Aero Vintage Books: Tallmantz Aviation

Submitted by
Name: Cynthia Hann
From: Arizona
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Comments:

Private post. Click to view.

Added: April 28, 2013

Submitted by
Name: Scott Thompson
From: Lincoln, CA
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I've done a fairly thorough media review of Frank Tallman and have not uncovered anything on the "tortoise and the hare" cross-country event. There were two other cross country events Tallman participated in, one in 1957 and another in 1958, both that involved several aircraft from his World War I collection. No mention of a race involving a Corsair, but the other two events would certainly suggest that such an event was held, though apparently not well-covered by the nation's media.

Added: February 13, 2013

Submitted by
Name: John Hinn
From: Thousaand Oaks,Ca
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Comments:
In 1959, 0r 60 61...My Father Michael Hinn and Frank Tallman flew a promotional race from California to Pensicola, Florida, which was titled The Tortoise and the Hair Race. The race was to commemorate the 50th aniversery of naval aviation. Tallman flew his Newport 28 and my father flew a F4U corsair, thus , the title of the race. I can find nothing of its actually taking place anywhere on the internet, yet I think my mother(still living and 95 yrs old) has a couple news clippings of the race. One striking feature of the duos race was that My fater and Tallman look so much alike. Can anyone shed some light on this event?
Thank you John Hinn

Added: February 12, 2013

Submitted by
Name: James A Combs
From: Salt Lake City, Utah USA
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I lived in Yuma, AZ in the late 1970's: the Yuma Sun Dunes (Imperial Valley, CA) were beautiful. I needed a vacation from SLC's cold, snowy Christmas season. I spent about 5 hours on December 17th of 2012 at the actual site at Buttercup where filming and the production occurred. I met a couple from British Columbia (Canada), who showed me the site. Great conversation, great video and still photos I took on that 72F beautiful day. A great movie; the location looks just like the movie and just as I remember as a 13-year old in 1979.

In the era of CGI (computer graphics, subbing for the real craft of stunt actors), reading this account online was very touching to read. To Paul Mantz' friends, family and pilot cohorts, my heart goes out to you all.

Rewatching "The Flight of The Phoenix" with my wife and friends in the near future will not be the same.

To Paul Mantz: God rest his soul.

Sincerely,

James A Combs,
Sandy, Utah USA

Added: January 27, 2013

Submitted by
Name: Chris McMillin
From: Pacific Palisades, CA
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Comments:
Mr. Werner,
I believe that the Curtiss Gulfhawk is owned by the Smithsonian and loaned to the EAA Museum for display at Oshkosh, WI.

Added: December 15, 2012

Submitted by
Name: Don Williams
From: La Jolla
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Comments:
I am sure that Frank Tallman had a sister, Prudence Tallman Wood, who passed away in 2007 in La Jolla, CA.

Added: November 10, 2012

Submitted by
Name: Werner Meyer
From: Venice Fl
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Comments:
I graduated from the The Manhatten High School of Avaition Trades In 1953.
We learned about rigging bi planes on a Grumman Gulf Hawk and Navy N3N.
Both planes were dissasembled and reasembled each simester.
If I am correct the Gulf Hawk, 982V was used by Al Williams for air show work. It was later sold to Tallman Mantz when the school was relocated, circa 1960. I have been told it now resides in the museam.
Any know if it does?
Werner Meyer

Added: October 25, 2012

Submitted by
Name: Clark Cook
From: Rocklin, CA
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Comments:
I had the honor of working at Tallmantz Aviation from 1983-1986. I felt I was more than an employee, but part of the family. My first ever airplane ride was in the Waco most likely flown by Jim Appleby in the 1960's. This definitely fueled my passion for aviation. With over 35 years in the industry, I am currently a maintenance tech for a major airline. I also own a production company, specializing in air shows and related events in which I founded 8 years ago. The people of Tallmantz will forever remain in my heart and memories.

Added: September 22, 2012

Submitted by
Name: Bob Hiser
From: Huntington Beach, CA
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Comments:
I had the pleasure and honor to work for Tallmantz Aviation during the late spring & summer of 1971. My supervisor was Jim Appleby; my job was working part time during the week for the Movieland of the Air. I work to clean the aircraft (dusting) and cleaning the oil pans under the engine/s. My fellow employees and jokesters no less were Bob McNeese, John Gradishar, and the Senior member of our group; I forgot his name. My tenure was short approx. 7 mos. but I was pleased as stated and honored to be associated in some small way with Frank Pine, Frank Tallman, and James Appleby. All Truly the "Knights of the Skies".

Added: September 20, 2012

Submitted by
Name: Craig Fritts
From: Kansas City, MO
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Comments:
Thank you for posting the photo of the Catch-22 Pilots. I just found this - my dad was Willis Fritts - one of the pilots. We went down to Mexico with him when the movie was filmed - great memories as a kid. :!cool:

Added: September 11, 2012