Airmail Re-enactment Flight
Boeing and Jeppesen sponsor the 2008 transcontinental airmail re-enactment that commemorates the 90th anniversary of air mail service in the US, honoring pioneers of commercial aviation. Bill Boeing, Jr. is also personally sponsoring the flight.
Early in the 20th century, before today's complex system of airports and airways existed, a few brave pilots accepted the task of flying across the country, from one small town to another, to deliver mail from the east coast to the west coast and back. Because there existed only very basic, open cockpit airplanes, and information about airports, weather and navigational facilities was limited at best, the job was dangerous. As many as 30% of airmail pilots were killed in weather-related accidents during some winters.
Without these pioneering pilots, today's sophisticated aviation infrastructure, and the global commerce enabled by it would not exist. Captain Elrey B. Jeppesen was one of these pilots. The company that bears his name was founded in 1934, and today is a subsidiary of The Boeing Company. Both Boeing and Jeppesen are proud sponsors of this historic re-enactment.
Flight composed of historic 1928 Boeing 40, 1927 Boeing Stearman C3B and 1930 Boeing Stearman 4E authorized by US Post Office to carry official US mail between New York and San Francisco.
Who: Addison Pemberton — B-40 pilot, Larry Tobin — C3B pilot, Ben Scott — 4E pilot.
What: Celebrate the anniversary of this air mail route and the pioneering of commercial flight in the US. Interview and photograph the men who restored and pilot these historic aircraft.
When: September 10 - 15, 2008
Where: September 10 - Depart New York Republic Field 9:30 a.m. Arrive Bellefonte, PA late morning. Depart and arrive Cleveland, OH Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL) late afternoon/early evening. Overnight stop.
September 11 - Depart Cleveland (BKL) 9:30 a.m. Arrive Bryan, OH (OG6) late morning. Depart and arrive Chicago, IL Lansing Airport (IGQ) late afternoon. Arrive Iowa City, IA (IOW) early evening. Overnight stop.
September 12 - Depart Iowa City 9:30 a.m. Arrive Omaha, NE (OMA) late morning. Depart and arrive North Platte, NE (LBF) late afternoon. Overnight stop.
September 13 - Depart North Platte 9:30 a.m. Arrive Cheyenne, WY (CYS) late morning. Depart and arrive mid-afternoon Rawlins, WY (RWL). Depart and arrive Rock Springs, WY (RKS) early evening. Overnight stop.
September 14 - Depart Rock Springs 9:30 a.m. Arrive Salt Lake City, UT (U42) late morning. Depart and arrive Elko, NV (EKO) late afternoon. Depart and arrive Reno, NV (RNO) early evening. Overnight stop.
September 15 - Depart Reno 9:30 a.m. Arrive Hayward, CA (HWD) late morning. Depart Hayward mid-day for San Francisco (SFO or Chrissy Field). Return to Hayward. Overnight stop.
Why: Honor the courageous individuals who made possible today's global aviation system.