C-54 converted to DC-4 at Sebring FL ops base
Company techs convert an Army C-54 to second cargo DC-4 in just 13 days. But too slow military-to-civilian airfield negotiations hinder FL ops plans.
The Late 1946 Era
#3 Prague trip. Radio loss forces Portland landing
Radio problems force Captain W. C. Jakeman’s Crew to land in Portland Maine en route to Prague. Local press photo identified six Crew members previously known by name only.
Growing a 1946 non-sked airline
Cargo Ton-Miles and Passenger Miles adding up CARGO. December 3rd to 21st (1945). Here we have the first cargo revenue flights. Flown in the company’s newly acquired DC-3. (Passenger Period) These are reported further down the page. Cargo. April 1 – June 1, 1946. The Ton-Miles reported here are the first four of six war-relief …
Carole Landis christens non-sked DC-4. July1946
Hollywood star Carole Landis christened Veterans Air Line DC-4 on July 24, 1946. The aircraft and attending celebrity Mrs. Gloria Vanderbilt both got champagne-splashed. Still searching for press photo coverage of event.
Bernard Shmanske. DC-3 pilot and stockholder
This handsome young man is Bernard Francis Shmanske wearing his U.S. Army Air Forces uniform. Bernard entered service when he was 21 years old on 2 September 1942. He completed Flight School Pilot Training in December 1943, served on the pilot training staff, and then flew Martin B26 Maurader twin engine attack bombers.
1946 Greek War Relief flight makes history
The Borden Company donates three pure-bred American Jersey breeding stock to UNRRA Greek war-relief. DC-4 “loading” for flight to Athens gets press attention.
Greenleaf Sr. saves CAB worldwide route filing
Veterans Air Express prepared a CAB route app – for permanent, scheduled service, worldwide authority. It reveals hopes & intentions of the Vets & their investors.