Memory Lane
Ed:
Little known fact: ---- I was the Dispatch Rep working the midnight shift at
JFK when a new hire (S/O Ed DeChant) showed up for his first trip around
3 o'clock in the morning. He disrupted my sleep then, and he's still
doing it now. (This site) sounds like a great idea to me. Count me in.
Bob Carey
Did you know that we once had 100 DC 8 captains at JFK and Dave Cronin
was the junior man?---Bob Carey
Hello!
Please add my dad, Jim Hitchcock (wife Lucille) to your list. Daddy is 90
1/2 now and continually speaks of his of his flying years -- out of JFK.
He and mom reside only a few minutes away from me in an assisted living
facility (nearby so my family & I can visit frequently). Immediately after
retiring, one of his greatest pleasures was the construction of a 2-seater
bi-plane-- BRIGHT RED-- the Asbury Park Press captured a moment up in the
big blue skies-- the picture, together with an article is framed in my home.
It's magnificent!!
Sincerely,
Jan Mankowski for dad Jim Hitchcock
email: jmankowski@wilentz.com
Hi Ed,
Here's a fond memory from my early years at JFK. Bob Cary's comment about
the 100 DC-8 captains reminds me of one great guy in particular -- Ab
Rainbow.
As a new DC-8 S/O in 1971, I was just completing my walk-around on the JFK
ramp, when I spotted my captain, Ab Rainbow, inspecting the airplane with a
flashlight in his hand. What had I missed that could have been so
egregiously obvious as to provoke a captain to come out on the ramp!!?? I
went over to captain Rainbow to see what he was inspecting while fervently
hoping that the discrepancy had emerged only seconds earlier.
It was then that Ab told me all was well, and that it was his practice to do
a walk-around prior to every flight.
What a relief!
I went on to fly many a trip with Ab. He was a fine gentleman and a superb
airman. I hope I was able to learn a little from my association with him.
Best wishes,
Ray Shapp
Watchung, NJ
Hello Ed,
The web site look fine and a wonderful idea. My address above and phone
863 385-3307. Don't think I can make the june luncheon but that is six months
away and who knows. Sorry to here about Bill Hedden. One of the first Captain's
I flew with and a super guy. (DC-3).
Have the web site in my favorites and will check it often. Ben Conklin
Hey folks, lets fill this page with stories that we will all
enjoy.