WebThe Flying Tiger Line Incorporated. A FLY-IN COMMUNITY! As in Korea, these flights carried both cargo as well as military personnel and their dependents. During a ceremony at the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the women, many now in their 70s, will also mark the disappearance of Flying Tigers Flight 739, which vanished over the Pacific in 1962 along with 107 passengers and crew, including four flight attendants. In 1965, Flying Tiger Line began operating jet aircraft when on September, 27, the first (as N322F) of four Boeing 707 was delivered. I remember well my Flying Tiger trips. There was more to this exciting excursion. Leslie Pfeifer served aboard Flying Tiger Line from 1967 to 1970, making 75 return flights to South Vietnam. The picture below shows a full plane of troops heading to Vietnam on a Flying Tiger Flight. They saw so much in those soldiers eyes and dealt with some truly emotional issues. We of course did not get his and flew on to Bangkok where we transferred to a military aircraft and flew down to U-T a B-52 base. 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. Flying Tigers continued to fly military troops and cargo into Vietnam during the war years. I would have been on Flying Tigers returning to the states. The C-46s flew the domestic operation while the C-54s remained in overseas charter service. The flight attendants, although very young themselves, couldnt believe how young the troops were just 17 and 18 in some cases. Great article with great info, I remember in 1968 when I went. Country. During 1949, the C-47s were replaced with the C-46s, which had a higher payload and longer range. And he said, Well, can you put all that aside when youre on the airplane and taking care of these boys? Foster recalled. As the company grew and matured, founder and CEO Robert Prescott did also, both in his younger days as an AVG pilot and later in the role of President of the Flying Tiger Line. JW, beautiful poem. Contact Thank you to all who came out to join us for our BBQ Fly-in! Thank you Flight Attendants! Not one of us said a word. "Airlines Remembered" by B.I. In addition to the emotional impact, the flight attendants risked physical harm while flying to military bases in an active combat zone. 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! Eleven members of the AVE joined Prescott and formed the National Skyways Freight Corp. 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. WebThe Flying Tigers Boeing 707 POLECAT established speed and distance records on its pole-to-pole flight around the world. Did it really happen to me ?????!!! 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. I just stood there in my bedroom looking out the window for a very long time,saying to myself Did that really happen??? On this last leg, the passengers are much more somber and thinking ahead to their landing in the war zone. My return flight was one of those that cheered as we lifted off. Unfortunately for me I returned in a Medevac flight from Japan Yokosuka Naval Hospital. Know now that I was stunned , medical shock, at suddenly the war down below, behind me , was gone. My return flight in 72 was on Flying Tigers that started out with engine problems on the ramp in Tan Son Nhut. I came back on a USAF flight as I was in a 1-1/2 hip spika cast they called it. WebFlying Tiger Airport: Home Real Estate About Things to do FAQ's FAA Info. What were the life expectancies of soldiers during the Vietnam War? Flying Tiger Line flight 739 was a multi-leg charter service that originated at Travis Air Force Base in the US state of California. Journalist - A graduate in German, Jake has a passion for aviation history, and enjoys sampling new carriers and aircraft even if doing so demands an unorthodox itinerary. Mel Beers ret first sergeant . Contact Thank you to all who came out to join us for our BBQ Fly-in! Web978 views 8 months ago Andee Wright served as a flight attendant with Flying Tiger Line from 1967 to 1978. Rumbles & Bangs: Japan Airlines Boeing 767-300ER Encounters Engine Failure, Investors Are Now Worried About US Airline Stocks. 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 was one of those Men that you brought back to the World. The plane very quiet, In 1949, the Civil Aeronautics Board awarded Flying Tiger Line the first commercial air cargo route in the U.S., a transcontinental route from Los Angeles and San Francisco, California to Boston, Massachusetts. This represented a significant transition for the Flying Tigers, and paved the road to future success. Two examples were thoroughbred racehorses and show animals from Stansted, England to the Melbourne Cup, as well as breeding stock cattle (milk supply) to nations such as Japan and Thailand. Country. A great story, even made me cry, vaguely remembering the trips each way, to and from Vietnam. All of us silently got on the plane ,each of us finding a seat. Flew over on Military Transport (think it was a 141) The flight was a complete 3 stooges movie MATS had trouble w/plane. Out of rocket range. The airline was bought by Federal Express in 1988. The first full shipment consisted of grapes flown from Bakersfield, California to Atlanta, Georgia. I missed my 21st birthday completely. On March 18, 1956, a Flying Tiger Line Curtiss C-46 (N9995F), crashed at Pelly Bay, Canada after the left wing struck terrain while on a VFR approach, both pilots and the passenger survived, but the aircraft was written off. In the years during and after World War II, military veterans were given special preference to purchase or lease government surplus aircraft. When I went back in 1970 out of McCord it was on World Airlines. The part Ill always remember is the wonderful round eyes that tolerated us nervous troops as we headed for the unknown going both over to Vietnam and returning to the US. The airliners were not just used to bring the soldiers home, but to fly them into the war zone as well. The Flying Tigers Boeing 707 POLECAT established speed and distance records on its pole-to-pole flight around the world. 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. On December 16, 1988, Federal Express announced their cash tender offer for the purchase of Flying Tigers. On September 9, 1958, a Flying Tiger Line. The Flying Tiger Line founder, Robert (Bob) W. Prescott and other young pilots joined General Claire Chennault and the famed Flying Tigers in China during WWII. Established at the end of the Second World War, Flying Tiger Line made history as the first US-based scheduled cargo-carrying airline. . These women allayed the fears of soldiers heading to war and offered support and reassurance to those headed home. 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. I think it is great! 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. 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 know that I should have written to her while I was in Vietnam, but like things go I had more important thoughts on my mind such as surviving and looking out for my men. This allowed for more extensive geographic capability and cargo capacity. And this aricle brought back many memories, both sad & scared, and delighted and full of joy! In 1965, the company received two Boeing 707-320C freighters and became part of the jet age. we sat silently in the darkness almost trying to will ourselves into that jet thru the air. (1953-1958), Constellation Gen. -- The Lockheed Super H Constellation, airlifting 43,000 pounds of freight at 300 miles per hour over a 2,500-miles range, helped Flying Tigers revolutionize the marketing map of the United States with the first nonstop, transcontinental airfreight schedules. Thanks to all of you that attempted to make our journies more comfortable. God Bless you all. Flying Tiger aircraft were getting old and worn, but their flight attendants were still top notch. [7][8], Charter and scheduled passenger operations were flown by their subsidiary, Metro International Airlines, which was formed in January 1981, and ceased operations in 1983, when it was sold to Tower Air. The first all-cargo airline in the country was born on June 25, 1945, based in a two-car garage in Long Beach, California and flying Budd Conestogas. 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. I only wish that I could stand before these wonderful ladies. From the beginning, Prescott had a vision for the company: "We're unique, so let's not imitate. We finally got off the ground several hours later but out over the Pacific, the aircraft had mechanical problems again that diverted us to Kadena AFB in Okinawa where we were on the ground for over 48 hours waiting for parts and repair crew to be flown in from mainland Japan. The women working the cabin on those flights were still known as stewardesses, not flight attendants, and they walked like fashion models down the aisles. War touches more people than the veterans who fought in it. This article was greatdefined exactly how it was when we flew homeI left Vietnam on or about the 5th of January 1968 & Flying Tigers was my carrier! THe girls (attendants) were great cant saw much for the people of California . The airline had its humble beginnings in Long Beach California with the Budd Conestoga, but by 1969 had upgraded its propeller-driven, piston engine fleet to one consisting entirely of jet freighters. Thank you for writing this story, it was way overdue. Flying from Clark AFB to Guam refueling then on to Travis AFB and Home. Very good article. Never again! A mysterious gang, The Black Snake Gang, is rising throughout the world. On Wednesday morning in Sacramento, as many as 30 former flight attendants for the airline are reuniting to honor servicemen killed in the war. My tours were 67 to 68 and 68 to 69, My second tour i was stationed in Saigon , my unit had a small crew break room where the transit crews rested between flights. I never heard of Tiger air until I read this article. 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]. 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. Not only told to leave, but not to come back. The flight attendants learned not to wake them, knowing the men might leap up with a start, imagining they were still back in the war. Flying Tigers received the All-Cargo Route #163 across the Pacific into Asia. In 1984 the DC-8-63s were phased out as a result of Federal noise regulations that went into effect that year. In 1964, the company graduated its first class of flight attendants. 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. Airline Founded. Flying Tiger Line flight 739 was a multi-leg charter service that originated at Travis Air Force Base in the US state of California. 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. I flew over to Vietnam out of Travis October 3, 1970 on Airlift International. Landed in Saigon. Put on the clothing and shoes that I had been wearing befor going to war. These aircraft had the powerful "Q" (Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7Q) engines and heavy landing gear and could simultaneously carry both 250,000 pounds (110,000kg) of fuel and 250,000 pounds (110,000kg) of cargo loaded through both the nose door and the side door at the same time. LOTS FOR SALE! It wasnt my style to go asking every woman that I met to get her address and telephone number, besides I had more important things on my mind. 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. Thank you stewardesses. The new Flying Tiger airline had its own military role; carrying cargo and troops back and forth to the war in Vietnam. one of conscious unease. where we are found aloft Next stop was Yokota Japan. [1] It was headquartered on the grounds of Los Angeles International Airport in Westchester, Los Angeles, California. 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. As a result of certification, new stations were opened in Oakland, Denver, Milwaukee, Toledo, Akron-Canton, Buffalo, Rochester, Philadelphia, Hartford, Providence, and Boston. thank you. The other airlines that that had the contracts to take service men to that war zone in South East Asia was Seaboard World Air lines it was rumored to be own by lady bird Johnson as she was on the Board of directors of Braniff International air ways and that they and Tiger Airlines got those troop movement contracts back in the day; The old boy network was in bed with the men sitting in the white house: Flying Tiger 707 (March 68) from Travis to Anchorage (refuel), on to Okinawa (refuel), and finally to Bien Hoa. Travel the world, the ad said. After an almost three hour delay, the airplane is back in the air and en-route to our final destination Vietnam. I do remember the door opening and it was like a blast furnace! They played cards with the guys, laughed with them. Its ultimate destination was the Vietnamese city of Saigon, to which it was transporting 96 soldiers. By the mid-1980s, Flying Tigers operated scheduled cargo service to six continents and served 58 countries. For the Vietnam generation of U.S. military veterans, this phrase meant only one thing; the aircraft that brought them home at the end of their tours. In April of 75, with the collapse of the South Vietnamese government, Flying Tigers evacuated its own personnel and other refugees from Saigon. Very interesting. As in Korea, these flights carried both cargo as well as military personnel and their dependents. On March 21, 1966, Flying Tiger Line Flight 6303, a, On December 24, 1966, a Flying Tiger Line Canadair CL-44 (N228SW), On February 15, 1979, Flying Tiger Line Flight 74, a. I have grieved for them ever since. Outstanding article! The soldiers onboard were flying there not to fight, but to help train South Vietnamese forces. I know the feelings, having done the flights in 68 & 70. I was a nurse in Namso I can appreciate their service. Great, I had the opportunity to fly w/those ladies one great experience,,! 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. The aircraft carried additional fuel in two additional tanks installed in the main cabin.[12]. Flying Tiger was my airline of choice. This was a great story. Many of the women continued to fly, either with Tigers or other airlines; more than a few married Tigers pilots and started families. A fine bunch of people. Ceased operations. and flew to Portland ,Oregon. WebThe Flying Tigers Boeing 707 POLECAT established speed and distance records on its pole-to-pole flight around the world. While in Alaska stopping and refueling I was only 1/2 way through a mountain of pancakes, sausage and eggs smothered with Maple syrup when they announce for all out bound corpsmen to report immediately for departure. Federal Express (FM / FDX) Base / Main Hub. Flying Tigers received the All-Cargo Route #163 across the Pacific into Asia. These ladies were great listeners and very supportive. What was the worst work detail you pulled in Vietnam? Country. The women say its what helped them keep their sanity, a support network that allowed them to face the heartbreak of the job as the true cost of the war emerged. It was a vivid reminder we were entering a war zone. These women allayed the fears of soldiers heading to war and offered support and reassurance to those headed home. I went and returned on a Flying Tiger plane and remember very well the sensitive and kind treatment from the stewardesses both directions. Despite the intensity of the operations, many flight attendants found the military contract flights rewarding and continued to serve on them for years. Not one of us said a word in the dark as we watched the plane sitting there with jet engines idling. changed me for the better many moons ago. I flew into Sea-Trac on Flying Tiger Airlines from Camh Rhan October 4 , 1971. A very vulnerable feeling with out a weapon. Stay informed: Sign up for our daily and weekly aviation news digests. My High over the Pacific, WebFlying Tiger Airport: Home Real Estate About Things to do FAQ's FAA Info. Theyd usually start at Travis Air Force Base outside of San Francisco or McChord Field in Washington, picking up more than 200 fresh-faced, uniformed servicemen from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. On March 3, 1986, operations commenced in the new Columbus, Ohio Hub at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. On this last leg, the passengers are much more somber and thinking ahead to their landing in the war zone. The aircraft was operating a MATS charter flight from Gander to Frankfurt. These laddies were tops, in my book. When you went to school for Pan Am, they showed you how to do your makeup and your hair. Departed Bien Hoa (21 Apr 69)) on Flying Tiger (Stretch 8) with fuel stop in Japan. 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. It supplied and supported covert operations in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, including providing support for drug smuggling in Laos. Some years ago I made contact with one of those stewardesses and found out about their reunions. Flying Tiger Line was ramping up operations in Vietnam, too, and its believed maintenance standards dropped as a result of increased demand. They became known for carrying a number of unique cargoes, including Shamu the SeaWorld killer whale and the torch of the Statue of Liberty. According to the Aviation Safety Network, it first flew in 1957, and had amassed a total of 17,224 hours. She very quickly wrote down something and gave it to me. 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 was lucky enough to have regular contact with the flight crews as they came and went in and out of Tan San Nhut AB . A FLY-IN COMMUNITY! As I was sitting down one of my friends who considered himself a ladies man, smarted off to me Oh, you struck out too, didnt you? I told him that I had not asked for her address that she gave it to me. Nobody wanted to take anybody over there who wasnt coming back.. On June 12, 1970, the Peter Prescott Hospital for children in Taiwan was dedicated in honor of the founders son, who had been killed in an aircraft accident in Palm Springs. They coped, as always, by leaning on each other. 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. WebThe Flying Tiger Line Incorporated. 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. The flight attendants were as depicted in this article, both going and coming home. What I do remember is that the plane had a very unpleasant odor and the food was cold. I remember one of the attendants wishing my a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. In 1963, Air Cargo Operations moved back to the Los Angeles International Airport. On March 6, 1967, Flying Tigers first DC8-63F aircraft arrived. I flew out of Travis Air Force Base and was on my way to Thailand. 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. And there were parties every single day and every single night, Foster remembered. After an almost three hour delay, the airplane is back in the air and en-route to our final destination Vietnam. And welcome home. In December 1946, Flying Tigers received its first Transpacific Military Contract, flying C-54s to Tokyo and Hawaii. (LogOut/ 1969 A major milestone year. In 1974, the airline took delivery of its first Boeing 747. Chambers, Andy Gatenby. 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. Mosher. Flying Tigers already had terminals at San Francisco, Burbank, San Diego, Chicago, Cleveland and Newark. To this day, I send emails to friends who are Vets, and the young people in the airports who are recognizable by their uniforms and sincerely Thank them for thier Service. 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. Flying Tiger Attendant We were eventually invited to leave the club and told to not come back Welcome Home from the USAF in Kadena. [9][10][2] The scheduled Boeing 747 passenger service route was New York City JFK Airport - Brussels - Tel Aviv operated several days a week.[11]. We all knew that some going would not make it back alive. That sounded good to Linda Greenwalt Foster, who had just dropped out of college and was looking for an adventure. For some the experience changed their political beliefs, although they tried to keep politics off the plane. So they tried to keep it light. 2019 by the San Francisco Airport Commission. What aviation news will you check out next? But some homeward-bound passengers were belligerent, unpredictable. Crossing the international date line was my experience in time travel. Ninety-three of these were enlisted with the US Army, with the remaining three being from South Vietnam. LOTS FOR SALE! 2023 CherriesWriter - Vietnam War website. 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. Travel the world, the ad said. As the company celebrated its first year of Transpacific service, ground breaking for Flying Tigers first Asian terminal took place in Tokyo, Japan the companies hub for Asian operations. I also n=mourned those I had lost there who could not return alive but were shipped home to grief stricken families. This exhibition, based on extensive interviews with the key participants of the airlift operations, provides insight into their experiences serving aboard the Freedom Birds. We were there to take care of our passengers, Foster said, and have the best time we could. As it turned out, they excelled at both. Like waking up from a bad dream and realizing yes, that was bad but I am home!!. I was so wrapped up in my own personal trauma that I thought they were being so nice because they were paid to, not because they wanted to. And reassurance to those headed home we watched the plane had a vision for the Flying Tigers started... 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