Got Back in Touch With the History of Aviation This Week ...

... a phone conversation with long-time industry friend Thor Solberg did the trick. He’s the son of Thor Solberg; has a son named Thor. When I caught up with him on the phone, he was driving to the hospital where Thor IV was expected to arrive anon. (However, Thor III had not yet officially endorsed the Thor IV naming.) Thor Solberg recently re-created his father’s flight from the U.S. to Norway conducted 75 years ago. Solberg Sr. had come to America to realize his dream of succeeding in aviation. He eventually created an airport in Readington, NJ -- not far enough from the tentacles of New York City proper. According to an AP story on the 75-year anniversary flight, “Solberg Sr. wanted to fly a plane from Norway to the United States to show the world that Norwegian Viking explorer Leiv Eiriksson — known in America as Leif Ericson — could have discovered America before Christopher Columbus. “Solberg Sr. realized there would be better aircraft and more financial resources in America, so he decided he would fly from the United States to Norway instead. He came to Roosevelt Field on Long Island in 1926 and started a flying business.” Later, as an aviator who knew the terrain, he recognized that the Nazis could put in place a chain of supply stations in northern waters, linking their forces to a command position facing the United States. He alerted President Roosevelt, who directed an investigation. Turns out, he was right. There is a Solberg VOR adjacent to the airfield, which indicates the significance of the man and the airport he established. Meanwhile, Thor Jr. and family have been embroiled in a legal battle with a community that wants to see the airport go away. Apparently, it interferes with suburban sprawl. The Solbergs seek to expand their runway from 3,000 feet to 5,000 – Thor Jr. says that will help make it self-sustaining and remain as an important general aviation airport. Propaganda says 747s will be landing in the neighborhood soon thereafter. Litigation is ongoing … ridiculous litigation though it may be. Says Thor Jr., “I just hope this new baby is into airports” Well, considering his age and era, I suggested spaceports might be more in line with the family way of thinking. Unfortunately, not enough of the good citizens of Readington, NJ appreciate the historical gem they have in their midst. (Visit www.solbergairport.com.) Thanks for reading. jfi