MAILBAG
Spring - Summer 2024
The mail box is full of a wealth of photos, questions and information from Sunshine Skies readers. I lost access to my email earlier this year and just recently got everything sorted out. Some of these date back to early this year. Apologies for the late replies! As always, I welcome your comments and contributions. Please share your stories and photos with us! - David
Air Sunshine DC-3 at Kissimmee, Florida
I may have sent this to you before, but here is my friend Ed fueling an Air Sunshine DC-3 in Kissimmee. - Jason
Don't forget Northeastern International Airways was a Florida-based carrier. They need a memorial on your website too! I wrote the founder before his death and was surprised he wrote me back!
Thanks for the photo Jason! Air Sunshine flew DC-3s to Kissimmee during 1977-1978. I haven't added Northeastern to the website yet because the main focus is on commuter airlines, but I may add it in the future.
Chattanooga WWII Pilots Monument
Mr. Henderson,
There was a monument erected in 1947 in memory of Chattanooga pilots who lost their lives in WWII. There is a picture of it standing at the end of Chattanooga's 1964 terminal building. I believe it is the same monument that I remember seeing in the late 50's and early 60's when it stood in front of the old 1930's terminal building. Do you know if this monument still exists? - Gary
There was a monument erected in 1947 in memory of Chattanooga pilots who lost their lives in WWII. There is a picture of it standing at the end of Chattanooga's 1964 terminal building. I believe it is the same monument that I remember seeing in the late 50's and early 60's when it stood in front of the old 1930's terminal building. Do you know if this monument still exists? - Gary
WWII monument at Chattanooga seen beside the 1964 terminal.
Before I had a chance to research this, Gary found the answer!
I was actually successful in contacting Jack McAfee, VP of Operations at CHA. He was very informative and even offered to let me visit the location where the monument is currently in storage. He is trying to get it back outside after it was displaced by the recent completion of their parking garage. Attached are pictures taken August 15, 2024 that show each side of the monument and the eagle (bronze, I think) that sat on top of the monument which has been temporarily removed for storage purposes. - Gary
Wow! Thanks for tracking this down and I appreciate the photos. - David
Jacksonville Imeson Memories
Hi David,
I recently ran across your website and was completely mesmerized by the photos and descriptions. My grandfather started flying in 1927 at the age of 16 and two years later was given a Great Lakes Trainer biplane. In 1938, he was hired by National Airlines flying Lockheed Electra’s from St. Petersburg to Jacksonville via Daytona. 33 years later he retired 2nd in seniority enterprise-wide having flown every plane National flew other than the DC-10. Seeing the photos on your site really took me back. I noticed from your bio we are the same age so growing up when we did, we were able to see the end of the golden age of commercial aviation. My grandfather retired when I was five and National was sold to Pan Am 9 years later. Seeing the photos of the abandoned National ticket counter at Imeson Field was amazing but sad at the same time. Also, the photo of Laurie Yonge on the bench really took me back.
I have attached a few photos from the early Imeson years, you are welcome to use if you like.
Michael
Thanks for the message, the photos and the story about your grandfather. My dad co-owned a Great Lakes bi-plane in the 1970s so I can imagine the good times your grandfather must have had with it. I'm happy to know you've enjoyed the website. It's a lot of fun to put all of it together and always nice to hear from those who appreciate it. - David
I recently ran across your website and was completely mesmerized by the photos and descriptions. My grandfather started flying in 1927 at the age of 16 and two years later was given a Great Lakes Trainer biplane. In 1938, he was hired by National Airlines flying Lockheed Electra’s from St. Petersburg to Jacksonville via Daytona. 33 years later he retired 2nd in seniority enterprise-wide having flown every plane National flew other than the DC-10. Seeing the photos on your site really took me back. I noticed from your bio we are the same age so growing up when we did, we were able to see the end of the golden age of commercial aviation. My grandfather retired when I was five and National was sold to Pan Am 9 years later. Seeing the photos of the abandoned National ticket counter at Imeson Field was amazing but sad at the same time. Also, the photo of Laurie Yonge on the bench really took me back.
I have attached a few photos from the early Imeson years, you are welcome to use if you like.
- Laurie Yonge and Palmer Holmes at Imeson Field, Jacksonville
- Pilot line-up at Imeson Field, Jacksonville, FL
- Palmer Holmes and Bobby Knox arriving at Imeson Field after setting a speed record from New Orleans to Jacksonville
Michael
Thanks for the message, the photos and the story about your grandfather. My dad co-owned a Great Lakes bi-plane in the 1970s so I can imagine the good times your grandfather must have had with it. I'm happy to know you've enjoyed the website. It's a lot of fun to put all of it together and always nice to hear from those who appreciate it. - David
Laurie Yong and Palmer Holmes at Imeson Field, Jacksonville.
Pilot line-up at Imeson Field, Jacksonville, FL
Sullenberger Aviation Museum asks: How do you know this is Charlotte?
Hi David,
I am reaching out from the Sullenberger Aviation Museum in Charlotte, NC, in regard to photos I found on your website, specifically those on Flying Eastern Airlines DC-3s in 1949. I was able to locate the images in the Google Arts and Culture archive. I am just wondering how you knew the images were of Charlotte? The descriptions for most lack the location. - Shelby Dains
(Example: this photo)
I am reaching out from the Sullenberger Aviation Museum in Charlotte, NC, in regard to photos I found on your website, specifically those on Flying Eastern Airlines DC-3s in 1949. I was able to locate the images in the Google Arts and Culture archive. I am just wondering how you knew the images were of Charlotte? The descriptions for most lack the location. - Shelby Dains
(Example: this photo)
This is one of my favorite topics!
A little background: These black and white images come from the LIFE magazine archive, which has thousands of old airport photos that include ZERO information about location or context. I have a lot of fun playing detective and was able to positively identify the location for several hundred of them while working on an article several years ago. Here's the process for figuring it out...
First of all, other airports where Eastern Air Lines had a large operation can be ruled out. It's NOT Miami, Atlanta, Washington National, Newark or New York. Those airports had distinctive details that aren't seen here. Educated guesses would be Jacksonville, FL or Charlotte. Using these next two postcards, the old Charlotte terminal was identified in LIFE photos from 1949.
A little background: These black and white images come from the LIFE magazine archive, which has thousands of old airport photos that include ZERO information about location or context. I have a lot of fun playing detective and was able to positively identify the location for several hundred of them while working on an article several years ago. Here's the process for figuring it out...
First of all, other airports where Eastern Air Lines had a large operation can be ruled out. It's NOT Miami, Atlanta, Washington National, Newark or New York. Those airports had distinctive details that aren't seen here. Educated guesses would be Jacksonville, FL or Charlotte. Using these next two postcards, the old Charlotte terminal was identified in LIFE photos from 1949.
This postcard was particularly helpful in confirming the location of many of the unidentified LIFE magazine photos. The painted flightline with chevrons on the ramp, the giant water tower, the position of the DC-3 and the airstairs along the fence are all great clues.
Judging from the postcards above, this next photo, shot by Ralph Morse in 1949, was absolutely taken at Charlotte.
In this next one, the sign and building match the previous photo. This also has to be Charlotte. Note the airstairs and the front of the vehicle at far right.
I believe this one shows the same airstairs and tug as seen from the gate in the above photo. Note the position of the aircraft.
This brings us back to the first photo which shows aircraft in the same positions as the previous daytime scene. This would exactly match the view from the airstairs seen above.
The LIFE archive contains similar airport photos from 1949 that can be positively identified as Charlotte and were taken at dusk from an elevated position, presumably the same airstairs. This one shows the "Welcome to Charlotte" and restaurant signs seen in the postcards. The legs of the water tower can be seen in the distance at top left.
Aerial photos are always helpful in confirming locations. In this case, I referenced this image of Charlotte airport taken in May 1948.
By rotating the aerial photo to match the perspective of the LIFE photo, you can see that the buildings and planes in the background and the painted flightline in the foreground all line up perfectly. The compressed depth of field would be due to a telephoto lens. The white arrow shows the approximate viewpoint of the photographer. This is undoubtedly Charlotte airport.
I hope this answers your question, Shelby!
ATL Model on Ebay - My inner 12-year-old is freaking out!
David,
Have you seen THIS?
James
Have you seen THIS?
James
Yes, and it is amazing! My inner 12-year-old is freaking out!
Mackey Airlines website
David,
Bob B here. Pilot for Mackey Airlines, Overseas National Airlines, and retired from Delta Airlines. A treat to explore your site. I was one of the very few pilots that flew the Skyvan at Mackey.
I have a website also. Check out Mackey Airlines.com
You have a good site!
Bob
Bob B here. Pilot for Mackey Airlines, Overseas National Airlines, and retired from Delta Airlines. A treat to explore your site. I was one of the very few pilots that flew the Skyvan at Mackey.
I have a website also. Check out Mackey Airlines.com
You have a good site!
Bob
Great site! Thanks for sending the link. - David
Air Sunshine models
These are fantastic! - David
Memories of Air South
I worked maintenance with Air South in Atlanta and in St Simons island in 71 -74. Air south also operated a Gulfstream 1 between St Simons island and ATL in 72 or 73 for a few months. Lost a B 99 on the ramp at St Simons - electrical fire, burned entire fuselage.
All in all, good memories.
Take care,
Dennis
All in all, good memories.
Take care,
Dennis
Looking for photos of Augusta, GA airport
As someone who traveled in and out if AGS from the late 70's to the mid 90's, I have fond memories of the original airport terminal. I wanted to reach out if you knew of, or had contact with anyone that might have a larger volume of photos of both the inside of the terminal and outside. The detached brick terminal was so original and different. I would be grateful if you happen to be able to assist me in this endeavor. I am an airline pilot for United Airlines. And am starting the project of building a 1/200 scale model/diarama of the old terminal. Shockingly, there are not that many photos of either the inside or the outside online! Your website has been wonderful in bringing back memories! I appreciate your time and communication. Look forward to hearing from you. - Travis
Pro Air DC-3: "More patches than my mom's quilts!"
Haha... I flew Pro Air from Miami to Eleuthera, Bahamas in 1983 on the DC-3. I remember the plane had more patches than my mom's quilts she made. Also leaking hydraulic fluid in one or more spots. Male, older Pilot looked like he didn't get much sleep and female copilot had poor English skills and kept asking air traffic to repeat things. I sat in one of the front seats. Our seat cushion was our flotation device if we ditched in the ocean. Luggage was stored behind pilots on both sides, held in place with cargo nets.
What an experience! My first ever jet plane ride was earlier that day from Minneapolis to Miami... then onto a DC-3! I was 23... 40 years ago. - Jim
What an experience! My first ever jet plane ride was earlier that day from Minneapolis to Miami... then onto a DC-3! I was 23... 40 years ago. - Jim
Flying on Naples Airlines N32PB
Hello David,
Around 1978, when I was 14 years old, I flew on Naples Airlines. From what I gather on your site, it seems likely it was N32PB.
At the time, my father, who was a mechanic in experimental vehicles at Ford Motor based in Dearborn, Michigan, was working with his department on the grounds of Naples airport as he sometimes did in the winter. The team used the grounds as a test track for their operations.
As a young man he had flown on B-24's at the end of WW2 as a top turret gunner. We grew up admiring WW2 aircraft.
It was typical for these company trips to last a month or more. On this occasion my mother joined my father in Florida for an extended stay. I remained at home, in school, staying with my older siblings. It was decided I would travel alone to Naples to be with my folks for a week. The flight from Detroit landed in Tampa, where I was very excited to board a DC-3 for the flight to Naples.
When it was time for me to return to Detroit, my folks took me to the airport and watched as I boarded the old bird. They later recalled watching the plane take off, and growing nervous as she started to leave a trail of black smoke from one of the engines. The plane, not having gotten much higher than the palm trees, quickly turned back for the airport. My parents watched nervously. We made it back and my return flight did not happen that day.
For years after, my dad and I always shared a laugh about this little adventure. He and I both admired these planes. My mom would join in with a reserved smile.
My dad's favorite t-shirt was a "Naples Airlines' with an illustration of the DC-3 across the front. He wore that shirt constantly for many years well into his retirement. I'm sure my mom would say he wore it far too long.
On a side note, at that time there was also a B-25 that was still flying out of Naples airport. Not sure who owned that plane. It was also a thing of beauty. Me and my father got a kick out of seeing two classics on one airfield. I remember it was parked fairly close to the DC-3. I'm also fairly certain we saw it in flight too.
I hope this is of some interest to you. Thank you for the work you have done. I"m glad to learn more about Naple's airlines. It provided some wonderful memories for me.
Best,
John
Around 1978, when I was 14 years old, I flew on Naples Airlines. From what I gather on your site, it seems likely it was N32PB.
At the time, my father, who was a mechanic in experimental vehicles at Ford Motor based in Dearborn, Michigan, was working with his department on the grounds of Naples airport as he sometimes did in the winter. The team used the grounds as a test track for their operations.
As a young man he had flown on B-24's at the end of WW2 as a top turret gunner. We grew up admiring WW2 aircraft.
It was typical for these company trips to last a month or more. On this occasion my mother joined my father in Florida for an extended stay. I remained at home, in school, staying with my older siblings. It was decided I would travel alone to Naples to be with my folks for a week. The flight from Detroit landed in Tampa, where I was very excited to board a DC-3 for the flight to Naples.
When it was time for me to return to Detroit, my folks took me to the airport and watched as I boarded the old bird. They later recalled watching the plane take off, and growing nervous as she started to leave a trail of black smoke from one of the engines. The plane, not having gotten much higher than the palm trees, quickly turned back for the airport. My parents watched nervously. We made it back and my return flight did not happen that day.
For years after, my dad and I always shared a laugh about this little adventure. He and I both admired these planes. My mom would join in with a reserved smile.
My dad's favorite t-shirt was a "Naples Airlines' with an illustration of the DC-3 across the front. He wore that shirt constantly for many years well into his retirement. I'm sure my mom would say he wore it far too long.
On a side note, at that time there was also a B-25 that was still flying out of Naples airport. Not sure who owned that plane. It was also a thing of beauty. Me and my father got a kick out of seeing two classics on one airfield. I remember it was parked fairly close to the DC-3. I'm also fairly certain we saw it in flight too.
I hope this is of some interest to you. Thank you for the work you have done. I"m glad to learn more about Naple's airlines. It provided some wonderful memories for me.
Best,
John
Flying into Key Largo
This message is about Key Largo's long closed Port Largo Airport. Please read about the history of Port Largo.
I got my private ticket in 1984. One leg of my solo cross country was to KYL from Stuart, FL. When I landed, there was a bar at the north end of the strip. Several guys were drinking beer and I asked one of them to sign my log book. He signed it, but advised me that my instructor should be shot! I fished out of Largo for years in the 1990s. I would fly in to Key Largo a couple times a year until it closed. It was a tricky field in a Cessna 150. Both me and my instructor are still living.
Joseph
I got my private ticket in 1984. One leg of my solo cross country was to KYL from Stuart, FL. When I landed, there was a bar at the north end of the strip. Several guys were drinking beer and I asked one of them to sign my log book. He signed it, but advised me that my instructor should be shot! I fished out of Largo for years in the 1990s. I would fly in to Key Largo a couple times a year until it closed. It was a tricky field in a Cessna 150. Both me and my instructor are still living.
Joseph
An Amazing Coincidence?
What a wonder site! My dad Capt. Arlen Lee Robinson was with Eastern for 38 years. He was transferred from Houston to ATL in 1950. In looking at the article about ATL in 1956, to our surprise we believe my mother, brother and myself are in the observation deck picture. However, we were born in Nov. 1952 and Oct. 1954. We appear to be older than 2 and 4 in this picture, if it is indeed us. I’m trying to figure out if possibly 1956 is just the date of the actual airport picture and if the other pictures were taken at a different time. Is there anyway to confirm the date as 1956 of this particular picture? Susan W
Susan, I'm quite certain this was taken in 1956 on the same day as the dozens of other photos of ATL that were shot by Robert Kelley for LIFE magazine. If that is you and your family, this is indeed an incredible find.
Marsh Harbour and Mackey Airlines
In 1974 I was 12 years old and my parents took my siblings and myself to the Bahamas! We drove to Ft Lauderdale from Panama City, FL and flew Mackey to Marsh Harbour. The flight was short and low; we could almost see fish in the water we were so low, lol. Hitting some violent turbulence, I remember the stewardess bracing both hands in the archway. As a 12-year-old, I thought the plane was going to shake apart. The landing strip in Marsh Harbour was pothole ridden and in poor shape. After landing, the pilot got off the plane and walked over to the belly of one of the two turbo prop engines and released the belly flap and thick smoke bellowed out and rolled down to the ground. For me it was an amazing adventure that I will never forget ! However today it would probably terrify me. Lol !! - Steve
Executive Airlines
I see on your Executive Airlines page, that you start with our old Dove, That was sent to us by the Northern Division to fly parts and extra crews around. It was never used for passenger service. It had a history in New England of mishaps, and as I remember, it made a landing on I-75 with Capt Hartford Jenks at the wheel. You only show DHC-6 in the opening of the article. Those were a few of the Northern Division's fleet of 13 Twin Otters, on loan for our Winter Season. We had 12 BE-99 and 99A's in our Florida Fleet. Of course we used a couple for the Disney shuttle. I don't know where you got that "flip the coin with" with Shawnee. I demoed that run and flew on that schedule for some months, and never saw a Shawnee aircraft on our runway. I think you have pics and info later near our Southern Division shut down. At our height, Executive was carrying over 500,000 paxs between both North and South Divisions. - Capt. Joseph Haley
Thanks for all of the info and clarification on the role of the DH-104 Dove in Executive's operations. The story about the decision to have Executive Airlines operate the first flight into the Disney STOLport by the flip of a coin with Shawnee Airlines appeared in several newspaper articles from the time. - David
Florida's First Commuter Airline!
I have a riddle for you---- What was the first scheduled, heavier than air aircraft, airline ??? Hint: January 1914
Capt. Joseph Haley
The St. Petersburg–Tampa Airboat Line of course! Not only were they Florida's first commuter airline, but also the world's first commercial airline. Using a Benoist Type XIV flying boat, the first flight from St. Petersburg to Tampa, Florida took place on January 1, 1914. The first chapter in my Sunshine Skies book covers this pioneering company.
Capt. Joseph Haley
The St. Petersburg–Tampa Airboat Line of course! Not only were they Florida's first commuter airline, but also the world's first commercial airline. Using a Benoist Type XIV flying boat, the first flight from St. Petersburg to Tampa, Florida took place on January 1, 1914. The first chapter in my Sunshine Skies book covers this pioneering company.
St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line Benoist Type XIV flying boat.
Thanks again to our readers for contributing their stories and photos!
