If there’s one thing we know about in this “neck of the woods” its airplanes and airports. Some of us help build airplanes. Others work for or retired from major airlines. Some manned cockpit controls, others welcome passengers, repair engines, prepared in-flight passenger food and refreshments, wrestle baggage and cargo, cleaned-up the mess people leave – and made a decent living. It was a privilege then to fly. Still, living near the airport brings its negative impact as well.

Ask John McEvoy, an adventurer who knows the History of Aviation inside out. A retired Boeing Flight Test Engineer, John also owned airlines transporting the Shah of Iran and His Excellency, Idi Amin, President of Uganda. John lived to tell the story behind the crash of the Air France Airbus A300 hijacked by the PLQ.

Sue Padden, Senior Services Manager for Des Moines says, “The stories he tells are amazing. He was there and best of all he lived to tell about his adventures in aviation.” And now John McEvoy is sharing his vast aviation knowledge and lessons learned through a 2-Part Series of Presentations and you’re all invited. Bring your kids and invite neighbors and friends to two different sessions, September 13th and/or 20th, (Tuesdays) 7:00 to 9:00p.m at DM Senior and Community Center 2045 South 216th Street, next to the post office. Information: (206) 878-1642

John McEvoy is an expert of aviation history with practical predictions for the airline industry and employment requirements. September 13th, John will feature the airplane itself from start to delivery.

He also has a heart for young people with a passion to pursue flying careers and urges them to get one-on-one acquainted with real-life operations. Pursue part-time opportunities to work or volunteer with
Airlines to capture the experience needed to make knowledgeable flying decisions that may not be in a book.

Mr. McEvoy’s favorite quote is, “Flying in itself is not inherently dangerous, yet like the Sea itself, it is terribly unforgiving for any act of incapacity, carelessness or neglect.”

McEvoy will tell his story in two parts and provide pictures you’ll likely not see elsewhere. Information (206)-878-1642.

Two Experts join McEvoy for the 9/13 Presentation Panel. They are, Brien Wygle, former Vice President of Boeing Flight Operations who also took the first B-747 on its Test Ride and daringly piloted a past Seafair Hydroplane entry, “Thrifty Two.”

Pat DeRoberts, a former Boeing Production Test Pilot will complete that Panel. These three represent Aviation History as it was, as it is, and very likely how it will be.

We know commercial cockpit crews are highly qualified and cabin crews know exactly how to respond to emergencies, yet, sometimes there’s apprehensions boarding airplanes, even enroute to Mickey Mouse and Disneyland. Do you wonder what this great big manufactured bird is made of? Can it survive a lightning strike, a windstorm and get me there safe and happy?

There is considerable faith and trust for Wright Brothers invention that gets us off the ground and skimming through heavenly clouds, however, we’re not in a hurry to set-up residence there.

The September 13th Part One Program will feature details of how an airplane is created from initial design, through step-by-step fabrication, the test on first flight, certification, training and final delivery to customer. McEvoy’s focus will be on the B-707 (year 1958) and also B707, B-757 and B777.

Part-2 September 20th, Expert Panel members feature Clarke Brant, former FAA Inspector and Pilot, Bob Arnold, Boeing Test Engineer.

The thrill of flying is an exciting moment with the airplane seemingly headed to the moon. Yet, folks living near Sea-Tac Airport have a different view of airplanes coming and going.

Day and night, the sounds of airplane engines penetrate peace and quiet of local communities. Conversations often stop, and it’s one airplane minutes apart. If you’re at a softball game in Steve Underwood Park when a plane approaches landing it seems the landing gear could be touched.
Airplanes are a love and hate affair. Yet, without aviation how would life be? Aviation opened worldwide doors of travel wonders, and song lyrics beckon, “Come fly with me let’s fly, let’s fly away,” while a sign on my deck reads, “Gone Flying.”

Meantime, John McEvoy shares his amazing life story and love for aircraft September 13th and 20th FREE.

Today’s Thought: “Money will buy a pretty good dog, but it won’t buy the wag in its tail.” (Will Rogers, Beloved Comedian)