Author Jane Birch and Harrison Ford at AirVenture 2008 in Oshkosh.
Harrison Ford, national chair of EAA's Young Eagles, leads the promotion of aviation to American youth. Gathering of the Eages, held at Oshkosh, is their major fund raiser. Ford narrates "Oshkosh:The Spirit of Aviation" at the EAA web site.
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Ben Shedd won an Oscar in 1978 for his documentary "The Flight of the Gossamer Condor". He filmed the story of the first human-powered airplane which now hangs in the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum.
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Col. Clarence "Bud" Anderson, Triple Ace of WWII, learned to fly under the Civilian Pilot Training Program at Sacramento Junior College in 1941. He served two tours against Germany in his famous P-51 Mustang "Old Crow". Anderson was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in July 2008. http://www.cebudanderson.com
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Jane Birch is invited to Author's Corner in Oshkosh by EAA for AirVenture 2008.
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National Aviation Hall of Fame 2008 Reel Film Festival. Here Mr. Robertson is presented with a signed copy of "They Flew Proud".
Academy and Emmy Award winner Cliff Robertson, star of several aviation and war films, was a presenter at the NAHF's first fim festival.
They Flew Proud by Jane Gardner Birch"This is a must read for those who like aviation history" http://bit.ly/1an19e via @AddToAny8:06 AM Jul 27th from AddToAny
Ivan Klugman
Airline Captain/Aviation Consultant
The Consummate Pilot: What makes a Sully?
Jane Gardner Birch plus 6 noted instructors/pilots/industry leaders
We were all mesmerized on 1-15-2009 by the breaking news and pictures of U.S. Airways #1549 making a dramatic controlled landing "onto" the Hudson River near midtown Manhattan. Captain Chesley Sullenberger methodically reacted with exact precision to each element of the crisis that engulfed him. He and his crew oversaw the water evacuation of all 155 passengers. With a less skilled pilot, this could have been a horrific tragedy. What type of person, background and training produce a pilot with Sully's level of accomplishment?
Sentimental Journey asked me, an author, to submit an article for their 2009 program. While writing "They Flew Proud" (my father was a flight instructor in WWII for the Civilian Pilot Training Program and a local airport), I was moved by a universal truth that was written in 2005 by his student who learned to fly in 1945. It's timeliness to the Miracle on the Hudson was unmistakable. Retired Navy Commander Dick Mackell graciously penned this for the back of my book. His photo aboard an aircraft carrier in '64 is also in the book. He wrote:
"In April 1945 a dream came true for an excited teenager: a long awaited flight in a Piper J-3 with instructor Gardner Birch. It launched a 20 year career in Naval Aviation from props to jets with over 600 carrier landings on straight and angled decks. There was something special in the guidance and inspiration received from the beginning. Gardner Birch was an unflappable, affable professional. Many years later, during two tours instructing student pilots in the Naval Air Training Command, there were subtle flashbacks to lessons learned from this fine man. Whether it is landing a Piper J-3 on the sod strip at the old Grove City Airport, or a Douglass A-4 Skyhawk Jet onboard an aircraft carrier, the lessons needed for a successful landing are the same. Success begins with the proper start from an accomplished instructor, such a person was Gardner Birch."
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"Jane developed a wonderful presentation based on her acclaimed book, "They Flew Proud". She is an engaging speaker and a dedicated historian." November 18, 2009
Susan Halteman , Curator , Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum
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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
By: Art Louderback, chief librarian, Senator John Heinz History Center's Library & Archives
They Flew Proud
By Jane Gardner Birch
Traveling on Interstate 79, you may have noticed gliders and parasail flyers near the Grove City exit. This is what remains of Grove City's important aviation history. The small Grove City Airport became part of a vocational education program to train pilots known as the Civilian Pilot Training Program in 1939. It was transformed during World War II as a vehicle to teach pilots for the war effort. The program trained nearly 500 pilots during the war. After the war, the airport slowly fell into disrepair and was finally replaced by a newer airport.
 A unique bit of American aviation history, February 2, 2008
Winner of the National Aviation hall of Fame 2007 'Combs Gates' Award, "They Flew Proud" by Jane Gardner Birch is the story of the national Civilian Pilot Training Program that was a local course of study at Grove City College and the Grove City Airport, Pennsylvania from its pre-World War II founding, to the war years when the college contracted to teach Army Air Force Cadets their academic studies, and the airport provided fixed base operator and flight instructors support for cadets to embark on solo flights. More than 435.000 men and women were taught to fly under the CPTP. In Grove City, 486 students of the 8th Detachment received almost 5,000 hours of instructions before seeing service in the war before the CPTP was abruptly canceled by the government. "They Flew Proud" is also the story of how manager/instructor Gardner Birch refocused the airport to teach civilians to fly, creating five Solo Boards to record the 127 students and their solo dates between the summers of 1944 to 1948. Jane Gardner Birch includes interviews with a number of men and women who retell learning basic flying skills and their solo flights, sharing their memories of their instructors who prepared them to fly some 60 years ago and the strong bonds they experienced with their fellow students, the instructors, and others who shared their enthusiasm for flight. A unique bit of American aviation history, "They Flew Proud" is a very strongly recommended and much appreciated contribution to 20th Century Aviation history and a singular addition to any personal, academic, or community library Aviation Studies reference collection or supplemental reading list.
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They Flew Proud, October 18, 2007
As a pilot myself, I was wondering if I'd enjoy this book. I sure did! But I needn't have worried about being a pilot or not. This book tells a story about a vital WWII era... a time when our Air Force was still known as the Army Air Corps, and our nation was scrambling to train pilots for a war on two global fronts.
The US needed to train pilots, and to increase this effort, the government enlisted the aid of civilian flight schools. Grove City airport was one that was approved for the task.
In Part One of the book, They Flew Proud tells the reader about those desperate times to a find way to get many pilots trained for the Army.
Part Two takes the reader on a delightful true-story journey, with interviews told by and about some of the pilots who first launched themselves into aviation under Instructor Gardner Birch's guidance, soloed under him, and saw their name and date of solo flight painted on one of his wooden boards. These Solo Boards, as they were called, were proudly hung at the airport and still hang there today.
I could not put the book down... reading the stories told today by those soloing pilots who could still be found, gave me the feeling that I was there, back in those days, listening to their hangar stories, sharing in their camaraderie.
Jane Gardner Birch, daughter of Instructor Gardner Birch, did a fine job in the telling of a piece of history most don't even know took place. The book is loaded with pictures, both old and current, to help the reader further experience those times. Jane has humanized a tiny, obscure piece of our history. I think it's a must read! |
from www.amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/They-Flew-Proud-Gardner-Birch/dp/1933858257/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-9785576-5465514?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193412994&sr=8-1 |
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From Jane Birch's editor: Author hits a homerun, February 22, 2008
Jane Birch's book 'They Flew Proud' is exactly what she intended -- a character-driven telling of the great narrative of how our country's pilots were trained in small-town airports in western Pennsylvania. While not meant to be an educational or training tool, 'They Flew Proud' is a story first and foremost, above all else.
Others have agreed. Birch's well-researched book written with love has garnered such honors as the prestigious Combs Gates Award given by National Aviation Hall of Fame (created by an Act of Congress whose purpose is to promote and preserve aviation history, particularly people--not planes, uniforms, protocol) and recognition by the Smithsonian Institute. Birch supplements her story telling with passages written by flight historian Dom Pisano; Paul Poberezny, founder of the EAA and flight instructor in the Civilian Pilot Training Program; Dr. Earl Tilford, military historian and professor of history at Grove City College; and Dr. Richard G. Jewell, president of Grove City College.
'They Flew Proud' is about people and their lives. And that's what sets it apart from other aviation history books and scholarly works. While Birch includes historical elements, such as the politics of the time and the WWII era.
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Hi Jane,
Thank you again for addressing our group last night and for shining a light on the Civilian Pilot Training Program. It was a super program and there was genuine interest throughout the room. I suspect some folks knew a little something about it, but you really brought it to life. And your book is a real treasure trove of historical goodies. I think pilots really go for that kind of stuff! Like you, I think the flight maneuver cartoons are really darling.
David Simpson
MAPA Program Chair
O 973-635-9770
M 973-769-0718
dsimpso@optonline.net
www.midatlanticpilots.com
www.meetup.com/Mid-Atlantic-Pilots-Association
I flew a P-15
I flew a P-51. If you think it loud outside, you should hear it inside on take-off. Would that I could do it again.
Wistfully,
Fred---Posy Thompson
July 2009
LinkedIn Groups |
- Group: World War II History Buffs
- Subject: New comment (4) on "I flew a P-51" by Posy Thompson
Six or so years ago, I won a raffle at WWII weekend in Reading PA for a ride on a P-51. The pilot, I believe Jim Tewlett or something like that, was well-known for being laconic, but very carefully told me how to get in the plane (no smudges!). The back seat was two boards, with an intercom that could only be activated by reaching with my left hand over my right shoulder, as I recall. He spoke little during the flight, but let the plane speak for itself. He did mumble (or perhaps it was sotte voce) that it was the greatest airplane ever built as we prepared to take off..
Nonetheless, the flight was intoxicating. Instant responsiveness, a sexy roar, and noise beyond my expectations (and I expected a lot). It was really a hunter's plane, it had the buzz and the feel for a killer in the air. Alas, the guns did not fire.
Posted by Thomas Mullen |
Jane-very impressive and "uncovered" information on the CPTP which has contributed much to our military.
Thanks,
Robert E. Proctor
Lieutenant Colonel, Infantry
Professor of Military Science and Leadership
University of Tampa army ROTC
9/4/2008
Dear Jane,
Frank Byrns, NASM's (National Air and Space Museum) Manager, stopped by a few minutes ago to say how much they enjoyed your signing and hoped that you would return soon. Just let me know when you would like to come back.
Joyce Burns
Buyer's Assistant
Smithsonian Enterprises
7/23/2008
Jane,
We are truly in your debt for such a fine and fascinating presentation. All the chapter members with whom I have spoken are unanimous in their appreciation and enjoyment of your talk. Aviation education and enjoyment are two primary goals of our EAA chapter, and your discussion of the civilian flight training program, and its important roll in aviation in this country, hit both marks perfectly. I have been reading through my copy of your book since your presentation and have been enjoying it immensely. Thank you so very much for coming to speak at our annual banquet, and thank you for your excellent work in the service of aviation history.
Regards,
Michael Cummins
President, EAA Chapter 4
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Jane Birch's illustrated presentation covered the seldom told story of the WWII Civilian Pilot Training Program from the standpoint of the men, the planes, and the places. This program taught almost a half million men and women to fly throughout the US and made a significant contribution to the Country's war effort. Told on the foundation of her father's flight instructing and airport management experiences in Pennsylvania, the personal stories of the individuals involved have a special connection to those interested in Mid Atlantic and national aviation history.
Gil Pascal
Chairman
Glenn L. Martin
Maryland Aviation Museum, Inc.
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Jane,
An amazing piece of work. Its by my bed and I read a bit every night.
Congratulations, again.
Steve. |
Dear Jane,
I read the book cover to cover right after seeing you and I was thoroughly impressed, I really don't think I've ever read an historical document with such a personal touch. Your balance of personal and historical events was superb. As a blissfully unaware teenager, I may have heard about the CPTP and other events, which were a little before my time at the airport, but, the details was not retained. I had no clue the program was so widespread. Guess I was too involved with learning to fly and chasing the girl I've been married to for the past 59 years.
The research you did was complete and authoritative and your dedication to the task at hand was outstanding. Far too many writers gloss over details and events that need to be accurately stated and developed.It is easy to see why the Combs Gates Award came to you. Congratulations for a job well done. It was a privilege to get to meet you in person.
Sincerely,
Dick Mackell
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Jane,
You will remember I told you about my Police training at the Maryland State Police School at Pikesville, MD. I thought the following incident might be of use to you.
In 1942 the huge parking lot at Martin-Middle River was covered with camouflage netting to hide the thousands of parked cars from being seen from above. This netting was supported with fairly substantial wooden posts. However a heavy wet snow was causing concern about the posts ability to support the netting. An emergency call went out to military post to supply personell to shovel snow off the netting to lighten the load. Lights out in our barraks was at 10.00 pm. Now your hero Fred, had a propensity for pub crawling and often went out with the lights. (Absent with out leave.)
I was enjoying the fleshpots of Pimlico, while my friends were enjoying shoveling snow from the Glenn Martin netting. When I got back to the barraks later, my friends were enjoying the sleep of the just, and I not knowing about their labors, joined Morpheus and thought I was safe again. At reveille the Sgt.informed me that he was not impressed by my nocturnal coming and going and that I could expect all the lousy work details. I suffered many character building labors. The good Sgt. slept in the bunk next to me and as a further reward I could expect a hand in my face at all hours and "are you there Fred, are you there?"
Fred "Posy" Thompson |
I am so enjoying your book. Your dad was quite a man. I
wish I didn't have to put it down.
Charlie
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