Boeing 247

Air Classics, May 2001 by Hildebran, John R

Certainly enjoyed the article on the Boeing 247 in the February issue. I always enjoy each issue but that cover with the City of Renton really caught my eye -- especially the Pennsylvania Central Airlines (PCA) emblem. Does that bring back memories!

My first job after returning from England with the Eighth Air Force was working for PCA in Erie, Pennsylvania. The name was just changing over to Capital Airlines but I still have my PCA uniform badge.

I had 15 years with Capital in Erie then, as you know, United took us over and I put in another 20 years with UAL in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale before retiring. A wonderful 35 years from DC-3s to B-747s. I never had the honor of working on a 247. The 247 may be a thing of the past (almost) but Capital Airlines people still have a great relationship with one another and have an annual reunion in the Washington DC area every September. As a final note, several of us ex-Erie employees had a gettogether in Erie last July. Thanks for bringing back old memories.

John R. Hildebran

hilderj@swbell.net