Yes, it was a memorable 4 day flight. These ladies were great listeners and very supportive. However, Kadena was not able to resupply the galley but the crew got a lot of junk food to hold us over till we got to Tokyo where we were off-loaded again and the plane was serviced. Tigers flew 176 missions to Phnom Penh providing 17 million pounds of rice to the besieged city. On this last leg, the passengers are much more somber and thinking ahead to their landing in the war zone. After airline deregulation, stiff competition buffeted profits and, with some unsuccessful diversification attempts by parent Tiger International, the airline began sustaining losses in 1981. I just stood there in my bedroom looking out the window for a very long time,saying to myself Did that really happen??? This Is Your Captain by Reyne OShaughnessy, Flying Tiger Memories by Guy Van Herbruggen & Charles Kennedy, Tiger 747 by Guy Van Herbruggen/Charles Kennedy, DC-8 & The Flying Tiger Line by Guy Van Herbruggen & Charles Kennedy. After spending 1968 with 3RD MARDIV, came home aboard a luxurious Braniff 707. A little over an hour later, it was expected to reach the coordinates of 140N 1350E. We all wanted to get home, but wondered if this old crate could get us there. Not only told to leave, but not to come back. Free shipping for many products! WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for FLYING TIGERS Douglas DC-8 -Aviation Postcard Airlines-WGA-927 at the best online prices at eBay! Web978 views 8 months ago Andee Wright served as a flight attendant with Flying Tiger Line from 1967 to 1978. She then asked me Why of all the Corpsmen/servicemen on this plane was I the only one that didnt ask for her address and telephone number? I told her that (1. I went back and was thumbing through all of the books there trying to find something that would keep me preoccupied from thinking about Viet Nam. Ardith, I know we GIs werent always gentlemen, but thank you so very much for all that you and your sister attendants did for us on our flights too and from that hell hole of a war in SAE. Flying Tiger Line was ramping up operations in Vietnam, too, and its believed maintenance standards dropped as a result of increased demand. WebThe Flying Tiger Line Incorporated. In the 1980's, the B747-200F series was introduced to the fleet. A true airfreighted with a unique swing-tail design, the CL-44 permitted the straight-in loading of freight no other plane could carry. If not for you, the World would be much worse off. As Captain Dwight Small, a pilot for Flying Tiger Line, recalls, It was pretty hairy, especially in the early days. And after the fall of Saigon in 1975, when the war ended, they remained connected. That same year, ground-breaking ceremonies took place for the companys World Headquarters at Los Angeles International Airport. Expansion Imitation lets you catch up to the guy ahead, but never lets you pass." Like you were going to hang around. What I do remember is that the plane had a very unpleasant odor and the food was cold. Its such a part of history, and our own personal history.. On December 15, 1965, Flying Tiger Line Flight 914, an L-1049H Super Constellation (N6914C), struck California Peak after the pilot became disorientated in IFR conditions, killing the three crew. It also operated military contract services, most notably DC-8 routes between Travis Air Force Base, California and Japan in the 1970s, followed by weekly 747 passenger service between Clark Air Base, Philippines, and St. Louis, Missouri via Japan, Alaska, and Los Angeles during the 1980s. It truly was a great feeling being headed home. Great article, spot on! In August 87, the newly re-engined DC8-73DF freighter came online with the Tiger fleet of B-747s and B-727s. It brought back a lot of memories. There was more to this exciting excursion. Dont remember who flew me over my second trip in Dec. 71. My most vivid memory is of the landing approach into Bien Hoa Airport. A FLY-IN COMMUNITY! Approximately 998 pilots worked for the airline based throughout the US. Federal Express (FM / FDX) Base / Main Hub. War touches more people than the veterans who fought in it. Covert flights for the military were not uncommon throughout the airline's history, given its roots in Civil Air Transport (CAT), as with its sister airline Air America, originally owned by General Claire Lee Chennault, commander of the Flying Tigers fighter squadron in Southeast Asia. On March 15, 1962, Flying Tiger Line Flight 7816/14, an L-1049H Super Constellation (N6911C), crashed on approach to Adak Island Naval Air Station, Alaska due to pilot error, killing one of eight on board. I had read everything in sight that was in the pocket of the seat in front of me. Nonetheless, it reached Guam as planned on March 15th. Others slept for hours, exhausted and often traumatized from their experiences in Vietnam. Leslie Pfeifer served aboard Flying Tiger Line from 1967 to 1970, making 75 return flights to South Vietnam. thank you. Piloted by the novice American Volunteer Group, who were from all branches of the military and civilians, these men provided military support to the Republic of China in their defense against the Japanese invasion between 1941-1942. The Swingtails were so nicknamed because their tails literally swung away from the aircraft for loading. Contact Thank you to all who came out to join us for our BBQ Fly-in! For some the experience changed their political beliefs, although they tried to keep politics off the plane. I too was older at 25 and remember them well. However, despite an eight-day search covering hundreds of thousands of square miles of the Pacific Ocean, no trace of the aircraft or its 107 occupants could ever be found. They were thrown together all the time on the planes, in Saigon hotels sipping cocktails and at officers clubs on overseas military bases, where guys bought them drinks. In 1984 the DC-8-63s were phased out as a result of Federal noise regulations that went into effect that year. It brought back memories from 68. In the years during and after World War II, military veterans were given special preference to purchase or lease government surplus aircraft. Its ultimate destination was the Vietnamese city of Saigon, to which it was transporting 96 soldiers. It was really a struggle to decide what was right or what was wrong, said Okicich. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. The aircraft was operating a MATS charter flight from Gander to Frankfurt. LOTS FOR SALE! This allowed for more extensive geographic capability and cargo capacity. Feb.3-8, 1968. merging Ocean and Sky. What was the worst work detail you pulled in Vietnam? Travel the world, the ad said. Flying Tigers sponsored the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia and transported equipment for the games. What aviation news will you check out next? WebAs Flying Tiger Line flight attendant Andee Wright recalled, There was no special training by the airlines or the military about how to handle it. Leslie Pfeifer served aboard Flying Tiger Line from 1967 to 1970, making 75 return flights to South Vietnam. In April of 1949, after a four-year battle, the company was awarded CAB (Civil Aeronautics Board now FAA) certification and established the FIRST ALL-CARGO Scheduled Route 100 from Los Angeles to Boston with points in between. I extended in Vietnam so that I could get out early. [5] For the next four years, Flying Tiger Line carried air freight on contract throughout the U.S. and, as the airline expanded, carrying supplies to U.S. troops under Gen. Douglas MacArthur during the occupation of Japan.[5]. Flying Tigers continued to fly military troops and cargo into Vietnam during the war years. Freedom Bird. Tigers suddenly needed bodies to work those long overseas flights, and when it put out calls for flight attendants, adventurous women answered. Remember the illumination flares as we were coming in on final as the sun had not come up yet. When we got ready to land at Bien Hoa airbase the pilot said there would be a slight delay because they were shelling the airfield. I remember the Tiger flights and their wonderful crews. The company said it needed flight attendants. I think i was numb, both ways. Sources: ATDB.aero, Aviation Safety Network, The Free Lance-Star. THe girls (attendants) were great cant saw much for the people of California . The first two of these saw delays due to engine maintenance having to be carried out. As Flying Tiger Line flight attendant Andee Wright recalled, There was no special training by the airlines or the military about how to handle it. She had no idea what the job entailed until she arrived for the interview and a man with the airline asked what she thought of the war. WebFlying Tiger: With Ron Ng, Lee Pace, Jamie B. The estimated duration of its westbound flight to the Philippines was reportedly around eight hours, although the aircraft had enough fuel onboard to fly for another hour on top of that. Touching essay. In the Vietnam airlift, Flying Tigers provided strategic flights from the US to numerous military bases throughout the Pacific and Southeast Asia geographic region. In 1975, the airline published the Airfreight Guide for Hazardous Materials, and quickly became a leader in the education and transportation of dangerous goods throughout the world. Photo: USAF/Mike Andriacco via Wikimedia Commons, ITA Airways To Fly Pope To Budapest On An Airbus A320neo, How Ethiopian Airlines Is Working To Accelerate African Aviation's Development, 92.8%: Scoot Posts Its Highest Ever Load Factor In March 2023. With only six thousand employees around the world, the Flying Tiger Line carried cargo and people to all corners of the planet. The Flying Tiger Line then put in orders for brand new Boeing 747-200F freighters designated the Boeing 747-249F, which at the time were among the heaviest commercial airplanes flying, weighing in at 823,000 pounds (373,000kg). I went to Nam not on a Flying Tiger plane, and made it back home in one piece with no PTSD, only a parasite from the veggies. WebFlying Tiger Line adopted the Canadair CL-44 swing-tail aircraft in 1961, becoming one of the first carriers in the world to offer aerial pallet shipping service. On December 16, 1988, Federal Express announced their cash tender offer for the purchase of Flying Tigers. On October 11, 1983, Flying Tiger Line Flight 9014, a Boeing 747 (N806FT), ran off the runway at Frankfurt International Airport after a cargo pallet broke loose; the three crew and three passengers survived; the aircraft was substantially damaged, but was repaired and returned to service. Thank you for writing this story, it was way overdue. The young men on the way over were full of Bravado and Spirit, and many on the return trip were just grateful to finally be going home and overcome with gratitude about leaving that hell hole in one piece. My return flight in 72 was on Flying Tigers that started out with engine problems on the ramp in Tan Son Nhut. Not sure if the change in mood was due to smoked joints and beer, but it sure didnt hurt any. After an almost three hour delay, the airplane is back in the air and en-route to our final destination Vietnam. It supplied and supported covert operations in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, including providing support for drug smuggling in Laos. I believe it helped to constantly stay connected with the world and the amazing young ladies that always had a smile and a kind word for the troops regardless of rank or service branch. The picture below shows a full plane of troops heading to Vietnam on a Flying Tiger Flight. The training had little to do with hospitality, focusing instead on emergency procedures, like how to ditch a plane after a crash or what to do if the plane drew gunfire. Flying Tigers continued to fly military troops and cargo into Vietnam during the war years. Trying to get your brain from calming down from a surreal experience in RVN and then refocusing your mind on being back home was a strange experience! Flying Tigers already had terminals at San Francisco, Burbank, San Diego, Chicago, Cleveland and Newark. (1949 - 1961), C-54 Gen. -- The C-54, first of the four--engine air freighters, was used by Flying Tigers in the largest, longest airlift ever flown by a private contractor -- supplying the American Occupation Forces in Japan. I was a nurse in Namso I can appreciate their service. The aircraft carried additional fuel in two additional tanks installed in the main cabin.[12]. At the time of its sale to FedEx, Flying Tigers were operating the following aircraft: More details of the following can be found at the ASN Aviation Safety Database[13]. Great article; Thanks. I was a Flying Tiger Flight Attendant for 5 years, and those many experiences flying into Tan Son Nhut. Thank you Flying Tiger! Wonderful memories. We relied on each other and the soldiers to manage. These women allayed the fears of soldiers heading to war and offered support and reassurance to those headed home. C-47-Flying Tiger relied heavily on the Douglas C-47, the cargo version of the famed DC-3. Flying Tigers continued to fly military troops and cargo into Vietnam during the war years. By the mid-1980s, Flying Tigers operated scheduled cargo service to six continents and served 58 countries. Know now that I was stunned , medical shock, at suddenly the war down below, behind me , was gone. WebThe Flying Tiger Line Incorporated. The company said it needed flight attendants. Flew out going from Ft. Lewis, Washington 1970, came home through Oakland Par 8th, 1971. The aircraft was operating a Military Air Transport Service (MATS) cargo flight from Travis AFB to Kadena Air Base. Some years ago I made contact with one of those stewardesses and found out about their reunions. The men were superstitious that the plane would crash it would be just their luck to die in a dumb accident on the verge of getting home. It was never seen or heard from again, despite an extensive search operation. I remember well my Flying Tiger trips. A mysterious gang, The Black Snake Gang, is rising throughout the world. ATDB.aero shows that it spent most of its career at Flying Tiger Line, but did also serve Lufthansa on a leased basis. These women allayed the fears of soldiers heading to war and offered support and reassurance to those headed home. Flying Tiger aircraft were getting old and worn, but their flight attendants were still top notch. Stay informed: Sign up for our daily and weekly aviation news digests. Flying Tiger Line adopted the Canadair CL-44 swing-tail aircraft in 1961, becoming one of the first carriers in the world to offer aerial pallet shipping service. I know there were bad times but your article brought back memories I forgot I had. I very much enjoyed it and had no idea that those very attractive young ladies felt that way about us. The new Flying Tiger airline had its own military role; carrying cargo and troops back and forth to the war in Vietnam. Arrived Travis in daylight and was struck by the absence of bomb craters from my aerial view. Looking back, I owe them my deep thanks for doing their job so splendidly despite the emotional roller-coaster they must have been on. I was lucky enough to have regular contact with the flight crews as they came and went in and out of Tan San Nhut AB . But the flight attendants realized that many were understandably scared. I flew over to Vietnam out of Travis October 3, 1970 on Airlift International. In 1969, during the Vietnam War, a 21-year-old Seattle woman saw a job ad for a California cargo airline called the Flying Tiger Line that had a large presence in San Francisco. In 1969, during the Vietnam War, a 21-year-old Seattle woman saw a job ad for a California cargo airline called the Flying Tiger Line that had a large presence in San Francisco. Ardith (Vignati) Willner After 1970, scheduled commercial service, much of which consisted of Asian imports, rapidly overtook military related contracts as the company's primary source of income. By this time the airline's personnel had gained such expertise in shipping challenging pieces of freight that the attitude in the industry was, "if Tigers can't move it, nobody can." Few understood the emotional demands they would face. Thanks to all of you that attempted to make our journies more comfortable. I was 24, Breen recalled. As the war worsened, and the airline continued hauling scared young men into Vietnam and bringing broken men out, the Flying Tigers crews found themselves wrestling with anger, confusion and sadness. They became known for carrying a number of unique cargoes, including Shamu the SeaWorld killer whale and the torch of the Statue of Liberty. As in Korea, these flights carried both cargo as well as military personnel and their dependents. Carrying 32,000 pounds of cargo at 275 miles per hour with a 2,000 mile range, the DC-6A carried more, cheaper and faster than any other aircraft flying at the time. Early in 1961, the first of the Canadair CL-44 all-cargo aircraft joined the flying Tiger Fleet. On March 6, 1967, Flying Tigers first DC8-63F aircraft arrived. These laddies were tops, in my book. one of conscious unease. Breen wanted to travel and supported the war she believed then that it was about fighting communism and after she saw a Flying Tigers want ad in The Chronicle, she soon found herself in flight attendant school, wearing the Tigers uniform of a grayish-blue skirt suit with black pumps and white gloves. Very interesting. On this last leg, the passengers are much more somber and thinking ahead to their landing in the war zone. But the womens bond outlasted the death of the airline that brought them together. We relied on each other and the soldiers to manage.. (1946-1951), C-46 Gen. -- The Curtis C-46 "Commando" that Flying Tigers flew on supply missions over the Hump during World War II came home for civilian duty, joining Flying Tigers' fleet in 1949. They were cordial but standoffish. Operated primarily on transpacific military contract routes, the planes carried 73,000 pounds of freight at 550 miles per hour over a 3,000 range. Carrying 50% more cargo than the DC-4 and carrying it 70 miles per hour faster, the company's gross revenues quickly reached the $25-million mark in 1953. That motto lasted until the airline was taken over by Federal Express in the late 1980's. Hengi, Midland Publishing, List of defunct airlines of the United States. Why Were Vietnam War Vets Treated Poorly When TheyReturned? Thank you for taking care of us. They were long, boisterous flights full of bravado and joking the men going off to war were trying to psych themselves up. Despite her personal beliefs, Foster reasoned that nobody needed better care than men heading to a war or coming back from one, and she decided to sign on. The airline also played a major role in the construction of the Distant Early Warning Line, flying equipment to remote outposts in northern Canada and Alaska. It hooked up with the Pentagon to carry troops during the Korean War, and by the mid-1960s the airline was flying tens of thousands of soldiers into Vietnam at a time before the U.S. public was paying much attention to the conflict unfolding there. between heaven and hell. At its peak, the Tigers employed approximately 251 flight attendants and carried up to a record 594 passengers and crew on its MAC all-coach passenger flights. From 1979 to 1980 the Flying Tiger Line passed Pan Am to become the world's number one air cargo carrier. Web346 views 9 months ago. 1969 A major milestone year. Mr. Fagones article is very touching and reminds us that many more people than just we former service men and women are veterans of the Vietnam War. It was the first time I was truly surrounded around military men, and I was overwhelmed by their commitment and belief in their mission. Wish I still knew a few of these darlings. Eleven members of the AVE joined Prescott and formed the National Skyways Freight Corp. Having climbed to a cruising altitude of 18,000 feet, the aircraft reported its position as being 1340N 1400E just under an hour and a half into the flight. On March 6, 1967, Flying Tigers first DC8-63F aircraft arrived. I was Infantry so I knew I had reason to be worried, but these ladies put us all at ease, as much as was possible .. one of the truly great memories Im thankful to have .. We went out to the airstripvery early in the morning in a vehicle. Photo: The aircraft departed from Andersen AFB in Guam before disappearing over the Western Pacific Ocean. (1947 -- 1957), The acquisition of seven DC-6s represented the largest single purchase the airline industry had ever seen. This is what I wrote when I had set up my home page on geocities which is now archived: WebAir America was an American passenger and cargo airline established in 1946 and covertly owned and operated by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1950 to 1976. I sat on the left side isle with a window seat just to the rear edge of the left wing. Her sentiments are echoed by Judy Meyer, who flew for United Air Lines, It was some of the best flying I ever did. Although these women were an integral part of the Vietnam War experience, their contributions are largely unknown outside of the veteran community. On October 25, 1983, Flying Tiger Line Flight 2468, a Douglas DC-8 (N797FT), ran off the runway at NAS Norfolk due to crew and ATC errors; all five on board survived; the aircraft was substantially damaged but was repaired and returned to service. Aircraft loaders had earlier refused to work at the extreme 30 feet (9m) height necessary for loading freight on the upper deck, so the "supernumerary area" or "hump" was configured with 19 first class seats instead which were used to transport livestock handlers, charter agents and mechanics as well as dead-heading pilots and flight attendants. Shamu the whale took a first ride on Flying Tigers. But some homeward-bound passengers were belligerent, unpredictable. Because they were young and energetic, they could work a 5-hour flight from Japan to Vietnam, spend an hour on the ground, turn around and fly 5 hours back to Japan, then take a quick shower and then go out dancing at a go-go club. A keen amateur photographer, he also recently reached the milestone of flying his 100th sector as a passenger. (LogOut/ In 1965, the company received two Boeing 707-320C freighters and became part of the jet age. Thank you all. And this aricle brought back many memories, both sad & scared, and delighted and full of joy! United States. As in Korea, these flights carried both cargo as well as military personnel and their dependents. The C-47 could fly 7,500 pounds of cargo over a range of 600 miles at 150 miles per hour. Great article and I do so remember that flight and not having even an idea what was waiting for me .. Airline Founded. We relied on each other and the soldiers to manage.. The first of the "stretched" airfreights, it carried a payload of 110,000 pounds at 550 miles per hour over a 3,000 mile range. Flying Tiger Attendant The company had a contract to fly U.S. servicemen into Vietnam and to bring troops home after their tours were complete. a version of Purgatory, We began to realize OK, these guys are going off to die, Breen recalled. In transit to Viet Nam via Alaska, Japan and Okinawa. Search and rescue operations began promptly, catalyzed by a Liberian tanker ship's reported sighting of an explosion around the time of the plane's disappearance. Travel the world, the ad said. Thanks! Such as, I didnt know if I was going to make it back and not wanting to think about that. After a dangerous heist of a mysterious device from the FBI, the HKPD assigns Ko Ka Chun, to save Hong Kong from the imminent threat from the Black Snake Gang. During the last minutes of each flight, the women remember, the cabin would become eerily quiet. What were the life expectancies of soldiers during the Vietnam War? Really hurt thinking about that after I was out in the field for a couple of weeks on c-rations. Those ladies had a very important part in the war and they are to be commended for their service. This was a great story. Thats funny. Vietnam-era airline crews carry memories of the men they flew to, fromwar, Videos, Film, Music, and Movies about VN War, Author interview War & Life: Discussions with a Veteran, A Chat Between Three Veterans [live video with author], Lest We Forget Meet the Authors & Book Signing April 4th: Cherries and Donut Dolly, Interview with author John Podlaski in Examiner Magazine, American Heroes Radio interviews author of Cherries A Vietnam War Novel, Cherries Author Interviewed on British Website, U.K. Blogspot posts interviews author, John Podlaski, More Book Reviews and author interviews about Cherries, Southern Californian Remembers Life as a Pan Am Stewardess in Vietnam CherriesWriter Vietnam War website, Southern Californian Remembers Life as a Pan Am Stewardess inVietnam. Million pounds of cargo over a 3,000 range, although they tried to keep off! Know if I was a nurse in Namso I can appreciate their service tender offer for the games this! 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