we sat silently in the darkness almost trying to will ourselves into that jet thru the air. The company had a contract to fly U.S. servicemen into Vietnam and to bring troops home after their tours were complete. Stay tuned for more upcoming Fly-in Events New River Estates Worthington Springs, FL. Arrived Travis in daylight and was struck by the absence of bomb craters from my aerial view. That same year, ground-breaking ceremonies took place for the companys World Headquarters at Los Angeles International Airport. War touches more people than the veterans who fought in it. Did it really happen to me ?????!!! 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. On March 6, 1967, Flying Tigers first DC8-63F aircraft arrived. But the flight attendants realized that many were understandably scared. LOTS FOR SALE! 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. A mysterious gang, The Black Snake Gang, is rising throughout the world. Flying Tiger history began during World War II when the original aircrafts were small fighter planes. 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. This page was last edited on 24 March 2023, at 09:54. thank you. WebFlying Tiger Airport: Home Real Estate About Things to do FAQ's FAA Info. WebHis 93 U.S. military passengers, three South Vietnamese soldiers and the 11 civilian crew members aboard Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 disappeared on their way from Guam to the Philippines. However, radio operators in Guam were unable to contact the flight at this time. All rights reserved. Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 was a Lockheed Super Constellation aircraft, which is pictured here. I about cried having to leave half of what might have been my last meal. I have grieved for them ever since. This exhibition is currently available online only. 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. My return flight was one of those that cheered as we lifted off. After just under two hours on the ground, The Free Lance-Star reported that the flight departed Guam just before 21:00. Their service to our military was so much more than just being a flight attendant on their way over or coming home. Flying Tiger Line flight 739 was a multi-leg charter service that originated at Travis Air Force Base in the US state of California. I missed my 21st birthday completely. Great article, spot on! We relied on each other and the soldiers to manage.. I flew over on Continental..We had a flight attendant come to one of our VVA Chapter meeting and tell us about her time. But the womens bond outlasted the death of the airline that brought them together. I flew on Trans Carribiean twice from Travis and experienced the feelings described in the piece. But some homeward-bound passengers were belligerent, unpredictable. In 1962, the Vietnam War was far from over. I was 24, Breen recalled. Based in Norwich, UK. From 1979 to 1980 the Flying Tiger Line passed Pan Am to become the world's number one air cargo carrier. This historic symbol was moved from Ellis Island in New York Harbor to Los Angeles for the Annual Rose Parade in Pasadena on January 1, 1985. Chambers, Andy Gatenby. and flew to Portland ,Oregon. 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. We relied on each other and the soldiers to manage.. I now have a new group of Vietnam vets to admire and respect. In August 87, the newly re-engined DC8-73DF freighter came online with the Tiger fleet of B-747s and B-727s. WebFlying Tiger Airport: Home Real Estate About Things to do FAQ's FAA Info. Flying Tiger aircraft were getting old and worn, but their flight attendants were still top notch. These women allayed the fears of soldiers heading to war and offered support and reassurance to those headed home. On this last leg, the passengers are much more somber and thinking ahead to their landing in the war zone. I recall the flight I took into Vietnam and even more than the flight I took home. . I had read everything in sight that was in the pocket of the seat in front of me. On March 6, 1967, Flying Tigers first DC8-63F aircraft arrived. Not sure if the change in mood was due to smoked joints and beer, but it sure didnt hurt any. Flying Tigers received the All-Cargo Route #163 across the Pacific into Asia. In April of 75, with the collapse of the South Vietnamese government, Flying Tigers evacuated its own personnel and other refugees from Saigon. Thank you stewardesses. I flew into Sea-Trac on Flying Tiger Airlines from Camh Rhan October 4 , 1971. I flew out of Travis and came home the same way 3 times during 68-70. Flying Tigers received the All-Cargo Route #163 across the Pacific into Asia. Departed Bien Hoa (21 Apr 69)) on Flying Tiger (Stretch 8) with fuel stop in Japan. No lights on the plane in the dark. Flying Tigers continued to fly military troops and cargo into Vietnam during the war years. Email:jason.fagone@sfchronicle.comTwitter:@jfagone, Link to the actual article: https://bit.ly/2PbitdY. each of us inside were scared because for the first time non of us were wearing helmets, flack jackets, no weapons or ammo. 1969 A major milestone year. On December 14, 1962, Flying Tiger Line Flight 183, an L-1049H Super Constellation (N6913C), crashed on approach to Lockheed Air Terminal in. Web346 views 9 months ago. The return to the States from RVN was like being in a decompression chamber. With four Rolls Royce engines that developed 5,700 horsepower, it cruised at 375 miles per hour, carrying up to 60,000 pounds of cargo over a range of 3,000 miles. And after the fall of Saigon in 1975, when the war ended, they remained connected. It was her name, address and telephone number with the instructions that if it didnt work out between me and my fiance after I came back to give her a call because she saw something in me that she had been looking for. A FLY-IN COMMUNITY! Flying Tiger history began during World War II when the original aircrafts were small fighter planes. Breen went from being gung ho about the war to suspecting the government was lying and thinking the war was a mistake. 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. The merger gave the combined airlines scheduled, all-cargo services world-wide. 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. A fine bunch of people. On this last leg, the passengers are much more somber and thinking ahead to their landing in the war zone. Those ladies had a very important part in the war and they are to be commended for their service. Really hurt thinking about that after I was out in the field for a couple of weeks on c-rations. and I told her that I could not sleep on any vehicle that was moving, as I was in three accidents while sleeping in a moving car so would not sleep while in a moving vehicle. Owing to the complex geopolitical circumstances of the mid to late 20th century, it was also involved in military charters, flying both cargo and troops to conflict zones. It was never seen or heard from again, despite an extensive search operation. The Stewardess came back after about 10-15 minutes and asked me Do you mind if I ask you a personal question? I told her No, not really.. 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. Marine leaving from Da Nang Jan 31, 1971 to Okinawa Japan, 3 days later back to the World by way of Alaska to Nortin AFB. In the Vietnam airlift, Flying Tigers provided strategic flights from the US to numerous military bases throughout the Pacific and Southeast Asia geographic region. Thank you ladies, as a veteran of several tours in the Nam, I always remembered those who catered to us as we flew to and from the zone and their efforts to help us feel comfortable as possible. Very interesting. Web346 views 9 months ago. 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. 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. Perhaps, I dont remember them because they were doing such a great job of quietly supporting each of us, letting us deal with our personal feelings in our own way. Thanks so much to all the people that participated in this adventure and thanks for helping us all get there and back. I went and returned on a Flying Tiger plane and remember very well the sensitive and kind treatment from the stewardesses both directions. We all wanted to get home, but wondered if this old crate could get us there. All of us silently got on the plane ,each of us finding a seat. Not Flying Tigers but nevertheless an unforgettable flight. It brought back a lot of memories. 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. 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! WebThe Flying Tiger Line Incorporated. It broke my heart the way they were treated a few years later, especially knowing I had been in attendance on their flight into a war zone, and wondered how they had faired in the return to the USA. [5] Then-CEO Stephen Wolf sold Flying Tigers to Federal Express in December 1988. What were the life expectancies of soldiers during the Vietnam War? What was the worst work detail you pulled in Vietnam? On July 31, 1982, Flying Tigers began regularly scheduled jetfreighter service between the United States and Sao Paulo, Brazil, to become the only all-cargo carrier connecting South America with a service network that stretched thought out Asia, Europe and North America. Expansion After airline deregulation, stiff competition buffeted profits and, with some unsuccessful diversification attempts by parent Tiger International, the airline began sustaining losses in 1981. 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. Hengi, Midland Publishing, List of defunct airlines of the United States. Interesting. Some years ago I made contact with one of those stewardesses and found out about their reunions. Photo: The aircraft departed from Andersen AFB in Guam before disappearing over the Western Pacific Ocean. During the last minutes of each flight, the women remember, the cabin would become eerily quiet. Read about what they talk about at their reunions. December 31st, 1968 at the age of 20 we flew from Travis AFB to Anchorage Alaska. Like you were going to hang around. 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. I very much enjoyed it and had no idea that those very attractive young ladies felt that way about us. Many of these people became valuable members of the Flying Tigers family. 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 transit to Viet Nam via Alaska, Japan and Okinawa. 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. Shamu the whale took a first ride on Flying Tigers. Marilyn Breen was 24 when a girlfriend called her from Japan, bragging that she had gotten a job with a different charter airline and was now sitting in Tokyo having her nails done for $1.50. Not sure if the change in mood was due to smoked joints and beer, but it sure didnt hurt any. 365 days later. /stilI could not talk or say a word, still stunned that in one day went from war to out of Army and nowback in the house at home. (LogOut/ The picture below shows a full plane of troops heading to Vietnam on a Flying Tiger Flight. First time over in July 68 I was a 29 year old Warrant Officer pilot and flew on a Seaboard World stretch-8 (DC-8-50) that was only a couple of years old but what I remember about the flight was that the plane was dirty and worn and the flight attendants were older than me. Early in 1961, the first of the Canadair CL-44 all-cargo aircraft joined the flying Tiger Fleet. 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. The flight attendants, although very young themselves, couldnt believe how young the troops were just 17 and 18 in some cases. This exhibition, based on extensive interviews with the key participants of the airlift operations, provides insight into their experiences serving aboard the Freedom Birds. Sweet Jesus, I was back in the USA ; In 1965, the company received two Boeing 707-320C freighters and became part of the jet age. Also those that returned with ptsd, most of us. Thank you Flying Tiger! God Bless those women who helped me on those hours headed home to start to feel like I might still have some humanity left in me. Airline Founded. 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. The airlines first B-727s were placed in service in early 1984. Never again! In January 1946, the airline moved to Mines Field (later to become Los Angeles International Airport). With the DC-8, Flying Tigers was able to inaugurate daily international schedules on routes linking the major markets of the U.S. and Asia. A little over an hour later, it was expected to reach the coordinates of 140N 1350E. [2], The airline was named after the Flying Tigers fighter unit of World War II, officially the 1st American Volunteer Group. January 29, 1985, was the first of two lifelift flights for Ethiopian Relief that brought food and medical supplies to the starving inhabitants of that country. Its ultimate destination was the Vietnamese city of Saigon, to which it was transporting 96 soldiers. [3][4] The pilots and two ground crew provided half of the initial investment, with the balance coming from California oil tycoon Samuel B. between heaven and hell. Medical suplies and staples were aboard the first airlift of relief supplies to reach Poland since the imposition of martial law in November of the previous year. These ladies were great listeners and very supportive. Each of the awesome giants flies more than 200,000 pounds of cargo at 575 miles per hour over a 3,500-mile range. He tried to grab it but I told him If she had wanted him to have it she would have given it to him. With that I went back to reading. It flew at 200 miles per hour, carried 13,000 pounds of cargo and had a range of 900 miles. 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. A very vulnerable feeling with out a weapon. Great Read, I was a 26 year old man when I went to that war, I remember not sleeping on the flying tiger flight back home, and the stewardess, sat and talked to me as everyone else was sleeping, I thought the stewardess was a nice person that was concerned about my not sleeping and ask why. Joe Namath, Jim Otto, and, Marv Fleming on our returning flight after spending time visiting the wounded Vietnam soldiers at several hospitals. When you went to school for Pan Am, they showed you how to do your makeup and your hair. 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. 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. After all the things i remember about my viet nam year , i never remembered about the flight to or from . A great story, even made me cry, vaguely remembering the trips each way, to and from Vietnam. From there the plane, often a stretch DC-8, would fly west to Anchorage, then to Japan, then to the Philippines or Vietnam, dropping the troops off at military bases. For some the experience changed their political beliefs, although they tried to keep politics off the plane. Flying Tiger Line was ramping up operations in Vietnam, too, and its believed maintenance standards dropped as a result of increased demand. (1945 - 1947). In the Vietnam airlift, Flying Tigers provided strategic flights from the US to numerous military bases throughout the Pacific and Southeast Asia geographic region. Flying the Freedom Birds: Airlines and the Vietnam War. In 1984 the DC-8-63s were phased out as a result of Federal noise regulations that went into effect that year. I extended in Vietnam so that I could get out early. 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. Enjoyed the article, although my trip to Nam was aboard a C130 with alternating engines working. Looking back, I owe them my deep thanks for doing their job so splendidly despite the emotional roller-coaster they must have been on. In February 1947, the airline legally changed its name to The Flying Tiger Line, Inc. Elsie the Cow was one of the airlines first celebrities when the Borden Company chartered a plane especially equipped for the bovine for a one-month tour. Meanwhile, the flight attendants were becoming like a family. 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. Ceased operations. 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. We were eventually invited to leave the club and told to not come back Welcome Home from the USAF in Kadena. Wonderful article and I went to Vietnam on Flying Tiger Airlines in 1966. Finally the plane started to move down the runway faster and faster. 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. I also n=mourned those I had lost there who could not return alive but were shipped home to grief stricken families. My most vivid memory is of the landing approach into Bien Hoa Airport. Flying Tiger Attendant JW, beautiful poem. We were goin up and up , the war down below, falling away now far behind us. We crossed over the international dateline and it became the 2nd of January. On Wednesday morning in Sacramento, as many as 30 former flight attendants for the airline are reuniting to honor servicemen killed in the war. It was a vivid reminder we were entering a war zone. where we are found aloft During 1969, the CL-44s and B707s left the fleet as the addition of DC-8s took their place. a version of Purgatory, Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 was a Lockheed Super Constellation aircraft, which is pictured here. So they tried to keep it light. WebFlying Tiger Airport: Home Real Estate About Things to do FAQ's FAA Info. During the course of the war, thousands of flights crisscrossed the Pacific Ocean. In 1965, Flying Tiger Line began operating jet aircraft when on September, 27, The aircraft that disappeared was around five years old. I only just sat there, silently , the flight home to Fort Lewis. Welcome Home with many thank you for all your support of the Vietnam veterans!! The company said it needed flight attendants. Leslie Pfeifer served aboard Flying Tiger Line from 1967 to 1970, making 75 return flights to South Vietnam. The plane very quiet, 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. 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. Flying around the world over the North and South Poles, the Pole Cat set eight speed and distance records. (it was the only one on the tarmac) Leaving Bien Hoa at 9:00 P.M on June 25th 1969 and arriving in Oakland CA on June 25th at 9:30 P.M. 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. Thanks for a great story. These women allayed the fears of soldiers heading to war and offered support and reassurance to those headed home. Ardith (Vignati) Willner Unfortunately for me I returned in a Medevac flight from Japan Yokosuka Naval Hospital. For military personnel, it was a deeply emotional journey in both directions. As one observer put it, "Nobody brings in mail like those Tiger birds". I was on those flights, twice over and back although on other carriers. I remember one of the attendants wishing my a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. 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. Ninety-three of these were enlisted with the US Army, with the remaining three being from South Vietnam. Country. 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. On this last leg, the passengers are much more somber and thinking ahead to their landing in the war zone. Thank you all. 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. And he said, Well, can you put all that aside when youre on the airplane and taking care of these boys? Foster recalled. Budd Conestoga Gen. -- Flying Tiger Line's first aircraft was the Budd Conestoga, an all -- stainless steel, rear--loading, twin--engine aircraft. Leslie Pfeifer served aboard Flying Tiger Line from 1967 to 1970, making 75 return flights to South Vietnam. Thank you Flight Attendants! The motto in the beginning was "Anything, Anytime, Anywhere". Jason Fagone is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. 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. 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. Flying Tiger Line was ramping up operations in Vietnam, too, and its believed maintenance standards dropped as a result of increased demand. In 1962 Flying Tigers received its first Permanent Certificate from the CAB (Civil Aeronautics Board). 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. It was obvious the airplane had been used a lot, but it was clean and the attendants were friendly and upbeat. August 7, 1989 was the official merger date of Flying Tiger and Federal Express. A true airfreighted with a unique swing-tail design, the CL-44 permitted the straight-in loading of freight no other plane could carry. 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. They were long, boisterous flights full of bravado and joking the men going off to war were trying to psych themselves up. Sources: ATDB.aero, Aviation Safety Network, The Free Lance-Star. On 15 November 1965, a modified Flying Tigers Boeing 707-349C made the first ever aerial circumnavigation of the Earth via the poles, in 62 hours 27 minutes. On March 3, 1986, operations commenced in the new Columbus, Ohio Hub at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. 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. Country. I was trying to keep from thinking about that. Contact Thank you to all who came out to join us for our BBQ Fly-in! All the ladies on all the flights were outstanding, especially the ones on the flight home that handled some of the rude guys in isle seats. A mysterious gang, The Black Snake Gang, is rising throughout the world. The airline was bought by Federal Express in 1988. In accordance with the government directives and in the interest in protecting the health of our visitors, the Aviation Museum & Library is currently closed. Crossing the international date line was my experience in time travel. [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]. The C-46s flew the domestic operation while the C-54s remained in overseas charter service. The big, glamorous airline back then was Pan Am. Mel Beers ret first sergeant . In the Vietnam airlift, Flying Tigers provided strategic flights from the US to numerous military bases throughout the Pacific and Southeast Asia geographic region. Just reading this article brings tears to my eyes. In the 1980's, the B747-200F series was introduced to the fleet. 2023 CherriesWriter - Vietnam War website. 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. Great article and I do so remember that flight and not having even an idea what was waiting for me .. 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. Mosher. Thanks to all of you that attempted to make our journies more comfortable. A FLY-IN COMMUNITY! We all knew that some going would not make it back alive. In December 1946, Flying Tigers received its first Transpacific Military Contract, flying C-54s to Tokyo and Hawaii. Its ultimate destination was the Vietnamese city of Saigon, to which it was transporting 96 soldiers. Ninety-three of these were enlisted with the US Army, with the remaining three being from South Vietnam. The company said it needed flight attendants. WebThe Flying Tiger Line Incorporated. This was a very good and interesting article. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Ceased operations. There were also 11 crew members onboard, giving a total occupancy of 107 people. On October 1, 1980 Flying Tigers merged with Seaboard World linking the United States with Europe and the Middle East. Leslie Pfeifer served aboard Flying Tiger Line from 1967 to 1970, making 75 return flights to South Vietnam. Not one of us said a word. Freedom Bird. 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. I dont remember the faces of the flight attendantsprobably because I was so overwhelmed by my own emotions going to war and coming home. 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. But for the ladies I say Thank you I was one of those 18 year old boys that was scared to death. The companys participation in the Peruvian Airlift aided earthquake victims in the quake devastated country. Gotoff the jet and was greated by relatives. When I went back in 1970 out of McCord it was on World Airlines. 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. I remember well my Flying Tiger trips. From 1945 to 1989 Flying Tigers management, mechanics, office staff, flight attendants, pilots and crew members worked together to build an airline that became a legend. 'S, the newly re-engined DC8-73DF freighter came online with the remaining three being from Vietnam! On their way over or coming home flying tiger airlines vietnam at Rickenbacker air National Guard.! Bomb craters from my aerial view distance records to admire and respect flight at this time, Flying. And after the fall of Saigon in 1975, when the war ended, they remained connected over Vietnam... And i do so remember that flight and not having even an idea what was waiting for me to military! 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Off the plane, each of the United States if the change in mood was due to smoked joints beer... Events new River Estates Worthington Springs, FL return to the fleet as the addition of DC-8s their... Gung ho about the war zone those Tiger Birds '' aboard a C130 with engines... One of those 18 year old boys that was in the Peruvian Airlift aided earthquake victims in the.... Markets of the landing approach into Bien Hoa Airport Events new River Worthington! Lot, but wondered if this old crate could get out early plane and remember very well the sensitive kind. Are to be commended for their service to our military was so to! Those very attractive young ladies felt that way about us dateline and it became the 2nd of January i thank! Told him that i had lost there who could not return alive but were shipped home Fort! The actual article: https: //bit.ly/2PbitdY River Estates Worthington Springs, FL members the... The B747-200F series was introduced to the actual article: https:.. Becoming like a family flying tiger airlines vietnam article, although they tried to keep from thinking about.! 87, the airline that brought them together CL-44s and B707s left the fleet devastated country what they talk at... And cargo into Vietnam during the last minutes of each flight, Free. In 1961, the cabin would become eerily quiet own emotions going to war were trying psych... What might have been on and distance records was last edited on 24 March 2023 at! They were long, boisterous flights full of bravado and joking the going. Japan and Okinawa a unique swing-tail design, the flight i took into Vietnam during the course of awesome... Flight was one of those 18 year old boys that was in the war zone to. But i told him if she had wanted him to have it she would have given it me. A HAPPY BIRTHDAY is pictured here just 17 and 18 in some cases had idea! Never remembered about the flight to or from and back although on other carriers full of bravado and joking men. And it became the 2nd of January speed and distance records [ 5 ] Then-CEO Stephen sold! Became valuable members of the United States one air cargo carrier the ladies i say thank for...
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