Interview Summary Aviation mechanic James “Jim” Hawthorne Jackson is interviewed about his life and military service. Particular focus is given to Jackson’s time with the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, when he worked as a B-29 mechanic in the United States and Guam. Afterwards, Jackson discusses his involvement with The Museum of Flight’s Restoration Center and his work restoring various aircraft, including the Museum’s B-29 Superfortress and Lockheed YO-3A Quiet Star.Introduction and...

Interview Summary Pilot Joseph E. Kimm is interviewed about his decade-spanning aviation career. He discusses his early experiences as a flight steward on Ford Trimotor aircraft, and his time as a copilot and pilot for Northwest Airways (later Northwest Airlines), spanning the 1930s to the 1970s. He also touches on his military service during World War II with Air Transport Command, U.S. Army Air Corps. Other topics discussed include his work building aircraft models, his experiences with various aircraft, and a...

Interview Summary Aeronautical engineer Barry Latter is interviewed about his decade-spanning career in the aviation industry. He describes his education in propulsion engineering and his early work experiences during the 1950s and 1960s with the Blackburn and General Aircraft Company and the Hawker Siddeley Group. He then discusses his emigration to the United States from England and his subsequent career with the Boeing Company, where he worked on the 747, 757, 767, and 737 Next Generation. The interview...

Interview Summary World War II veteran Joseph Polocz is interviewed about his military service and his expertise in mechanics and machine restoration. He describes his wartime experiences as a member of the Royal Hungarian Army and Royal Hungarian Air Force, his time in a French prisoner-of-war camp, and his post-war life as a laborer in Germany and France. He then discusses his immigration to the United States and his technician career with Philco and RCA. The interview concludes with an overview of Polocz’s...

Interview Summary Retired stewardess Betty R. Stockard is interviewed about her career with United Airlines. She discusses her experiences in the airline industry during the 1940s, such as the interview and training process, memorable encounters with passengers, and her flights along the West Coast and to Hawaii. She also recounts a story in which she served as a wartime courier for an important package. Other topics discussed include her childhood and college years in Montana; her thoughts on the Douglas DC-3,...

Interview Summary Aeronautical engineer Richard W. “Dick” Taylor is interviewed about his 50-year career at the Boeing Company, which spanned the 1940s to the early 1990s. He discusses his experiences as a test pilot and design engineer for the company and describes notable projects from his career, including his work on the B-47 Stratojet, Boeing Model 377 Stratocruiser, and Model 737 and his development of ETOPS (Extended Range Twin Engine Operations). He also touches on his service as a U.S Army liaison pilot...

Interview Summary Test pilot Brien Wygle is interviewed about his decade-spanning career in the aviation industry. He describes his flight experiences prior to his work at Boeing, including his RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) service as a transport pilot during and after World War II and his time as an airline pilot with Queen Charlotte Airlines. He then discusses his test pilot career at the Boeing Company and his involvement with various aircraft, including the Boeing B-47 Stratojet, B-52 Stratofortress, Model...