Airdrop

Flight Journal, Dec 2002

RIGHT PLANE, WRONG DECK With reference to the caption/photo on page 54 of the October 2002 issue: USS CV-45 (plainly visible on the forward flight deck) is not the USS Essex, CV-9. It happens that CV-45 is the USS Valley Forge, but that really is a Skyraider being launched. Score: carrier ID: 0; aircraft ID: 100 percent.

On another note: I'm an "old salt" photographer who sailed on the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43)-the ageless warrior, older and bolder. Any ex-CVA-43 crew out there who don't belong to the USS Coral Sea Association can sign up by contacting me.

Bill A. Johnson 322 N. Portia St. Nokomis, FL 34275-2324 cva43bill@hotmail.com

REAL SWIFT

In the June 2002 issue, Mr. Farmer's "Aviation Movie Guide" discusses the movie "Breaking the Sound Barrier," and he mentions the shortcomings of the Globe Swift. Though it's no doubt a fast aircraft for its horsepower, I don't think it has any problems with respect to supersonic flight! I am sure that he means the Supermarine Swift.

Pete Crawford Indianapolis, IN

We're sure he means that, too. BD

KERMIT WEEKS' B-26

I don't write to Santa or my congressman anymore because, at my age, I don't believe in miracles, but I hope you can help. It really pains me to see such a beautifully restored aircraft with incorrect insignia on it (the B-26 from the June 2002 issue). I feel sure that someone publishes a book with WW II insignia, but I see more aircraft than I care to count with improper insigniaactual planes, models and paintings. Please let Mr. Weeks know that if his insignia has a red ball in the center, he needs an insignia on both wings-top and bottom. You folks are (or should be) the gold standard for accuracy; a word from you could go a long way toward correcting this.

J.T. Morgan Waianae, Hawaii

Consider it done, J.T. RP

NAME GAME

The byline on the October 2002 "Flybys" article on the SoloTrek was not correct. Mark Wolverton wrote the article; Michael Moshier is the SoloTrek's inventor. Our apologies to Mark. RP