sedona legend helen frye

"An Imprint"

Walt Gunn:
One of TWA's finest pilots!

Sedona Legend Profile Series

This Webpage respectfully dedicated to TWA Captain Walt Gunn who passed away September 15, 2006.

The article below appeared in the publication TARPA
which stands for: The Active Retired Pilot's Association of TWA.

The story is a wonderful testament to Jack Frye and his relationships with his contemporaries, as well as a wonderful narrative of one of Jack and Helen's coveted trips out west to their beloved Smoke Trail Ranch. Certainly one of the most beautiful tributes I have ever read, it was written by the now retired TWA pilot shown to the left.

The following story was written by Walter Gunn,
and is used with permission.

In TARPA, members are encouraged to write of their more memorable flying experiences. The tales are captivating. In searching nearly 40 years of cockpit assignments, it is difficult to sort out any one situation which may qualify as a "most unforgettable" event in my career; however one early and lasting impression persists. It follows: Early on as a novice, I was privileged to serve as TWA president Jack Frye's co-pilot on his private Lockheed 12A. On each trip, Jack enjoyed chatting about how things were going "on the line for his men." On each fuel stop, he would seek out crews for chit-chat or check on any employees who may have needed a ride where we were going. A personable interest and concern for others might best describe Jack Frye. Physically, he resembled a defensive end, but with an affable, infectious smile for others. Pondering aviation matters, he assumed a pensively, more serious facial expression.Most corporate leaders today, fall painfully short by comparison. To paraphrase a popular cliche', "I knew Jack Frye...he was a friend of mine...etc." Few, if any, airline leaders today can be likened to Jack Frye! Two trips with Jack Frye stand out unfaded by the nearly five decades of time and myriad changes in TWA's destiny:

The first trip left Kansas City at dusk, en route to Amarillo for Boulder City (serving Las Vegas at the time.) We had five passengers, of whom two were TWA executives (names missed) and three businessmen who were hurriedly introduced. After several minutes at cruise, Jack mentioned that he had some business to discuss in the cabin and left me to manage things; radio checks and traffic advisories, etc. Lacking an autopilot, I delighted at being in control, if only for the moment. In retrospect, trust (in me) was perhaps the real source of my delight. Some minutes later, Frye led a man to the left seat, and asked that I, "let Mr. Yerex look over things." "Sure, my pleasure," I replied. The first question by the stranger was "What model airplane is this?" "Lockheed 12A," I responded. The guest gazed around the cockpit and replied with a puzzled tone in his soft-spoken voice, "I don't know if I have any of these or not." My immediate impression was, what kind of clown is this character? For sure, I would know if I had any airplane, especially a sleek L12A, the sister ship to Amelia Earhart's record-setter. I accepted the unlikely remark, deciding it could be possible for him to not know what airplanes he owned. I then learned that Mr. Yerex was President of TACA Airlines, the major freight carrier in Central and South America. It was on this trip that Jack Frye concluded purchase control of TACA for TWA's future

expansion beyond the U.S. to Central and South America...considered a bonanza for TWA, and an example of the fertile-minded leadership of Jack Frye. Later, the deal was never finalized due to the war conditions and major postwar changes in international route awards. Still, the attempt reflects Jack Frye's dream of expanding TWA internationally at such an early time. Pursuing his lifelong goal, Jack Frye accomplished a much greater feat at war's end by expansion in to what was to become Trans World Airlines as a major international carrier. Another trip offered a broader view and insight into the charismatic charm and visionary focus of Jack Frye. (Granted the perception is that of a fledgling copilot!) The occasion for the flight was his recent marriage (second or third time, but unimportant) and subsequent honeymoon to his ranch in the Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona, Arizona. The flight was uneventful except he had Helen, his bride, join me by taking his left seat in the cockpit while he did some work in the cabin. After a fuel stop again at Amarillo, we then proceeded to a primitive, sod-surfaced landing strip at Cottonwood, Arizona. On final approach, Jack noted a Lockheed Ventura B-34 bomber parked on the field. He surmised the crew must have had an emergency to get that plane in on such a limted runway. And, right he was! As we secured the plane, Jack expained that he would be at his ranch "for a few days" and I would be staying at the only motel in Cottonwood. He also asked that I try to locate the bomber crew if they were in town as he would like to meet them. Even honeymoon plans failed to divert his interest in the pilots skillfully managing the emergency landing on such marginal turf. The three or four day stay in Cottonwood grew into nine days. The bomber crew was at the same motel (only one) when I checked in. First Lieutenant Bill Reynolds was pilot, with a warrant officer copilot, staff sergeant engineer, and corporal radioman. We became close friends at once. They were intrigued with my job as airline pilot and more so, that I was flying copilot for the president of the airline! The bomber landing was an emergency as a result of engine failure (fuel pump) while they were en route Nellis AFB in Las Vegas to Luke Field, Phoenix. As Frye stated later, "a helluva good job...getting into a postage stamp field!" Reynolds and his crew were a delight to know and we spent

three days whiling away our time in the limited one restaurant, one movie house (Mexican films), and one oasis (bar) in town. Boredom was offset by helping the motel owner stack lumber in his adjacent lumber yard and building supply enterprise. I was warmly received by all the townspeople, which I credited to their admiration of Jack Frye. With little activity in Cottonwood, the motel/lumber yard owner offered his Lincoln Zephyr (and wartime fuel ration stamps) to his only motel guest, for a trip up to Prescott. Dinner and a Clark Gable movie filled the bill. After four days, the crew and I were in the local restaurant/bar with the Budweiser distributor, exchanging flying tales and the recent state of the war. The "Bud Man" was quite generous with a constant flow of cold mugs for the "grounded airmen." The setting typified an old west saloon, but with one exception...we were the only customers rather than a raucous gathering of cowhands, bar maids and town cronies. A stately figure caught my eye entering the door...Frye in person...his tall stature was reminiscent of John Wayne as he shuffled to our table. His western wear only lacked a holstered six-shooter dangling from his waist; leather jacket, jeans, boots and cowboy hat could have come from the costuming department for a shoot-em-up western movie. Since he had left word he was extending his stay, it was obvious he was not planning to fly out for several days. By imbibing with Reynolds and his crewmen, I was merely carrying out his wish to meet them...sure! Jack joined in and insisted on picking up the tab. After a brief negotiation, he deferred to the Bud distributor who mentioned it was a rare treat for him to host such honored customers. To the locals in the Oak Creek Canyon area, Jack Frye was highly revered. After introducing Jack to Reynolds and his crew, he made note of each of their names, giving them his card as he praised their feat of landing on such a limited airstrip. With a warm, confiding, tone of voice, he stated, "When the war is over, we'll need each one of you on TWA...so let me know when you're free...I've got jobs for you!" How more personable can one be? He was serious! I sensed the pride felt by Reynolds and his men. They beamed with such approval, and from an airline president no less! Later, Bill Reynolds likened the career offer from Frye to having the Air Medal conferred on him by his commanding officer. A full round of "hangar flying" lasted for more than an hour. Jack went on to say he had come to town to meet the crew and to bring in a load of apples for the local grocer to market. His eyes gleamed as he described harvesting the crop from his ranch. I never figured if he found more pleasure in ranching than in flying. If betting, I would have to toss a coin, his enjoyment of both activities brought him such great pleasure. On leaving, he briefed me on his plans. Apologetically, he had a few more days "work" at the ranch...lots to do. He would let me know the day before we were to leave. My only duties called for checking the airplane and seeing that it was serviced for our departure. From boredom, I did run-up the engines, checking all of the systems and radios. A real treat, since even engine-starting was not a copilot duty on regular line schedules. Tragically and ironically, Jack Frye was killed in a car accident near Tucson, Arizona.

In a fitting tribute to their revered leader, the TWA pilots established a "Jack Frye Memorial" with donations directed to purchase aeronautical engineering text books for leading universities such as MIT, Ohio State, Cal Tech, Purdue and Kansas University. Frye held these schools in high esteem for vital research in aviation, his "first love!" The books were given a special section in their libraries labeled as the "Jack Frye Memorial" collection, and were the earliest publications in "aerospace engineering" as chosen by the various schools. What more fitting tribute would Jack Frye have wished? As a pioneer in aviation, Frye envisioned safer, faster, and higher performance aircraft for man to develop. Recognized in aviation text books as "father of the DC series of air transports," Jack Frye's visions led to the famous Lockheed Constellation series with pressurized comfort and valuable transoceanic ranges.
As a team, Howard Hughes and Jack Frye built the TWA dynasty by developing the famed Lockheed Constellation. Frye pressed on, clinching international routes, challenging the venerable Pan Am under Juan Trippe's forceful leadership. The TWA story internationally soon decimated Pan Am's monopoly of foreign air travel...fulfilling Jack Frye's dreams of TWA being known as truly the leading TRANS WORLD AIRLINE! The last tribute from TWA to Jack Frye involved naming the training center in Kansas City after him. Since the training move to St. Louis, the Jack Frye Training Center is no more. The premises have been sold. Several "concerned" TARPA seniors have suggested that a fitting recognition of Jack Frye be considered by the present TWA leaders. I agree. (As you know, TWA is now defunct.) Unfairly, fate deprived him an active role in the jet age when conflicts arose with the eccentric, unpredictable Howard Hughes, major stockholder of TWA. However, Jack Frye's contributions to aviation continue to enhance today's air transport industry and he will long be remembered by those privileged to have known him. Aviation history will be sadly lacking if his rightful role as a pioneer is not given full recognition and his visionary leadership given full credit.

This photo of Jack, shows him in his western garb, very similar to the image Walt reminisces about. The photo was taken at a Conquistadores del Cielo gathering in New Mexico, an organization Jack Frye founded. Please see this page:
Jack Frye and the Conquistadores del Cielo.

Jack's Lockheed Electra NC-18137, parked in a protective hangar at a New Mexico meeting of Conquistadores del Cielo, about 1943. The gentleman with hat is New Mexico Governor, John E. Miles (1939-1943.) Click on file for larger rendition.

Jack and Helen Frye's
Lockheed Electra 12A "Junior," executive transport.
Registration Number NC-18137
Serial Number 1229
Courtesy Walt Gunn,
(TWA File Photo)

UPDATE!

After three years I finally located the Lockheed Electra 12A, N-18137, in Georgia. Amazingly the plane was in remarkable condition, and for sale. I told my friend- pilot Ruth Richter who purchased the plane and it relocated it to a new home on the California West Coast. Please see this wonderful new page with the details of this amazing saga along with never before uncovered facts about Jack's Electra!

It is interesting to note the bar Walt spoke of is now Kactus Kate's Saloon, 929 N. Main Street Cottonwood. My favorite restaurant Nick's, is right next door. The motel was Frank Eden's

Motor Court, up the street to the left, Frank also owned the local lumber yard. Everytime I walk past this old-time saloon I visualize Jack Frye standing in the doorway in his western duds!

This is a picture of a Lockheed Vega Ventura B-34, very similar to the bomber that Jack immediately noticed when landing his Lockheed Electra at the Cottonwood airstrip

Note: the "load of apples" Jack transported to market described in this article would have come from the orchard where the Twin Cypress Ramada is now at Red Rock State Park. Helen and Jack called the area "Long Meadow." This little clue tells us the date of the visit was more into September than late spring, because that is when apples ripen around here. The Smoke Trail Ranch apple trees died and had to be removed in the 1940's.

Footnotes and Comments:

In the process of pulling this site together I have met some pretty terrific people. Ron Hazelton for instance, of whom I have had contact with through Electronic Mail was able to contact Walt Gunn for me, and helped arrange an interview. Ron is a retired TWA pilot, DC 6/7 Flight Instructor who also worked for United among other airlines through the years. By the time he retired he had accomplished great things, and was one of TWA's finest. Walt Gunn on the other hand had a similar career, serving TWA for 39 years as a pilot, from DC 3 to 747's. And many other planes in between, for instance flying the Lockheed Electra 12A and Constellation as a professional pilot. He was not only good friends with Jack Frye, but many other notables from the airline industry. Both these men are the best of the best, stellar pilots and pioneers that would well serve our aviation youth as role models today.

I desired to run the above article written by Walt Gunn strictly on it's historic merit, and the association with Jack and Helen. Upon interviewing Walt, I realized that the excerpt actually was from his book which has even more information about his experiences with Jack Frye and other notable events in his career. It would greatly behoove those out there with interest in the glory days of pilots and airlines, to purchase his book. You won't be disappointed. It weaves tales of life in the air as only a seasoned veteran airline pilot can relate it.

Synchronicity plays an intricate role in our lives, that became apparent when talking to Russ Hazelton. My great Uncle, Yale R. Nelson was a United Airlines pilot from the early 40's. He had a illustrious career that spanned decades of change and exciting events. By the end of his career he was the Chief Test Pilot (Flight Manager and Line Captain) for United Airlines. This entailed testing and troubleshooting all new planes that United entered into service. He also trained all new pilots that wanted to work for United, and cordinated the flight simulaters. He flew out of ORD SFO HNL for many years. I grew up listening to his wonderful stories of the glory days of United. He flew them all, Constellations to the biggest jets in the world. He even told me once he was offered a chance to fly the Concord, which he declined. I was so facinated by these stories, that I too, was to eventually become an employee of the same great company. Recently I have found out that my Great Uncle actually knew Jack Frye, blew me away, never thought to ask him before, and it never came up. Now I have been able to get him and Russ in touch so they could share airline stories, and share experiences of many of the same co-workers. In the end I have found out they had similar positions, just with different airlines.

My interest in all of this comes full circle with my facination all my life with the beautiful Lockheed Electra 10E that Amelia Earhart flew into oblivion. Many hours as a kid I would read and re-read every aspect of the mystery, spending hours going over every detail of that beautiful plane. Dreaming and wishing I could travel to the South Pacific and solve the puzzling mystery. Of course Amelia Earhart's disappearance it appears will never be solved. This summer as I worked as a volunteer at Red Rock State Park in Sedona, I became interested in Jack and Helen's story. No one knew what kind of a plane they flew to and from the ranch. To be frank, no one even cared. In time, after I started the project I came to realize that it was the Lockheed Electra 12A (sister ship and almost identical to Amelia's plane.) Coincidence perhaps, but the plane definitely has drawn me deeper and deeper into their story. At the same time I feel I am providing a public service. This story was just aching to be told. Shadows and memories, whispers of imprints fading more and more each decade have been brought back to life on this Website. In the long run, many people, aviation buffs and everyday people who just love to hear other's stories will be able to benefit from these pages.

I want to recommend this wonderful new book enriched with stories of one of the world's greatest airlines: TWA. It is called: "A Life Aloft" from DC-3 to 747 by Capt. Walt Gunn TWA (Ret.)
Order through any bookstore:
ISBN 0-9611817-1-2

The above 1940 ad is for Lockheed personal transports
This is an Electra 12A Junior the "Lear jet" of prop planes
Commercial Advertisement: Courtesy of the Lockheed Corporation

Please check out this new page:
Lockheed Electra and Lodestar a work of art
The TWA Executive Planes of Jack and Helen frye

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