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From: Bob Tripp
Date: 6/8/01
Time: 7:05:11 PM
Remote Name: 209.102.67.164
I am the writer that spoke to you about one week ago on the phone. I have used your web site as a good starting point for my research on Hughes H-1. I have found many sites and stories about Hughes on the Web and in some of my aviation history references. However, in trying to place Hughes's accomplishments in context with the times before and during World War II, I have run into a problem. There seems to be no single source for a list of aviation records of that time period. I hope I can get this information from the National Aeronautics Association or the Smithsonian. My first proposal will be to Air&Space magazine. I think this story of the original airplane, it's accomplishments and records, and your reconstruction of the airplane should have enough impact to interest them. My second and third choices would be Aviation History and Air Classics. Presently my intent would be to start the article by saying that though Hughes's aberrant behavior in his later life caught the public's attention, it is often overlooked that in the first half of his life he was a brilliant innovator, designer, and pilot. The Hughes H-1 is the best example of this multifaceted personality. I would then give some background and a list of its accomplishments. Next, I would move on to some quotes from you about its complexity and advanced design features. I would explain what you are trying to accomplish. This is where the excellent photos you have been taking of your progress will be a great deal of help. Of course, the magazine may choose not to run an article until the airplane has actually flown. We'll just have to see where they stand on that issue. We will be flying our Cessna down to Ashland on Tuesday, June 12. I hope to be able to stop in Cottage Grove to see you that day. We'll be stopping in Scapoose to see the Sherpa Aircraft Co., so I expect it would be early afternoon when we arrive at Cottage Grove. If this is not a good time for you, we should be returning through your area on the 23rd or 25th of June. Ideally, I would like to see you for a short time on the 12th, then collect my ideas, and possibly see you again on my return. In any case, let me know how this works for you. Below, I have enclosed a short bio that I often use when first contacting magazines. It will give you a feeling for some of the things that I have been doing. As for my bona-fides -- I have retired from 30 years with Western Airlines and Delta Airlines. I have been a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots for 35 years. I actively consult with manufacturers and modifiers on the West Coast. I am a DER Flight Test Pilot for the FAA, authorization number NML-2700. During my career I have flown the AeroSpacelines Super and Mini Guppies, Volpar Turboliner, C-141, CV-240/340/440/, L-188, C-141, Boeing 737, 707, 720, L-1011, DC-10, and MD-11. I have written for AIR&SPACE, AIRWAYS, AIRLINE PILOT, AOPA PILOT, FLYING[June cover article], PRIVATE PILOT, DISCOVER AFRICA, AMERICAN HERITAGE, ROAD AND TRACK, OCEAN SPORTS, SCIENCE DIGEST,and my short story is the lead for HAWAII'S BEST SPOOKY STORIES. My novel, LAST CLEAR CHANCE, is making the rounds now.