sedona legend helen frye

The TWA Constellation Story

Jack Frye and Howard Hughes

Sedona Legend Profile Series

The Very First Commercial Constellation!
2nd Constellation Produced
FAA Registration 310310 (TWA 310)
Lockheed C-69 C/N 43-10310

Please click on pictures for larger files

Jack Frye (center with cigar,) during delivery of first Constellation
Burbank to Las Vegas, left to right, (Military) Commander Paul Richter, former
Executive Vice-President of TWA (on military leave,) President of
TWA, Jack Frye, and unidentified passenger, probably a reporter.
They all appear to be wearing parachutes.
Photo: Courtesy of TWA

Same flight from Burbank to Las Vegas, first Constellation.
Jack Frye back to camera, with left to right: John Lockhart TWA Treasurer,
Paul Richter (talking to Frye) and R. L. Proctor Flight Engineer.
Photo: Courtesy of TWA

In an early 1970's newspaper interview Helen Frye said of her former husband-- "Jack and Howard intended to build a fleet of Constellations for TWA and make all other airlines obsolete-- the very first fast planes. This is why they were building the plane in secret. Unfortunately, with the onset of the war the Army asked what they were doing. Subsequently a deal was made whereby TWA would fly the planes for the Army Air Force."

The Mysterious Odyssey With Hughes Begins

One of the first clandestine meetings between Jack, Howard, and others was in June 1939 at Hughes' Hancock Park mansion in Hollywood. This home at 211 S. Muirfield Road, still adjoins the Wilshire Country Club in the West Hollywood area of L.A. The Constellation was the brainchild of Jack Frye. It was bankrolled by Howard Hughes, and built by the ingenious engineers at Lockheed. The bills were sent to the Hughes Tool Company by Lockheed, this due to the enormous cost of the air ships, something TWA just couldn't absorb. The result was a dilemma for TWA, whereas, technically they didn't own their own planes. Howard was always creating these complicated paper trails for his companies. Many others were also involved in the development of this magnificent plane to include TWA personnel, and Lockheed designers. One of the most notable was Lockheed's Chief Research Engineer, Kelly Johnson. This one plane designed to fly high and fast over the weather, was the beginning, the forbearer of modern passenger aircraft design. It is fact that Howard Hughes visited Smoke Trail Ranch (now Red Rock State Park) twice during the development of the Constellation to work out details with Jack. One thing is certain, Smoke Trail Ranch was a part of the Constellation Story. Jack and Helen came here many times during the development process to rest and recharge. Jack worked out many details of the complicated airliner in the tranquil and inspirational solitude of his rural Sedona ranch as he did with other indepth TWA responsibilities through the years.

In spring of 1939, Lockheed Aircraft Corporation entered into an agreement with TWA to develop the new Constellation airliner as a long-range commercial transport. By June, Lockheed started the design process to bring Jack and Howard's design to life. Construction by Lockheed on the Constellation started in the beginning of 1940 under heavy secrecy. Howard and Jack would visit the Lockheed factory with false name tags when checking on the progress, talking to people that had no idea who they really were. Their nicknames were "God" for Hughes and "Jesus Christ" for Frye, odd but true. TWA credits: Paul Richter, Tommy Tomlinson, Jack Franklin, Ralph Ellinger and Jerry Brophy specifically, among others, for helping Jack and Howard get this monumental project in the air! Lockheed Constellation: a range of about 3000 miles at over 300 mph with 4 Wright Cyclone 18 cylinder radial engines. Each engine with a little over 2000 H.P. each, was able to propel the plane at an elevation of up to 25,000 feet. Passenger load was to be 57, with non-stop hops coast-to-coast in about 8 and 1/2 hours cruising above all inclement weather. This was the first plane in the world that could support transatlantic service. The very first prototype was designated, Model 049, by Lockheed, civil registration number NX-25600, known as a C-69 to the military. The plane was rolled out of the factory on December 1942, first flight by January 9, 1943. Keep in mind the United States Government, under war time requisitions was to take possession of this Constellation and all others produced for the duration of the war. Thus the plane was painted in wartime camouflage. When the plane saw the first light of day in Burbank, CA, spectators immediately noticed the unusual design. The airliner sat high with a porpoise sloped-down nose and a wide triple tail. It had massive props that were necessary to propel the airliner at never before accomplished aircraft speeds. They were nearly 15 feet in diameter. In order to accommodate the 4 massive fans the plane had to be elevated farther off the ground than any other ship of the day. By July of 1943, with every conceivable test accomplished, the plane was surrendered to the military. TWA, with Howard Hughes exercising controlling interest in the board room, and Jack Frye, as president, along with Lockheed had succeeded in creating a masterpiece of aircraft design.

The first commercial plane was finished in early 1944. Howard Hughes in a bold statement had the plane painted in TWA colors, (water based paint) not the required Army camouflage. This caused quite a stir with the military. However, Howard rightly wanted the world to see that the Constellation was his baby and it belonged to TWA, not the government in their greedy theft of all commercial air transports for military use. They were not allowed to claim this plane as their own! The first test by TWA was to be from Burbank to Las Vegas, on Sunday April 16, 1944. I have yet to figure out why Las Vegas, perhaps because of Howard's affinity for this desert community. The pilot was Lt. Colonel C. A. Shoop. The crew consisted of Howard Hughes, and Lockheed personnel, Joe Towle, Thomas Watkins, R.T Thonen. There were 28 people on this flight. After lunch in Las Vegas, the airliner with numbers 310310 displayed on its tail was flown back to Burbank. On the return flight Ed Bolton of TWA replaced R.T. Thonen. Passengers were Jack Frye, TWA Constellation test pilot, Lawrence Charpino, radio operator, C.L. Glover, Western Operations Superintendent, Joe Bartles, TWA Treasurer, John Lockhart, and Flight Engineer, R.L. Proctor. Many TWA, Lockheed and Army Air Forces personnel were also aboard this flight. On the same day Jack and Howard decided to make their record breaking transcontinental flight. Of course they had been planning this moment for months, as well as prepping the plane. The 12 passengers were told the plane would board at 3:00 a.m. and don't be late! On April 17th @ 3:56 a.m., the plane with its 4 powerful engines roaring, lifted off from Burbank Airport into aviation history! The mighty plane climbed out of the sleeping L.A. basin and skywards toward Needles, California. From there a straight line to D.C. Two world-famous pilots were at the controls, Jack Frye and Howard Hughes. They would share pilot duties equally as they winged their way to Washington D.C. Howard; the first half of the journey, Jack; the second half. First Officer, was R.C. Loomis, Edward. T. Bolton, navigator, R.L. Proctor and Richard de Campo, were the Flight Engineers. Charles L. Grover was the Radio Man. The world's fastest commercial airliner cruised at 15,000 feet.

TWA 310 Flight Route:
Burbank CA. to Kingman AZ. to Taos N.M.
to Wichita KS. to St. Louis MO. to Cincinnati OH. to Washington D.C.

As the mighty plane rocketed over northern New Mexico, it encountering unfavorable weather and turbulence. Over Kansas, icing was experienced so the plane climbed to 18,500 feet to stay above the weather. At this time, the airliner was just south of Kansas City, Jack and Helen's stomping grounds and all was well. Soon they were winging over the cities of St. Louis and Cincinnati. The "Connie" was now in the capable hands of TWA's most experienced pilot and President, Jack Frye. Over eastern Kansas, Jack piloted the world's newest airliner into a gradual decent, over the Ohio and Potomac River. In no time the roaring gigantic fans propelled them into the airspace over their destination of Alexander VA., not far from Jack and Helen's, Falls Church VA. estate, "Hillcrest Farm." The plane circled Washington National Airport and swooped in with a picture perfect touchdown amid waiting crowds of military leaders, reporters, and proud United States citizens! The 2,400 mile world famous flight was over, having been accomplished in 6 hours and 58 minutes! Military leaders were a-buzz with annoyance that the plane had been dressed out in blatant TWA colors (Jack Frye TWA Red) even though in the medium of water colors. But this was short-lived in the excitement of the moment. Jack and Howard exited the plane to a deafening roar from the excited crowd, pausing briefly for photographs, a true hero's welcome,. The two men were anxiously interviewed, Jack reported, "the plane handled like a dream," the pride of this accomplishment evident in his face! For a week the plane was the center of activity with flights being offered to celebrities, like Harry S. Truman, (not serving as president at that time, but as Chairman of the Senate Special Committee). Senators and Army dignitaries were flown over Washington D.C. by Howard Hughes. The plane was then turned over to the United States Military for the War effort. The plane was repainted shortly thereafter in Army camouflage much to the smug satisfaction of the United States Government. However, someday soon the plane would return to the loving hands of its true owners: Transcontinental and Western Air!

Photo of Jack and Howard's record-breaking
Constellation flight from Burbank to Washington. The location appears to be
somewhere over the mid-west.
Photo: Courtesy of TWA

Helen Varner Vanderbilt Frye- absolutely stunning in a tailored suit, heels, and mink coat awaits the arrival of her husband, Jack Frye and Howard Hughes, at Washington D.C., after the two famous aviators broke a transcontinental record in the newly designed TWA Constellation airliner. Adjoining Helen on the left is Jack's personal secretary, Beverley Dille. On the right is Helen Frye's close friend, society columnist, Austine (Bootsi) Cassini, (later Mrs. William Randolph Hearst). April 17, 1944. International Press Photo

"The Constellation Flight was quite a drain on me and I, like you, would have liked nothing better than to have been along. I am glad that it�s over with; it�s been on my mind for five years. Those maiden flights always cause some anxiety." -Helen Frye (From a 07-03-1944 letter to Robby Robinson, Frye Executive Pilot.)

Jack and Helen Frye host a private party for 1500 guests
at Washington's famous Statler Hotel

April 21, 1944

Hughes Smiles Through Long Constellation Party
By Hope Riding Miller

Howard Hughes, that towering Texan (towering, in more ways than one), shook so many hands at the gala gathering in the Statler's presidential dining room Wednesday afternoon, that a less sturdy person than he, would still be groggy from the effects. However, the millionaire sportsman, pilot and motion picture producer took the ordeal in stride and smiled steadily through the party and seemed to enjoy himself. Most of the time he stood beside the host, Jack Frye, TWA's live-wire president, and his pretty wife Helen, who must have greeted at least 1500 guests before the fete was finished. Rippling around the crowded room was much talk about the "reason" for the party which was a celebration in honor of the Constellation, world's largest land based transport plane and its 6-hour record flight from coast-to-coast.

Relive this famous flight-- in this old Movietone from 1944!

Thanks to Bomberguy, who posts authentic vintage newsreels on YOUTUBE, we can actually see and hear this very first Constellation flight. The first scenes of the newsreel display the loading of a Constellation and two men leading the passengers up the boarding ramp. The men look like Jack and Howard. But this scene is confusing as the plane left California at about 4:00 a.m. under cover of darkness with 12 passengers. So the scene is out of sequence and possibly was filmed in Washington. The rest of the footage shows the plane on the flight path to Washington D.C. Please see the link here.

Photos show Howard from 1944 and Jack from about 1939. Howard started wearing a mustache after his Beverly Hills accident in 1946.

New Air Giant Crosses Nation In Record Time

Jack Frye comments on his impressions of his baby, the Constellation, after his cross country flight in 1944.

Media article about the Hughes-Frye flight. Part 1 and Part 2, please click on files.

"It is a perfectly marvelous ship," Frye said, "it is simply great, it flies and handles like a pursuit, (meaning fighter plane). I guess the thing to say is, that it flies like a dream!"

Image shows Jack and Howard exiting the Lockheed Constellation immediately after the record breaking flight of the very first commercial production Constellation, model 049. This was actually the second Lockheed Constellation built. One of the originals of this famous photo sits on the mantel of the fireplace, in Jack Frye's daughter's home. Photo: Courtesy of Wire Services, TWA

Jack Frye and United States Secretary of Commerce, Jesse Jones
All Photos Courtesy of TWA and Washington News Services

Press conference in Washington D.C. after delivery of the Constellation 310310 to the U.S. Government. Jesse Jones, (Secretary of Commerce), Howard Hughes, and Jack Frye.
The latter two, both piloted the plane on its record breaking flight. Photo: United Press

TWA NC-310310

Jack Frye and Howard Hughes fly to Russia after a personal invitation from Josef Stalin, to discuss international air service.

Jack Frye with Lockheed Aircraft king pins, signing Constellation contracts in September of 1945.
TWA File Photo.

Please click on photos for larger files

Please click on the adjoining photo to read the caption.

Newspapers ran this Frye quote on
December 11, 1943.

Another great Constellation film can be seen here on YouTube, thanks to Anthony J Hicks, footage is from an airshow in Australia. Probably one of the most touching statements the announcer stated to the crowd was that "the Constellation was probably one of the most beautiful airliners ever built." That statement is surely a proud testament to Hughes and Frye. Please see the link here.

Jack's Last Record Breaking TWA Flight

Record breaking flights were nothing new to Jack Frye, president of TWA. Jack was not only one of the most brilliant airline founders in the country, but as well one of the best pilots of his day. See: Career Biography. What better way than to commemorate the valuable contributions of this great aviation hero, than a record-breaking TWA flight? The flight was planned for February 3, 1946. This was exactly 20 years to the day of the official founding by Jack Frye, along with Walter Hamilton and Paul Richter of the Aero Corporation of California. As you may know, if you have been following this site, there would be no TWA if it hadn't been for the incredible foresight of these remarkable men and the business deal put forth on that date! Please see this page for newspaper account of this flight.

How did Jack desire to mark this famous date? To fly the new Constellation Airliner faster than ever before. To help him with this event he chose Lee Flanagin as a co-pilot, one of TWA's very best pilots. Flanagin was TWA's Western Operations Manager. A long term associate, it is said Jack and Paul taught him how to fly in 1927. The plane chosen for this flight was number 503.

In Burbank California the plane was loaded with additional crew members: Relief pilot was Captain Paul Frederickson. Relief co-pilot was Captain A.P. Lundin and the flight engineer was Paul Henry. There was a student flight engineer onboard as well by the name of E. T. Greene. Hostesses were Dorraine Strole and Rita Crooks. For photos of this event see this Constellation page.

There were 44 privileged magazine, radio, and newspaper reporters on board as well. On early Sunday morning February 3, 1946 the plane was ready for takeoff. The mighty engines screaming, Jack released the brakes and the plane started its take-off roll. The plane lifted off the runway quickly and climbed steadily. Soon they were high above California, speeding their way across the United States to New York City.

This historic flight devoured 2474 air miles traveling the Great Circle route. This route was not one normally used at that time by commercial passenger planes. It is possible Jack chose this route to avoid any air traffic, as his ship was flying full-throttle. Official timers clocked the plane at 1500 feet as it rocketed over La Guardia Airport. The new official record was 7 hours, 27 minutes, 48 seconds. This time shattered the previous west-east passenger record by more than 4 hours. This 1940 record had been set by a TWA Boeing Stratoliner.

The passengers on Jack's plane had not likely ever flown as fast or had ever been in more capable hands. Two days later TWA started inaugurating its new transcontinental air service. One famous event was Mrs. Jack Frye christening the new "Star of Paris" overseas airliner on February 5, 1946.

Mis-labled Image!

This one photo, appears to be one of the most blatantly mislabeled of the aviation world. For some reason many very prominent websites and publications, which should know better, have identified the man on the right in the background as "Jack Frye." Anyone that is familiar with images of this legend would know it simply is not Jack Frye. The photo is said to have been captured on the famous Constellation record breaking flight of April 17, 1944. The man on the left, is obviously Howard Hughes, the navigator in the foreground, is not identified.

But even though Jack was a pilot on this record-breaking flight, the "face" on the right is not Jack Frye.
I took my concerns to Nevajac Frye, Jack's only child, and she too says this issue has bothered her for many years. She told me she sees the photo everywhere and it simply is not her father. I have also contacted Walt Gunn, one of Jack's TWA corporate private pilots in regard to this matter. He feels that the misidentified man is possibly, TWA pilot Captain Marv Horstman, JFK. Another source says it may be Robert "Bob" Loomis? Now for the next question: When was the photo actually taken? After the record breaking flight, it is documented that Howard Hughes flew many additional short flights in the same Constellation with various dignitaries over Washington D.C., Jack Frye was way too busy as president of TWA to be involved in much of this "show-boating." So it is my opinion, the photo possibly was captured on one of those flights or another Hughes flight of the same time frame. Last observation, Jack would never have worn a TWA uniform, with TWA Captain's hat, he didn't need to, as he was not an employed TWA Captain and everyone knew who he was. I have never once seen an image of Jack wearing a TWA uniform. This same observation was put forth by his daughter, Nevajac Frye.

Another article on the historic flight with photo of Jack and Lee in the cockpit of a Constellation, here!

Read all about the historic flight Howard Hughes made with the new Constellation "Star of California" (second article) on this page. This plane with a passenger list of the Who's Who of Hollywood was one of TWA's most famous promotional flights!

Dark Clouds Build Over TWA

Dark clouds started to accumulate over TWA in 1946, with nary a person to notice. After all these were the glory days for the premier airline of the world. TWA had resumed most of their lucrative mail contracts and they dominated world airline travel. They were also reaping ample income from their World War II transport contracts. They had a leader that was unsurpassed, Jack Frye was not just their president, but a renowned pilot, an aviation legend, and well respected and loved by his peers and employees. For 20 years, Jack had forged an eventual viable world-wide airline from nothing, an airline that became TWA: "The Airman's Airline." Jack and his wife Helen, with her movie star looks, were an asset to TWA as well. They were beloved by the press and certainly a valued commodity as figureheads of this prestigious airline. So what happened? What caused the storm to brew for TWA?

TWA's lucrative war-time contracts expired in April of '46. All that revenue evaporated as TWA struggled to stabilize itself in domestic and overseas postwar air service. The Lockheed Constellation opened the doors for TWA's global domination, but at the same time cost them severely financially in the establishment of overseas terminals and maintenance facilities. TWA was the only airline in the world that flew both domestic and overseas flights! The Constellation success was briefly overshadowed by an air accident as well. The plane was very new, and as in all new planes, it had a few glitches that needed to be eliminated. In the spring of 1946, a new Constellation crashed near Reading PA. All Constellations were soon after grounded and a full investigation unfolded to find and correct the cause of this deadly accident. Eventually the problem was identified as a short in the wiring, which was promptly repaired. As well, TWA modified the Constellations even further in order to make them the safest planes in the skies. This unfortunate incident cost TWA millions of dollars when funds were already tightly allocated. On top of all this, the pilots of TWA decided to strike, a move they later regretted. This was the final blow to the company and had a devastating effect from the corporate offices to the man sweeping out the hangars.

Fatal Crash- Dire Consequences

July 11, 1946
Reading, PA. Star of Lisbon
Transcontinental and Western Air,
NC-86513 after a tragic accident. This incident caused a ripple effect which nearly sunk TWA. The plane was performing training procedures, repeatedly circling in repetitive flights over a rural farming area. Smoke from a fire made it difficult for the TWA pilots to navigate the burning hulk safely to the ground. No passengers onboard, all crew members perished, except one, (Captain Richard Brown). This survivor was miraculously thrown clear. A horrified farmer, Joe Boeshore, observed the planes smoking descent from his field. The cause: wiring in the forward baggage compartment shorted and ignited a fire with heavy smoke.

During this time period, Howard Hughes again loaned TWA more money. After all, he could afford it being the richest man in the world. However, the question was: could TWA afford to continue to ingratiate itself to this powerful man? Howard loaned them 10 million of which he demanded TWA issue him stock in exchange. Thus Howard Hughes tightened his grip on the airline. In the meantime Noah Dietrich whom was Howard's right hand man (business manager) was meddling in the daily operations of TWA. He was known as Howard's hatchet man, eliminating any elements of power that stood between Hughes and the companies he dominated. One such element of power that Noah was dead set on removing was Jack Frye. Jack was the power behind TWA- Jack "WAS TWA." Oh yes, there were shareholders, investors, and board members. But Jack was the founder and "father of TWA," and for 13 years under his direction as President and many years before that in related predecessor companies, he built TWA company into a mega world-wide airline. Noah Dietrich wanted Jack out, as Jack stood in his way of dominating corporate decisions at TWA. However, this was not an easily accomplished feat, Jack and Howard were good friends, and old flying buddies. They shared the love of aviation and the adventure of flight. Noah had to work extra hard to divide these two brothers of the aviation world. In February of 1947, Noah, in his caustic jealousy of a man he could never possibly be started the wheels in motion through Howard, to remove Jack from power. He proceeded to convince Howard that Jack was the one to blame for all the complications that TWA was facing during this time period. This of course was totally untrue, as circumstances were to blame, not Jack Frye. Howard, in his blind dependency on Noah, allowed him to instigate a move he laterm sorely regretted. Howard seemed oblivious to the fact that he would never have had the opportunity to invest in TWA if it were not for his loyal friend Jack Frye!
See article here, and here.

The Buck Stops Here! Office of the President

Jack had a lot on his plate in 1946, a burden few could comprehend. The TWA pilot strike could not have come at a worse time. No doubt Jack felt betrayed by the pilots. TWA was struggling to survive and expand after World War II and it was Jack's hope that the entire airline would pull together and get through this rough period in unity. At the end was good fortune and success for all. To complicate this process were other elements Jack could not control. Howard Hughes' colossal failure to follow through, as in working with the TWA Board of Directors on decisions. Howard was either not available or indecisive. Equipment issues like the grounding of the Lockheed Constellations after the July 11th crash only served to wreak havoc within TWA. The final straw was the financial liability and management of world-wide-airline service. Yes, TWA was on it's way to the top but not with out monumental challenges.

The haunting image to the right, shows an exhausted Frye in a state rarely seen. Reclining in the rear of either a Transcontinental and Western Air (DC-3) or possibly Jack's private Lockheed Lodestar. Jack is reading through the 1946 TWA Pilot Contracts. Super photo by J. Robert Burns.

For nearly 20 years the enormous weight of Transcontinental and Western Air (TWA)--
every equipment failure, every fatality of crew and passenger, every struggle with service and finance, the outstanding contribution of TWA in World War II, and the burdens of world-wide service-- all this rested on Jack Frye's shoulders. The buck stopped at his desk and the responsibilities of this man were enormous. Certainly the fortitude of this man is to be admired and respected.

Should read- �Corporate Raider Hughes Moves to Destroy TWA�
Resignation Request To TWA Officers
Charleston Daily Mail- December 29, 1946
Washington DC (UP)

Millionaire-aviator Howard Hughes, largest stockholder in Transcontinental & Western Air, has asked the resignation of all officers and directors of the airline, according to American Aviation Daily.
The trade publication said that behind the �financial crisis in TWA� was a widening rift between TWA President Jack Frye and Hughes who holds 46 percent of the company�s stock.

Lightning Strikes TWA- Never Would One Man Be So Missed!

Lightning struck TWA on February 21, 1947. The most gloomy of days descended on the airline for the first time since Jack Frye, along with his partners, had the vision to build the company. TWA, in what seemed like a monumental act of ungratefulness (which really was a result of Howard Hughes and Noah Dietrich behind the scenes pulling the strings) made the decision to throw the airline's founder out in the street. Jack Frye, always a gentleman and an honorable businessman, well aware of the turmoil and power struggles around him, resigned to save his company further anguish. The early "glory days" of TWA were now over forever. In this one swift move by a rich and powerful man-- the lifeblood of TWA, the heart and soul of this great airline, was cut away with the precise incision of a surgeon's knife. TWA could never possibly be the same. It went from an "Airman's Airline" to a corporate run company operated by men who were flown on TWA planes, but never knew how to "fly" them. In short order, Howard and Noah proceeded to appoint and subsequently remove from power, some of TWA's most valuable and tenured officers. Evidently, judging by the revolving door of the TWA executive offices, none had the skill, foresight, or management know-how of Jack Frye. Showing his lack of management skills and vision, Howard Hughes, in the long run nearly destroyed TWA and eventually was forcedly bought out and removed from power in 1966. Howard's monetary investments in TWA over 25 years proved a blessing and a curse for the company. As Jack Frye was heard to say, "the airlines will do fine as long as the 'suits' stay out of it!" Jack considered himself an aviator first and a businessman second! For more information, please see- the complete comprehensive biography of Jack Frye on page 24.

Read here- "Why Jack Frye left TWA" - in his own words.

Jack Frye- soon a tattered faded TWA memory

The memory of
a young man who loved planes and flying them more than life itself - of a struggling air service with an 8-passenger-aero plane - of an entrepreneur- visionary- and a phenomenal businessman. An aviation hero, recognized country-wide, a true-aviation-legend known as William John Frye- a man who utilized that first plane to build the world's first Transcontinental, and later Trans World Airline, a dream realized with hard work and sacrifice with valuable partners! A time when air line owners were real aviators, pilots who designed planes, flew them and repaired them. Pilots who broke records and tamed the skies above our vast world.

These were the glory and legacy years of airline history. Men who lived life- big and bold- brave and stalwart! One of these legendary men was none other than Jack Frye- a rare commodity which is in short supply in today's high tech world!

The photo aside is from Jack's commemorative Constellation flight in February 3, 1946. He had pulled his back and was in terrible pain, thus it was hard for him to turn around for the camera. The image ran in 1947. The caption says it all!

To see the Sedona Legend Web Page, profiling Jack's record breaking Constellation flight, February 3, 1946, please click on this link! This date was the
20 year anniversary of Jack's launching his Standard Air Lines. (February 3, 1926) This was a parent company of Transcontinental and Western Air.

One of the most amazing items to cross my desk lately is the following letter written by Jack Frye himself, published in the April 6, 1954 issue of Look Magazine. Throughout the years there has been many discrepancies in regard to the history of TWA, one aspect which is always "off" is the role that Howard Hughes played in the Constellation Story. The letter below is a response to a series of articles that Look Magazine ran on Howard Hughes, starting with the February 9th, 1954 issue. Two more successive articles ran in Look about the mysterious Howard Hughes. The article itself, although an interesting read, is not as important as the response from Jack Frye. We all know the "Constellation Story," but do we really know the facts of the yarn? Evidently not. Howard seems to have had a rather vague recall of the actual events involved with the Constellation. After his accident in 1946, he became addicted to mind-altering pain medications, many associates were not aware of this at the time. This may have resulted in the blatant errors on his part relating the story to the Look article author.

Discrepancies Reported (by Frye)

    "As a reader of Look, I have noted with personal interest the references made to me and TWA in your current series of articles (Look, February 23) on, Oil, Airplanes, Movies and Women -- The Howard Hughes Story.
     A number of my friends in the aviation field have called my attention to, and I have recognized as much myself, several gross errors appearing in the article of the February 23 issue which refers to Mr. Hughes' introduction to TWA and that part concerning me. As much for the present and future welfare and reputation of TWA as for myself and your readers, I think these errors should be corrected.
     I specifically refer to that section of the article which says, "Frye desperately came to Hughes for help." This is not true. Mr. Hughes called on me and he proposed financing acquisition of an airplane manufacturing or transportation company. The article further stated that "what he (Frye) needed, he (Mr. Hughes) said, was $15,000,000 in cash." No mention was ever made of that sum of money. The sum we discussed as being necessary to acquire working control of TWA was about $500,000.
     The references concerning the part Mr. Hughes performed in connection with the Boeing Stratoliner and Constellation are grossly exaggerated............. TWA had already secured bids on the airplane in question that ultimately evolved into the Constellation -- before Mr. Hughes ever showed an interest in TWA or became its principle stockholder.
     In conclusion, I would like to say that Mr. Hughes deserves credit for having the courage to financially support the purchase of the Stratoliner and Constellation after he purchased a stock interest in TWA."                                                                                                  Signed, Jack Frye New York, N.Y.

In Closing..........

I want to try to dispel a myth that has persisted in the media and the public eye in recent years. Unfortunately as time marches on, people forget the facts. Howard Hughes was an eccentric billionaire, we all know this. He was a bigger than life person who deserves ample credit for the many ventures he initiated in his life. I myself have always been fascinated by Howard Hughes and his far-reaching visions and exploits. However, Howard himself would be the first one to offer credit where credit is due. At risk of repetition, Jack Frye was instrumental in bringing Howard Hughes on board with TWA in 1938-39. He did this ONLY for monetary reasons. Hughes was intended to be an investor only. At our point in time, as history has played out, the legendary Howard Hughes has became more associated with TWA than its true founders, Jack Frye, Paul Richter and Walter Hamilton. Jack and Paul held monumental management roles within the company for over 20 years. They were TWA and made all decisions. Howard cast a long shadow everywhere he went, because of this the public has given him unfounded credit at times. So emphatically, TWA was not founded by Howard Hughes. It was not "Howard Hughes' Air Line."

At least, it was not so when Jack was president up until February of 1947. It was Jack Frye's Air Line. TWA was founded by Jack Frye, and his business partners, they were the creators behind this monumental company. Howard Hughes was not. Jack Frye was TWA in every sense of the word. Without him there would never ever have existed any such company. He was the drive and fuel of TWA, it was "his" baby. Hughes did not "own" TWA, however, in the end, he was the largest stockholder. He never served in any official position with TWA, and the airline tried to keep him out of the day-to-day operational decisions of the company. Jack Frye and Howard Hughes were a monumental force in the first eight years Howard came on-line with the company. They were a powerful duo who behind the scenes cemented the future of this great company. Unfortunately, Howard was not the best business man, in spite of the millions he controlled. Hughes had a history of removing anyone that stood in his way using his unparalleled power. TWA was nearly ruined because of Howard Hughes and his unfocused control, indeed, I suspect that Howard Hughes would be considered a "corporate raider" by today's standards. However, it is only fair to state, that Hughes could be extremely loyal to old allies in spite of business differences. This was the case with Howard and Jack. Until the end of Jack's life, he was in close contact with Howard Hughes, (this according to Frye intimates and family).

Great likeness of Jack Frye by famous artist-illustrator Boris Chaliapin. The ad, touting the sophisticated Constellation airliner, was in association with AiResearch, a division of Garrett Corporation, Los Angeles, CA. and Phoenix AZ.

This Jack Frye AiResearch Advertisement is courtesy of Patrick Chateau of the TWA Roissy Web Site.

"The Airline That Jack Built" Please click on file to read.

Jack and Howard Remained Friends

Interesting and well documented is a fact that has often been ignored completely by the press. Jack and Howard did not part enemies-- far from it. Jack always considered the disharmony between he and Howard "strictly a business disagreement." Howard and Jack remained in close sometimes daily contact, up until Jack's death in 1959. Jack was retained by TWA as a consultant for many years. The phone lines of all Jack's residences from 1947, on were specifically altered for Howard's numerous phone calls. Makes one wonder if Jack was influencing some of the TWA decisions, between 1947 and 1959? By mid-1950's, corporate heads of TWA in secret meetings with Howard's blessing, negotiated with Jack Frye to take over the floundering company and save it from ruin. Evident, is the fact that Howard regretted letting Noah come between he and Jack, and Hughes knew Jack, a man who built TWA was the only man who could save TWA. In the end it was Jack, who opted instead, to retain a friendship with Howard and start his own company rather than take on the stress of working with this volatile shareholder. And that, folks, is truly the end of Jack Frye's association with TWA! Interestingly the last person Jack met with the night he died was no other than Howard Hughes.

Originally I learned the following information from Robert Serling, but was pleased to find that it was reported in the media as well, in one instance as follows:

Los Angeles Times, Skyways
Times Aviation Editor-- Marvin Miles
January 1957

Aviation Notes and News:
Future Note: Jack Frye To Again Head Trans World Airlines

Look for Jack Frye to be back in the harness at Trans World Airlines-- as an executive-- late this year. The rumble we get is that it�s all planned that Frye who was president of TWA from about 1934 to 1947, will return to the fold, in October or November.

We hear he would be back sooner except that he�s all tied up in the development of his new high-lift trimotor, which incidentally will be built by Grumman, according to our sources. Frye, as we get it, has financed the ship up to $18,000,000, completed the engineering work, contracted for Gumman for production, and sold some 50 ships to date.

The WavFile you hear upon opening this page is a sound bite from an actual 1947- TWA Constellation passenger flight: LAX-MCI-LGA. This TWA Promo film, (copyright free & public domain) is called: "Letter From An Airline Pilot." (Perhaps the title is a bit unclear though, as it is a film based on a passenger letter to an airline pilot. The movie starts as the pilot writes the passenger back and explains the background details of a typical Transcontinental and Western Air flight. Please see this link.

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