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 | Sunday, September 9, 2001
Here's what you have to do when you drop something in the bottom of the airplane.
Whew! This has been a very busy, but fun day filled with a lot of information about Amelia?s (AE) historic flight 73 year ago. We were up early to find the raging thunderstorms from the night before dissipated and a hint of blue sky beginning to peek through. We drove out in our Tahlequah airport courtesy car back to Tahlequah for a quick flight to Hatbox Field, AE?s historic landing site in Muskogee.
I must digress here for a moment?. Anyone who flies knows the wonderful mystery associated with airport courtesy cars. I for one think a book detailing these unique cars would be a hilarious read. Our particular ride was a prior police car equipped with a ?red? spotlight (non-functional I am afraid). The passenger side window was held in with duct tape and leaked during the rainstorms, which relegated the chase plane co-pilot, and I to the back seat while Mr. Herrick ?chauffeured? us about last eve. The rain leaking in from the passenger side window had formed a puddle on the floorboard in back which now was filled with floating, soggy, saltine crackers! We loved it and truly appreciate the generosity of all airports, which provide anyone flying in with a free car to utilize for their earthbound jaunts!
Clarence Sexton was at Hatbox field when Amelia landed in 1928. He signed our wing. Clarence is a most wonderful gentleman.
On to the days activities. We arrived at Hatbox Field, which is a historic airmail field now closed. We felt very sad that this wonderful airfield complete with marvelous antique hangar, that Amelia also enjoyed, is no longer open. The bright green carpet of grass along the runway beckoned to the Avro and she responded by inching ever closer with the help of my itching fingers, but we knew we were fortunate to at least have use of this historic airport and finally landed on the hard surface runway. Who was there to greet me, but Mr. Clarence F. Sexton who was a boy of 8 years old in 1928 and witnessed AE?s arrival at Hatbox Field. We had a lengthy conversation that culminated in his autograph on the lower right wing of the Avro Avian. This wing signing will now be a tradition that we will follow for the remainder of the trip with all previous spectators of the original historic flight signing the wings of the airplane.
Then it was on to Davis Field and the Muskogee Air show already in progress. I made two low passes over the runway then landed to a tremendous warm cheering welcome! I can?t describe the pride I feel in seeing the interest and experiencing such a warm reception given to this flight re-enactment honoring Amelia Earhart. I am thrilled to be a small part of it. I was then chauffeured to the announcer?s stand in a 1920?s vintage Model T car. Oh, yes, I forgot to mention that I had my first ride and a chance to ?attempt? to drive a 1914 ?Tin Lizzy? last eve. They are rather complicated to drive and I was unable to muster up enough muscle to crank it for a start L! I made my way to the announcer?s stand for a short interview and then to the autograph tent where my next big surprise was the chance to meet and chat with the direct descendants, son and daughters of Mrs. John Hay, Amelia?s hostess during her stay in Muskogee, OK. I truly enjoyed visiting with Clark Hay, Helen Makkert and Jo Reed.
In parting, a HUGE thank you to Terry Randall of HarRan Aircraft Sales, Inc. for fueling both the Avro Avian and the chase plane and providing oil and hangar space for the night all at no charge and with a wonderful sense of humor!!!
I am exhausted and it is already 9:15 p.m. We have an early start and a long day of flying tomorrow, so goodnight for now.
PS: We will be posting more pictures a little later in the day Monday so check back. We should arrive in Ft. Worth at Meacham and will re-fuel at Ft. Worth Jet Center (wonder what they?ll think of the tiny Avian)? Then on to Hobbs to arrive around 4:15.
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