It is a running account of life in ATA-delivering all military
aircraft used by the Allies in World War 2. Foul weather was our
greatest enemy-with solid cloud often up to 20,000 feet thick. Even
though many of us had some instrument training, each aircraft type had
its own characteristics in cloud flying, and very often the pilot ended
up in GoldersÕ Green Crematorium, London, or in a rural Royal Air Force
churchyardÑwith no viewing possible. I soloed many different aircraft at
the school in Maidenhead, posted to many different Ferry PoolsÑlearning
the geography, and also enjoying the historic sights of the DruidÕs
Circle, the castles of Scotland and northern England. I later qualified
on twin-engined aircraft and became a Second OfficerÑready to go on to
become a First OfficerÑafter passing through the school once again to
fly the Wellington (ÒWimpyÓ) and the Blenheim. However, my training was
interrupted by a trip on leave home in 1943 with the USA Army 8th Air
Force, and I finally came home for good (in one piece!), on the QE2 in
late December, (Christmas Eve) 1943, to take up test flying and soaring.
In this story, a disciple from the Man Above was sent down, as penance, to correct/reform a certain individual. However, he was met with extreme difficulties in his efforts, and was heard to remark - "there must be an easier way to become an Angel First Class." However, I too, at 92, am "looking" for an Angel First Class.
Due to our recent cost- savings program, we are now able to reduce the price of
Old Pilots Never Die - They Just Fly Away to $20.15.
I was born in Los Angeles, California on January 7, 1915. Dad took us east to
New Jersey when I was three where I attended schools and Rutgers University - also Penn State, later graduating from Rutgers under the G.I. Bill of Rights. After being turned down by the USAAF, U/S. Navy and the RDAF, and having completed the Civilian Pilot Training course at Somerset Airport an RAF Flying School in Bermuda. I applied there- was accepted in December. After completing the RAF course in Bermuda, I was seconded to the RAFFC, in Greenock, Scotland, in April 1942, and my flying career was launched. However, at 27, I failed another physical in London, and after several months of waiting, to be clearedÑstarted to fly for ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary) In July 1942, where I served until December 31, 1943