COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE

The

C MPASS
M ISSOURI W ING

P.O. Box 637 St.Charles, MO 63302 St. Charles County Smartt Airport 636-250-4515 Fax 636-250-4515 www.cafmo.org

MISSOURI WING

E XECUTIVE S TAFF
WING LEADER Col. Patrick Kesler 28 Confederate Way St. Charles, MO 63303 636-928-5687 636-250-4515 Wing wingleader@cafmo.org ADJUTANT / PIO OFFICER Col. Rick Rea 6854 Ardale Drive St. Louis,MO 63123 314-960-4927 col.rickrea@charter.net EXECUTIVE OFFICER Col. Steve Newcombe 708 Kent Drive Wentzville, MO 63385 636-332-6397 FINANCE Col. Steve Gossett 4 Limerick Lane O'Fallon, MO 63366 636-474-9763 314-306-5021 OPERATIONS OFFICER Col.Craig O'Mara 1085 Graywolf Court Fairview Heights, IL 62208 618-632-6113 home 618-558-7211 cell craigo777@juno.com MAINTENANCE OFFICER Col. Pat Fenwick 6 Heather Drive St. Peters, MO 63376 636-441-2856 SAFETY OFFICER Col. Tim Mohr 2301 Ambtose Imperial, MO 63052 314-291-6474 tgm01@sbcglobal.net

Photo by JC

ELLSWORTH AFB SOUTH DAKOTA MISSION

Photo by JC

B25 Crew: Matt Conrad, Dick Hyde, Bob Lawrence, Buddy Welsh, Dave Thompsen, Tim Dexter, Tom Wagoner TBM Crew: Dave Ceglinski, John Lohmar, Nick Talarico A few of the members enjoyed a side trip to Mount Rushmore after the show on Saturday.

Photos by Bob Lawrence

JUNE 2011

June 11 June 18 July 2 July 4 Jul 8-10 July 9 Jul 23-24 July 31 - Aug 4 August 13 August 20-21 Aug 27-28 Sep 10-11 Sept 17

Photo by Dick Hyde

WWII Flight Line at Ellsworth AFB.

Sept. 17 Sept 24-25 Oct 1

General Meeting Cancelled due to storm damage. LHFE Fligh(s) at Smartt Field B-25 St. Louis Parade - Staff Car St. Charles Parade - Staff Car & PX Truck Wing Nuts Flying Circus, Tarkio, MO TBM General Meeting (1:30 pm) Moberly, Mo. Aiport Bash B-25 PX Spirit Airport Static Display with B-29 FIFI B-25, L-3 Possible LHFE rides General Meeting (1:30 pm) Kansas City (Downtown) Aviation Expo B-25 Offutt AFB Airshow, Omaha, NE B-25 & TBM PX Guardians of Freedom Airshow, Lincoln, NE B-25 & TBM Grace on Wings Hog Roast (Charity Event) B-25 Indianapolis, IN (Return for Hangar Dance) HANGAR DANCE M31 Airshow, Halls, TN B-25, TBM & PX Jefferson City, MO Open House, History Flight Event B-25 & PX

U PCOMING E VENTS

Photo by Dick Hyde

Saturday - June 11 - General Meeting Cancelled

WING LEADER'S REPORT

I trust this finds everyone safe and in good spirits. I hope this is true because of all of the violent weather that has swept through Missouri and neighboring states. During tragedies like those of Joplin, we realize just how precious life and family is. We can always replace material items and belongings, but the health and safety of our loved ones are beyond worth. We cant put a price tag on those items. My two sons live in Oklahoma and, especially during tornado season, I constantly worry about their families safety and welfare. Guess Ill never stop being a parent. No matter how successful they are I still want to be there for them when the radar returns are red and purple. On Monday, May 23rd, Cols. Matt Conrad, Everett Feltham, Bill Wehmeier and I readied SHOW ME for a 10:00am flyover of the MICDS (Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School) Memorial Day service. The mission was successfully completed and after conducting some pilot recurrent training, we returned to Smartt Field around 11:30am. We refueled the bomber and put her back in the hangar. Shortly thereafter, while thunderstorms were developing to the west, a gust front with a straight-line wind well in excess of 70 MPH blew through the complex. Large chunks of foam roof material from overhead the briefing room flew through the air and damaged $teve Gossetts vehicle. Thank goodness no one was outside and hit by flying debris during this momentary visit from the bad side of nature. I contacted Tracy Smith and the St. Charles County Building Maintenance Coordinator. The damaged portion is now covered and awaiting estimates and repair. There is water damage inside the briefing room and they are in the process of doing what they can to prevent molding and more damage. I will keep everyone informed. The Wing had a very good day flying LHFE rides in Terre Haute, IN on Saturday, May 21st. My personal thanks go out to Col. Jordan Brown and his lovely wife Nicole. They ramrodded all of the advertising and coordination prior to the event and our members supported four flights, each carrying five LHFE passenger supporters. Twenty happy fliers donated $395 each to enjoy the privilege of riding in a WWII bomber. The Wing netted $6800 after paying Headquarters $55 each for the newly enrolled CAF Supporting Members. Kudos also go out to Cols. Bob Moore, Bob Lawrence, Matt Conrad, and Bill Wehmeier for manning the PX and flying the B-25. Speaking of the PX The PX truck transmission went kaput the previous weekend (May 15th) at the Indianapolis Airshow while starting the trip back to St. Louis. Bob Moore coordinated with the Ford people there and they repaired the transmission for a minimum amount of money. By time you read this, we should have the truck back with a new 3 year transmission warranty good at any Ford Dealership in the nation. Once again Thanks go out to Jordan Brown and his father for repositioning the PX Trailer, B-25 viewing stand, and assorted support items from Indianapolis to Terre Haute. The County has replaced the water filtration and softener system and we are once again getting clear water from the faucets. However, I need to remind everyone that even though our Wing water is filtered and softened it is still not potable (drinkable). The supply well/aquifer from which we get our water is not pure enough to treat with ordinary filtering equipment that would allow a monetarily-feasible drinking water supply. We will continue to make coffee with bottled water. The Wing water is safe to use for everything other than drinking. They are replacing

the heating rods in the hot water heater in hopes of giving us a clean hot water supply. I asked Tracy Smith not to dally just in order to save the County a few nickels. If the result is not perfectly clear hot water, they will purchase a new heater. Yep! Its like pulling teeth! Things are really jumping (and flying around) at the Wing, so peruse the schedule on the front page and offer your support. Come on out and enjoy the camaraderie and excitement. Theres always something to do at the Wing complex. If you have any specific questions, please email or call me or better yet write an article with your questions in it and maybe someone with more expertise will convey the answers. Remember - with your help We can Keep Em Flying and have a great, rewarding time in your life while doing so. Its always great to make new memories especially when they are associated with the memories of that Great Generation. Respectfully submitted, Col. Pat Kesler, Wing Leader

B-25 & TBM returning from SD Airshow.

Photos by John Boy

IN

B-25 MEMORIAL DAY FLYOVER AWES MANY ST. LOUIS AREA

On its return from the Columbia, MO air show on Memorial Day, the B-25 was observed making a number of passes over golf course country in Ladue to the amazement of the folks on the ground at and near the St. Louis Country Club and Log Cabin Club. It was also seen flying over Col. Dick Hydes home in Clayton near Forest Park. It is strongly suspected that Col. Tee Baur may have had a hand in this terrific Memorial Day gesture by the Wing. Many thanks to the flying crew of Colonels Pat Kesler and Matt Conrad as well as the rest of the Columbia crew aboard for helping remind us that Memorial Day is more than golf, swimming and barbeques! Colonel Dick Hyde

LAST CALL

FOR "A NIGHT OUT" The 4th of July weekend will be here before we know it! As previously reported, the Missouri Wing has been invited (again) to participate in the big downtown parade on Saturday, July 2nd. Col. Bob Moores 1942 Army staff car turned out to be a huge attraction at the parade last year and we aim for a repeat performance this year, minus the breakdown at the start line. The theme of this years parade is A Night Out and the plan is for Wing members and family to accompany the vehicle as it winds its way down Broadway and Market Streets, dressed in Hawaiian casual garb to mimic a Saturday night on Bishop Street in wartime Honolulu, complete with an MP or two to keep order. This promises to be a fun time for all and will conclude with some refreshments for the participants. Please join us by letting Colonels Bob Moore or Dick Hyde know and we will keep you filled in on the final plans. Col. Dick Hyde

On the sizzling Friday, June 3rd afternoon, the B-25, TBM and ten Wing members readied themselves for the four hour flight to Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, SD to participate in the Dakota Thunder air show celebrating 100 years of South Dakota aviation. Col. John Lohmar was TBM PIC and he was ably assisted by crew members Colonels Dave Ceglinski and Nick Talarico. The B-25 crew was headed up by PIC Col. Matt Conrad and co-pilot Col. Dave Thompsen, who was making his first air show flight in the B-25. B-25 crew members consisted of Colonels Tom Wagoner, Tim Dexter, Bob Lawrence, Buddy Welsh, a brand new Wing member, and Dick Hyde. On hand at the Field to help send off this merry band of brothers were the ever helpful Colonels Pat Kesler and Dan Bauer. Upon reaching altitude, the crew members enjoyed cooler temperatures as well as excellent weather for the trip. With the aid of his trusty road atlas, Col. Hyde identified for the crew the various landmarks and towns en route over Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota from his position in the nose. After making the longest flight many of the crew members had experienced in the two aircraft (four hours) over a distance comparable to that traveled by the Doolittle Raiders en route to Japan from the Hornet (about 650 miles), both aircraft landed at the Rapid City commercial airport for fuel and oil before taking off on the shortest flight most had experienced in any aircraft, this time a four minute jog over to Ellsworth AFB! The accommodations provided by the Air Force at the Comfort Suites were sumptuous. The Air Force put much of its best stuff on display for the show, including the C-5, B-52, B-1, B-2 Stealth Bomber (whose PIC named Klotz is from our area and whose father was acquainted with some of our Wing members from the old days), Predator Drone, F-15 and F-16 plus other assorted aircraft. Our crews were treated to a visit to the upper deck of the C-5 and a fascinating chat with its PIC. Many of the crew members of these high powered aircraft were most interested in our aircraft and visited us later on for tours of the B-25. Unfortunately, the parking area for the B-25 and TBM was roped off and not accessible to the public so up close and personal looks by the spectators were not possible. However, our crews did the best they could to hang around the ropes, answer questions and distribute the B-25 and TBM fact sheetssorry, Steve, no donations to the bomb though! The warbird portion of the show included our B-25, TBM and an immaculate blue nosed P-51 named Heller Bust from Boise, Idaho (non-CAF). In a highly entertaining display of World War II airpower, the three aircraft made a number of simulated bombing and strafing runs, complete with pyro. Following the show, about half our crew members opted to visit Mount Rushmore, about 40 minutes up the road from our hotel, and the others opted for Outback Restaurant. An early departure was in store for the next morning which dawned bright and clear another four minute jump to Rapid City Airport for fuel and oil and then the return to Smartt, this time in about 3 hours 20 minutes. Col. Thompsen smoothly handled the controls of the B-25 for most of the trip home. Both aircraft traveled back together and Col. Lawrence was able to get some great video of the TBM in flight from the B-25 tail position for use on the Wings website. Landing at Smartt in the 90 plus heat was a rude shock to the crew members who had enjoyed ideal weather in Rapid City and flight suits were quickly shed. Col. John Coffey and Connie were on hand to greet the returning crew and make sure they were photographed for the Compass. Col. Hubert Looney saw to it that the aircraft were safely pushed into the hangars to wrap up a terrific weekend for all participants. Col. Dick Hyde

B-25 AND TBM HELP CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF SOUTH DAKOTA AVIATION

FUN

AT THE INDIANAPOLIS AIRSHOW Our Wing conducted the Indianapolis Air Show mission using both air and ground assets. The air asset consisted of the Bomber with a crew of 8 Colonels, Pilots Greg Vallero and Matt Conrad, and additional crew members Angie and Chris Herman, Bev and Bob Cushman, Dan Bauer and myself. On the ground, in the PX ground vehicle, we had Connie and John Coffey, and Sandi and Bob Moore. Mission objectives for the air asset were to fly to Indianapolis, conduct two fly-by sorties and entertain and educate adult and children who gazed in awe at the bomber. The ground mission objectives were to make money by selling name tags, models, tee shirts, pins, spark plugs and much more, to fans itching to take home souvenirs. Both vehicles launched around 0700 on May 22, 2011 and proceeded to Indianapolis. Those in the Bomber enjoyed a leisurely flight with one stop in Terre Haute for breakfast. Those on the ground began the long trek down Hwy. 70 not knowing if they had time for breakfast. Upon arrival, the bomber crew began setting up for a coordinated air/ground operation. Unfortunately, Matt Conrad learned that the ground vehicle location was to be several hundred yards from the bomber. Col. Conrad pleaded the case to the Airshow executives who conceded a location a short distance from one of the gates. Upon arrivalthe PX set up in the assigned grassy area. Meanwhile, the air crew was busy setting up the new bomber viewing stand and eating homemade cupcakes provided by Angie Herman. Chris Herman led the effort that began with the crew starring at a myriad of tubes, wheels and attachment hardware that came without an assembly manual. Under his leadership, the stand was fully assembled and rolled into position with a minimum of effort. On the ground, the PX crew hastily set up their facilities anticipating a large opening crowd of souvenir hunters. Connie Coffey conducted operational testing of the dog tag machine to ensure seamless operation against the expected large crowd. Col. Nick Talarico

Photo by Johnny C

B-25 and crowd at Indianapolis Air Show

JUNE LHFE UPDATE

The past month has given the LHFE program some great successes starting with four rides (thats 20 people) at the open house, fly-in at Terre Haute, Indiana. We had enough people interested in another ride but, unfortunately, the rains came and we had to cancel the final flight. In addition, we now are proficient at completing all the necessary paperwork that is required. This alone makes for a more enjoyable experience for both us and our guests. Now we need greater concentration on getting the LHFE information out to more people. Thanks to all of our members who have spread the word so far. We have several people signed up that they referred to us. We are now investigating several other avenues to get publicity for us. If you have any affordable suggestions that you would be willing to pursue, please let us know. We also have one ride filled for 6/18 and another almost filled for 6/25 here at Smartt Field. Thanks again for your help. Get me some interested peoples names, numbers, and email addresses and we will keep this LHFE program growing and growing. Col. Bob Moore, LHFE Coordinator

As I put together this article, this whole area is under several tornado warnings, and severe thunderstorm warnings. I am sure you have all heard of weather radios, and thought I can turn on a radio or watch the TV to get weather info. The important thing about a weather radio is that it can be set to give warnings in your area so when you are sleeping, it will wake you so you can take action if needed. PLEASE consider this for you and your loved ones. It could save a life! Simple Oversight Kills Two - By David Jack Kenny It seems so simple: Read a line and do what it says. Verify that it has been done correctly before going to the next thing. If youre interrupted, start over. For decades, aviation has relied on checklists as a fundamental step in risk management, and now disciplines from auto repair to trauma surgery are coming to recognize their value. As weve heard, a checklist is not a to-do list. Experienced pilots may develop a flow that they find more efficient but still refer to the written checklist for confirmation. Extensive time in one model or even a single aircraft may entice some to run checklists from memory, with the accompanying risk of missing a crucial step. While still new to the aircraft, however, theres much to be said for following the checklists exactly as written. On Jan. 28, 2009, a Siai-Marchetti SF-260 lost power on initial climb-out from Santa Monica, Calif. According to witnesses, the engine stopped at an altitude of about 400 feet; the airplane began a right turn and then spun into the ground beside the runway. The 1,600-hour private pilot and his passenger were both killed. The wreckage was confined to a 50-foot area around the point of impact. The post-crash fire did severe damage to both wings and the fuselage, and made it impossible to test the magnetos, ignition harness, or fuel pump. Those engine components that could be examined showed no evidence of failure or malfunction. The fuel selector was initially thought to have been set to the right tip tank. More careful examination concluded that it was actually between the detents for the right tip and right main tanks, but had probably been displaced from the tip-tank position by the impact. The last pilot who had flown the airplane recalled having filled the mains at the self-service pump, and then used the right tip tank to taxi back to the hangar, which he described as standard operating procedure in this airplane. He also noted that while he wasnt sure how much fuel was in the tips, there wasnt much. Whether the pilot never ran the checklist, got distracted and missed a step, or decided he was qualified to improvise doesnt matter in the end. Whats clear is that the checklist was never accomplished. As a result, the pilot missed an essential step of the preflight procedure and tried to take off without connecting the engine to a tank that would deliver fuel. The final cost of that single, simple oversight was two lives. I would like you to consider two things from excerpts from this sad article. 1. Even if you have done a preflight a hundred times, and have it memorized, use your checklist. 2. Always be considering an emergency landing zone whether on takeoff, enroute, or landing. In the story above, this pilot had only seconds to make a crucial decision. A quick visual check of the areas around the departure end of the runway (even from ground level) may save your life and the lives of your passengers. Remember, you can add items to your checklist that will help you be a better, safer pilot. Dont Learn By Accident Col Tim Mohr, SO

JUNE SAFETY BRIEF

Apr 9, 2011 1:30 < CALL TO ORDER < PLEDGE OF ALLIGIENCE < ROLL CALL OF STAFF: WL __ ADJ __ EXEC __ OPS __ MAINT__ FIN __ SAFE __ PIO __ < RECOGNIZE VISITORS AND GUESTS < MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (in COMPASS) < INFIRMED MEMBERS Everett is doing well. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Compass John Coffey Gasoline Sales Jim Lammert/$teve Gossett Web Site Dave Groen/Bob Lawrence Museum Jack Seeman PX Dick Hyde Recruiting & Membership Steve Newcombe Air Shows Matt Conrad/Craig OMara OLD BUSINESS < *Please Help Keep Hangars Clean* Last hangar worker in hangar to leave must insure all hangar doors are closed & locked! < WATER SYSTEM Contractor has been selected to do rebuild on Filters and Softener and replace Water Heater. Paperwork being finalized. < FLOOD EVACUATION PROCEDURES No extreme flooding forecast. NEW BUSINESS < AIRCRAFT STATUS: B-25: airworthy TBM: needs test flight L-3: Done - paperwork < STAFF REPORTS: MAINTENANCE___ EXECUTIVE___ OPERATIONS____ SAFETY___ ADJUTANT___ FINANCE___ PUBLIC INFO OFFICER___ AIR SHOW ___ < WEBSITE STATUS: Up & running. Bob Lawrence is starting on the Members Only portion of the site. < LEN KRATZER THANK YOU NOTES/CARDS Len is going on an Honor Flight to D.C. Send to: Steve Kratzer, 12600 Meadows Rd., Festus, MO 63028 NLT May 18th. < REVIEW ACFT PROCEDURES prior to flying any airshows and be ready to help getting the aircraft ready. < AIR SHOW SCHEDULE/SIGN-UP Located on clipboard in hangar hall. Will be available on website soon. < REHAB/PAINT/CLEAN ENTRANCE HALL, OFFICE AREA, AND BRIEFING ROOM Looks like flooding will hold off. Ready to start on painting and do floor last. < PRING CLEANING Grab a broom or mop or trash can or bottle of Windex. Really need to clean hangars now that aircraft are flying. Will be getting many visitations this Spring and Summer. < WE NEED TO DESIGNATE A LATRINE OPR To ramrod scheduling volunteers as King/Queen for the month. < ANY OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION? Meeting Adjourned

GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

Photo by JC

Meeting room roof debris. See Wing Leader's article.

COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE

MISSOURI WING P.O. Box 637 St. Charles, MO 63302-0637

JUNE 2011

TBM ENROUTE

FROM

SOUTH DAKOTA

Photo by Bob Lawrence

Pilot John Lohmar, Backseater Dave Ceglinski and Nick Talarico (bombader's seat)

Greg Easton (3) Schuyler Shipley (5) Steve Gossett (6) Tim Jackson (6) Glenn Racine (15) Dutch Meyerpeter (17) Wayne Langbecker (22) Chris Santschi (27) Joe Wurtz (29) Compass Deadline: July Newsletter - Need info by June 22

June ! B ir t h d a y s

August Newsletter - Need info by July 26

Working on annual.

Photo by JC

Photo by JC

Run up.

Photo by JC Photo by JC

Taxiing in.

TBM belches and smokes as it comes to life. Mike, Anastasia & Hezekiah Kemp watch the first start up of the season for the TBM.

All the work on the TBM pays off! Thanks to everyone for your hard work! Bottom photo TBM flying back from South Dakota. June 2011
Photo by JC

Photo by Bob Lawrence