Maverick Pilot, Volume Two

ILLUSTRATIONS

Figure 1: Me in the DC-3.

Figure 2: Copilot Joe Migone.

Figure 3: Flying over Vietnam,.

Figure 4: Vickie made my day.

Figure 5: Flying for HATS.

Figure 6: Two loves;

Figure 7: It's good to be the Captain.

Figure 8: Tai Ping II; she turned out well.

Figure 9: The stretch DC-8-63;.

Figure 10: 1776, Independence,,

Figure 11: The Good Ship Galaxais,

Figure 12: Another fine painting.

Figure 13: The wide-body DC-10

Figure 14: The DC-10 Engineer's

Figure 15: Far more Bells & Whistles

Figure 16: Quark took us sailing.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Pilot extraordinaire, a sailor of oceans, and author of over twenty books was Ernest K. Gann. During World War II he delivered much-needed supplies over the treacherous Hump, later he flew well-heeled tourists to the Islands, and once ferried a Gooney-bird 4000 over-water miles to Samoa. Gathering together a crew of friends, Ernie sailed the schooner, Albatross, from Holland to Sausalito for the adventure of being on the sea. His books reflected his experiences with titles like, The High and the Mighty, Fate is the Hunter, and Soldier of Fortune. Many movies followed. As a youth I couldn't wait for the next adventure in print or film to keep me spellbound. After years of enjoying his pursuits, I wrote to him; he kindly and generously responded with a letter and poem that I treasure. His, was all the inspiration I needed. Thank you Mister Gann - Ernie.

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The following have kept me reasonably honest and factual, for that I'm indebted.

Miss Carrie Picket, a great teacher, who patiently nurtured this old Geezer through six-years of training in the How-to of stringing words together. How she suffered me for so long, I'll never know. With sincere appreciation, Carrie, I Thank You.

In a weak moment, Maggie Lloyd-Zeibak agreed to edit Volumes I and II. (An author bears his soul to an editor.) For keeping the Vows of Silence as my confessor Maggie, I also thank you.

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To my beautiful wife, Jennie Victoria Chan-Case; the constant has been our love for each other. Thank you.

PREFACE

It started out badly; I thought I was finished. Then again, I wasn't one to quit without a struggle. Luck and persistence finally paid-off until I was once-more chasing the rainbow. Healthy again, I'm off to Hong Kong to fly a C-47, and meet Vickie, who will agree to become part of my life, forever. Then, it's a short interval in Honolulu before starting with Overseas National Airways and jets. The DC-9, DC-8, and DC-10 were all planes I learned to fly with one of the best.

1967; HOMEWARD BOUND

Death arrives in many forms; sudden, violent, painful, lingering. Remembering that Saigon night in ICU; it came to call in a most pleasant, welcoming manner. All I had to do was relax to let the cool darkness envelop and spirit me away to a place I'd never been. I really don't know why I stubbornly insisted on laboring for one more shallow breath. Dying would have been so much easier.

The hospital in Saigon kept me on oxygen for three days; pumping me full of adrenaline and bronchial-dilator pills before finally letting me shuffle out of their care. Although I didn't have active tuberculosis, they said my lungs were ruined. I checked out of the ward and reluctantly gave notice to my employer, Continental Air Service. Ed Dearborn, the chief pilot, kindly replied there would always be an opening for me if I decided to return. I was on the next Air Vietnam flight to Hong Kong, having no idea what the future held.

Obviously, I looked ill; the first two hotels said they had no available rooms (Hong Kong innkeepers are superstitious about guests dying in their rooms). The third was hungry; overcharging me for less-than-first-class quarters. Turning the air-conditioner up, I washed-down some of the prescription Saigon-dilators with scotch, and slept for the next fourteen hours. Waking-up with a ravenous hunger, I Ordered breakfast from room service and took a steaming hot shower prior to the food to arriving. Answering the door with a towel wrapped around my skinny frame. The waiter ignored me as he trundled in a polished cart covered in white linen,. With a flourish he set up the table with a large glass of fresh squeezed orange juice, eggs, sausages, and buttered toast with a wonderful pot of steaming coffee. It was the best meal I'd had in a long time. This was followed by a four hour nap; my date with death was slipping away.

While out on a stroll I bought a cassette player and some music tapes before heading back to my room for more sleep. Dinners were lots of fresh salads and Kobe beef entrées followed by light music, a book, and more rest. Gradually, I weaned myself from the drugs as my lungs began to improve. A week in Hong Kong reinvigorated me to where I could make the flight to Honolulu without dying. While I was probably going to wind up in a recovery sanatorium in the desert, I wasn't contagious and wanted to lie out in the Hawaiian sun for a couple of weeks spending some time with Toni, my little daughter.

BOAC, (now British Airways) up-graded me to first class when they saw I was flight crew. My disabled-soldier-of-fortune act went over well with the stewardesses who pampered me with food and drink all the way across the Pacific. In those days flying first-class in a Boeing 707 on British Overseas Airways Corporation was something really special. Nevertheless, the trip exhausted me and I was ready for bed when I checked into a Waikiki hotel. I didn't want the Filipino family that was taking care of my Toni to see how weak I really was, even though my 125-pound emancipated body was a dead giveaway.

The next day I rented a car, bought some candy and flowers, and drove over to Anita's just as Toni was returning from school. I had known Anita for years, she was the best friend of Nani, a Tahitian dancer I used to date; Nani danced off with someone else but Anita and I remained friends. The flowers were for her, the candy for Toni and Anita's two daughters. She answered the door and looked at me for a surprised moment; "Dave, Dave you're home - you're here! Oh, my God, you're here!

I'm here, I smiling said, "Can I come in?

Yes, yes of course. What are all those for? Toni and the kids will be home any minute. Bob's at work. You look so thin - let me help you.

When Toni got home she threw her arms around me; hugging me so hard I thought she was going to break my neck.

Oh Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, tears running down her cheeks, Daddy I missed you.

You're staying for dinner, not a question but a command from Anita.

The kids started to devour the candy before Anita snatched the box away, telling them; No more until after dinner; do you want to get sick? Putting it up on a top shelf where the children couldn't reach, she good naturedly admonished, You know it will rot their teeth.

I know but it's only five pounds...

Hand me that vase I want to get these flowers in water before they wilt. You shouldn't have...

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When Bob got home he broke out the beer and offered me a scotch. It was a grand homecoming and I wasn't going to spoil it by letting them know I was going to have to spend a year or so in the desert. During dinner Bob wanted to know all about my adventures in Vietnam. I responded by making light of my flying and the living conditions, explaining I was little more than an airborne taxi driver who occasionally delivered packages when not drinking beer and chasing the ladies of Tu Do Street. This seemed to satisfy him and fit in with the image I carefully projected of a happy-go-lucky pilot. I saw no reason to go into detail on just how dangerous the work and environment really was; in the first place he would not have comprehended it, in the second place it would have frightened Anita and the children.

After dinner we watched television for a while. Toni proudly showed me a drawing that had earned her an 'A.' It was quite good for a second grader, my daughter had talent. Gee, honey that's very nice. Where did you get the idea? I queried.

I got it from that plant over there. See how its leaves are getting big? she said as she pointed over to a potted palm Anita was tending.

Yeah, it looks just like it - only better. I think you're going to be a real artist when you grow up. Come here and give me a hug.

Toni jumped into my lap wrapping her arms around my neck. Daddy, are you going to stay home for awhile?

I'm going to try; how about you and me going to the beach tomorrow after school? At that Anita's two daughters, who were a couple of years older than Toni jumped up and shouted; Me too - us too!

Anita put on the stern-mother look, You kids have homework. Besides, Uncle Dave wants to spend time with Toni.

Hey, that's okay. Toni, is it all right if we take them along? I'm thinking of Makapu and some bodysurfing.

Okay; can we get some hot dogs and ice cream, too?

Of course; 'Nita, I don't mind. The kids are fun and I'll have them back before dinner. We'll only stay an hour or so - I don't want to sunburn.

Well, okay. But you kids better mind Uncle Dave or I'll skin you when you get home, do you hear? Everybody laughed at that last remark. Anita was a good mother; there wasn't a mean bone in her body; her bark was far worse than her bite. I'd pick them up after school and we'd make a beeline for the beach. With that settled, it was off to bed for the little ones and I could have a serious talk with Bob and Anita about Toni and my immediate future.

I explained how I'd tested positive for tuberculosis and that my lungs were full of clouds on the x-rays. It put them at ease when I told them I wasn't contagious; however it was probably just a matter of time. I further explained what the doctors had said about me drying out in the desert for the next year or so. They assured me it would be no problem looking after Toni and that she was welcome in their home as one of the family. It was fortunate indeed that I'd saved my money since the desert-cure and Toni's care was going to cost a small ransom. I went back to my hotel feeling exhausted but happy that things were going to be all right.

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Makapu was a wonderful small beach around the corner from Koko Head far away from the tourists in Honolulu. The curl of the waves made it perfect for body surfing and the kids had a ball. I even tried a few; it took me back to my growing-up surfer days in Long Beach, California when I was about their age. The water always soothed me. Old King Neptune greeted me and sent a couple of nice rollers my way allowing me to show off for the kids.

Hey, Uncle Dave, you're not bad for a haole; where'd you learn da kine?

I've been surfing since before you were born. I learned when I was about your age.

Jeeez, that must have been a long time ago.

A very long time ago. Come on, ten more minutes and we gotta start home.

Aw.

Aw - can we get another ice cream?

If you don't tell your mother...

It was a fun afternoon; the sun and surf felt good on my body. I seemed to be getting better and using the bronchial-inhaler less. Except, my face itched from the salt water; somewhere I'd contracted a Barber's Itch from shaving, and my face was all broken out like a teenager's. I made a mental note to visit a dermatologist the next day.

BACK IN THE SADDLE

Prescribing cortisone tablets, the doctor agreed it was an ugly rash. Take these three times a day and your face should clear up in a week; if it doesn't give me a call and we'll try something else - and stay out of the sun.

I wrote a check and thanked him.

By the third day the most amazing thing occurred; my lungs began to dramatically clear up! At first I didn't make the connection; nevertheless, the longer I was on the cortisone the better I felt and the less I needed the inhaler and dilator pills. I avoided the sun by hanging out in the bars along the beach and drinking Primo, the local beer of the islands. To the regulars I explained that my startling recovery was due to the healing qualities of the beer - who'd ever heard of cortisone?

As my face cleared-up the local ladies quit looking at me like a leper and things began to get better and better. After the week was up I started putting in time at the beach, being careful to not sunburn. I truly believe in the curative powers of warm sun and salt water. Within a month I'd put on ten pounds and was feeling almost like my old self. More good news arrived from my mainland doctor; I didn't have TB after all! Apparently a spoor, native to Vietnam, had settled in my weakened lungs creating all the problems. Within a month I passed a flight physical and went back to work flying light planes around the islands.

Renting a small apartment near Anita's I moved Toni into her own bedroom. She still went to school with Anita's kids, staying with them until I got off work. My life was getting back to normal. I sure wasn't going back to Saigon and risk getting sick again; that was as close to dying as I cared to get. The only downside of the Islands was that the flying job didn't pay much money; I continually tapped into my savings to make ends meet.

One day a C-47 pulled up in front to the Hangar where I worked. It had just ferried in from the mainland and was on its way to Hong Kong to provide support for a construction company called Delong Dock working in Vietnam. I introduced myself to the crew and directed them to the Holiday Inn near the airport. They were friendly and seemed glad to have met someone who knew the area. Bruce was the captain and chief pilot of the operation. He invited me to the hotel for drinks after I got off work. Over scotch we traded stories and I told him about my tour in Southeast Asia and my familiarity with the area where they were going to be operating. We exchanged contacts and they left the next morning.

A couple of months later I received a phone call from Bruce telling me he'd had a captain quit and would I like to come over to Hong Kong to take his place? The job involved flying once a week to Vung Tau with a short stop at Cam Ranh Bay on the way back. It amounted to a sixteen-hour day once a week and the pay was excellent. I couldn't believe my luck; I loved Hawaii but was rapidly going broke. Hong Kong was a World-Class city - one of the best places in the world to live. Toni could attend private schools. And it was safe; no shooting or violence in Hong Kong.

When do you need an answer? I asked after Bruce had finished with his offer.

As soon as possible; the son-of-a-bitch just walked in and quit after he took a round in the rudder on take-off out of Vung Tau. Oh, did I mention we pay extra for all the time you spend in Vietnam? I need a guy out here right now.

I'm pretty sure I can make it - give me forty-eight hours - I've got to make some calls.

Look we'll take care of your rent and any fees you may have in moving this fast. I need a captain out here now!

Okay, I still have to make some arrangements...

I'll book you on Pan Am for two days from now.

Make it three...

Two.

Okay.

Keep track of your expenses; money is no problem.

Hanging up, I wondered who in the hell was this guy Bruce. Nevertheless, there was no question the money wasn't going to be welcome after the big hole I'd dug in my savings. The next day was a whirlwind of phone calls; Toni went back to Anita's - the landlord settled for a month's advance rent, the utilities and phone company billed Anita. Bob said he'd sell my car. Eric, the owner of the charter operation was disappointed but understanding; You know you've always got a job here if things don't work out.

I know, thanks Eric. I'll drop you a line as soon as I get settled.

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Two days later I was fluffing up a pillow and dozing in an over-the-wing window-seat on Pan Am II, bound for Tokyo, and Hong Kong. Part of me wondered if I was making the right decision while the other part confirmed it's what I do - it's what I was meant to do. I'm a whore; pay me and I'll dance for you.

Tokyo was a short stop to offload passengers and refuel. I would have preferred traveling on BOAC as they overnight all their passengers putting them up in four-star hotels before continuing. However Bruce insisted I get there ASAP. After Tokyo the 707 was less than half full so it was easy to find three seats where I could stretch out and sleep. We arrived at Kai Tak airport in the morning after shooting the Checkerboard approach, dropping down between the apartment structures to land on runway 1-3. The approach into Hong Kong is one of the most exciting in the World for commercial airliners; just before landing, you are actually looking up at the residents in the buildings on both sides of the plane. (In 1998 Kai Tak was closed and the new Hong Kong International airport opened with safer approaches and runways, thus closing an exciting chapter to flying in the Far East.)

It took less than thirty minutes to pick up my suitcase and clear customs. I called Bruce from the airport to let him know I'd arrived. He said I was booked into the Ambassador Hotel on Nathan Road, across from his apartment at the Peninsula Hotel. The company sure provided fancy digs I