melissaand John Keithly,and Ralph Navar.
A special table was arranged by the Romeros for the group of aviators – and here they are contemplating their menus.
Pancho Villa State Park – FAS Jenny to upper left is studied by John Signorino.Judge Gonzalez and Jack Roulet to the right.
Inside Mike Florey’s Airpark hangar, before departing, (L to R) John Keithlyexplains to John Signorino the features of his airplane . . .
The end of a festive day in Columbus and Puerto Palomas, Mexico, sees the last plane, Dr. Blandon’s Debonair, take off for home.
The resurrection of the previously obscured Airway Marker Arrow took a lot of hard work, but it was finally completed by long time Columbus FASF Members, Sheila Bjeletich,Don Farber, Mario Escudero, Gordon Taylor, Mike Florey, Airfield Security Chief, Bob Wright, and all the way from Las Cruces, esteemed FASF Airfield Site Chairman, the one and only, Bill Madden.Bill’sAirfield Archeological Team is the one that has labored more than four years to locate the 1916 flight line’s precise position and orientation on the 1916 Airfield.
Below are some of the videos and still photographs taken by the FASF’s Videographer, Bob Wright, FASF Official Photographer, Mike Florey, and volunteer photographer, Sheila Bjeletich.This entire project ran through two months and took many days of labor on the site.
All the below photos may be seen in high resolution and full-size by clicking on them.
1st Aero Squadron’s Airfield Sign facing Highway 9 in Columbus.
The above short (2:21) drone video was taken during one of the volunteer work days by Airfield Security Chief, Bob Wright.At the bottom of this page’s post, you will find a longer (8:16) video taken during work days – on the ground – by Ric Lambart.
Volunteer Workers take a break. L to R: Mario Escudero, Sheila Bjeletich (Project Manager), Bob Wright (Airfield Security Chief and Drone Operator), Bill Madden (Aerodrome Site Chairman), and FASF Photographer, Mike Florey. Photo by Ric Lambart.
Photo of fully restored US Airmail Route CAA (now the FAA) Airway Marker and Power Shed at Grants-Milan Airport, NM. This familiar looking restoration was identified for us by Steve Owen, long time FASF member, who was part of the restoration team that accomplished the task you see in the above photo. Milan is near Grants, NM and they are both West of Albuquerque, NM. The impressive restoration project was organized and completed by the CCHS (Cibola County Historical Society). Steve has given our own group a lot us useful advice.
Full description of the typical Airmail Route Beacon and Airway Marker Arrow
Volunteer and Columbus City Councilman, Don Farber, discussing project with Sheila Bjeletich.
Sheilacutting Mesquite branches away from Airway Marker Arrow with loppers.
Ric Lambart pitching Mesquite cuttings into truck for removal from site. Photo by Sheila.
L to R: Don Farberchats with Ric Lambartduring break . . . Photo by Sheila.
Don Farberand Sheila Bjeletich proudly pose by 1st truckload of Mesquite cuttings.
On another work day, Mike Florey (L) is seen talking with Bob Wright(R).
Sheila walks from one part of project to another part of cleanup and artifact discovery enterprise.
Sheilainvestigating the Mesquite overgrowth around some of the old “COLAIR” (Columbus Airport’s Name after WWII) landing field border markers, which still remain on the Airfield, but which will also need a great deal of cleanup work during their restoration.
L to R above: Bill Madden working on his computer Airfield application in Mike Florey’s hangar, while Mike(at rear) talks with Bob Wright.
Mikephotograph’s Ric shooting video of the work in progress.
L to R: RicLambart and Bill Madden, watching Sheila Bjeletichdig up some old COLAIR artifacts. Photo by Mike.
View of the now mostly uncovered US Airmail Directional Arrow. Photo by Mike.
Mike’s closeup shot of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey (USCGS) official seal/marker embedded in the concrete arrow.
Close up photo by Mike of one of the many old concrete building foundation pads.
Mike’s photo of Bob Wright’sDrone in flight over Airfield.
L to R above: Bill Madden,Sheila Bjeletich and Gordon Taylor. On any given work day there might be different volunteers doing the work . . . Photo by Mike.
Bill Madden holds together two shards of the heavy glass lens that was once mounted in the Airway Beacon. Photo by Mike.
Sheilaalso found a number of the Beacon Light’s heavy glass lens fragments. Photo by Mike.
L to R: Sheila, Mario Escuderoand Gordon Taylor surveying the next area that will need clearing. Mike’sphoto.
L to R above: Bob Wright, Bill Madden, Gordon Taylor, Sheila Bjeletich, Ric Lambart, and Mario Escudero. Photo by Mike.
High altitude photo showing the Airway Marker Arrow (green arrow points to it), which is how it appeared before it was cleaned up and fully revealed as the result of this work project The main East-West Runway is at bottom of shot.
The above photo was taken by the couple, Pauland Charlotte Smith, who are behind the fascinating website entitled, “Arrows Across America.” Their site explains – and shows – how these arrows were used for navigation by the Contract Air Mail Pilots from 1927 until many of them dismantled. Visit their informative site (it’s preceding title is a link to their website) to learn more about the relatively brief period in time, before WWII, when the early airmail pilots used these concrete arrows to find their way to their next destination along their route. We thank the Smithsfor permission to use this photo.
The above (8:16) video, taken by Ric Lambart, was made during work sessions on this Cleanup Project.
Don Farberusing his unusual non-toxic technique for killing the deeply rooted old Mesquite stumps. He uses only a set of homemade Copper nails, which he drives into the remaining Mesquite stumps.
