Daughter of TWA Co-Founder To Honor Aviation History With Coast to Coast Legacy Flight

PRLog (Press Release) - Sep 17, 2008 -
The Spirit of TWA™ Contacts:  
Kaye Chandler, inflight documentary producer and former TWA flight attendant, 707-280-0291
Jerry Cosley, former TWA VP Corporate Communications, 816-848-4454
Ruth Richter-Holden, co-pilot daughter of TWA founder, 805-440-1940

For Immediate Release
SANTA MARIA, CA, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008… Beginning September 18, 2008, Ruth Richter-Holden, the daughter of TWA co-founder Paul E. Richter, Jr., will begin a five-day journey bridging aviation history with its future.  She and her crew will fly a 1937 Lockheed Electra 12A, one of TWA’s first executive aircraft, from California to New York City, culminating in the celebration of JetBlue’s new Terminal 5 at John F. Kennedy International Airport on September 22, 2008.

”We’re so thankful to JetBlue for the opportunity to share in their festivities.  It’s an honor to take part as JetBlue has the same positive management energy and mission of caring for its people and passengers, that helped build TWA’s legacy,” stated Richter-Holden.  “We’ll proudly be there to toast them as they make their own history.”

“JetBlue’s new Terminal 5 at JFK will literally connect to our aviation history, via the famous ‘flight wings’ of Eero Saarinen’s landmark TWA Flight Center,” said Todd Burke, Vice President, JetBlue Corporate Communications.  “We stand on the shoulders of the pioneers of our great industry, and our celebration would not be complete without Ms. Richter-Holden and her crew representing the great people of TWA.”  

Aircraft NC18137

The aircraft was owned by TWA in the 1940s, when Richter-Holden’s father was Executive Vice President, and was used for high-altitude research and executive transport. In 2005, through a twist of fate, Ruth Richter-Holden was introduced to the plane when the owner contacted her looking for historic details in order to sell it.  Driven by a faint memory and gut feeling, Richter-Holden purchased the 12A sight unseen and as she exclaims, “brought her back to TWA.”

“No one can own history. We are only the guardians of NC18137,” Richter-Holden said. Her father’s log books confirmed what she had suspected: Richter-Holden had flown in the plane as a child with her dad, Paul Richter and his lifelong business partner Jack Frye.  “This airplane represents the accomplishments of the entire U.S. airline industry; the birth and progress of commercial aviation; the safety innovations for which the industry is known today. The Lockheed 12A is the first all-metal, all-electric twin engine. Richter-Holden’s 12A, NC18137, was instrumental in high altitude research, deicing equipment and static discharge. This Lockheed is a tribute to the aviation pioneers of aircraft and airlines. Our dedication is to share this American aviation heritage icon of ingenuity, innovations and ideals with the public.”

TWA was founded by commercial aviation pioneers, known as ”Aviation’s Three Musketeers” - Jack Frye, Paul Richter and Walt Hamilton. In 20 short years they grew their 1926 Aero Corp. of California and its regional passenger line, Standard Airlines, into Transcontinental and Western Air (TWA) and subsequently the international line, Trans World Airlines.  

The return flight: 2008 Coast-to-Coast Legacy Tour

On its return, the flight plan for the 12A will pay homage to its beginnings and follow TWA’s original Coast to Coast passenger service routes from the 30s, through Kansas City - TWA’s headquarters for 40+ years. Flight plans mirror TWA’s “Sun Chaser Flight 1” from New York to Burbank, California, with stops in Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, Wichita, Albuquerque and Winslow, AZ. TWA was one of the first airlines to offer coast-to-coast service.

“We’re hoping that old TWAers can come out and meet us as a kind of historic reunion along the way,” encourages Richter-Holden. “The grand name of TWA once again will soar. Up, Up and Away!”

The Crew

Veteran commercial pilot and co-guardian of the 12A, Captain Curt Walters will command the 12A, with Richter-Holden as co-pilot. Also on hand will be Kaye Chandler, retired TWA flight attendant turned film documentary producer, who will accompany the team to document this historic event through video and on a live webcast on www.spiritoftwa.com. Former TWA VP Corporate Communications, Jerry Cosley is assisting in the Kansas City stop over as well as communications for the trip. Aviation writer and retired TWA Captain Barry Schiff has been invited to join the crew.  

Flight Plan

For an up to the day flight plan and estimated stop over times, as well as a recap of the adventures, visit www.spiritoftwa.com; for additional history of TWA and its people, visit www.twaspirit.com.

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/10118124/1