61999 in Action, 18 May 1968

I am attaching a photo of 61999 which I believe I took while flying between Andersen, Guam and Mactan, Philippines. My pilots were Capt Stan Bryk and Capt Bill Gilbert. We left Andersen on 18 May 68 in 62010; 61999 was right behind us so we made some lazy "S" turns and waited for them. They were cleared 2000 feet above us. When they caught up we flew loose formation to Mactan. The other Nav. (I think it was Jim Woody) and we took turns navigating.

THANK YOU, FRED DIETSCH!!

Teaser video for last C-133 flight

Just in from Inversion Productions is a five-minute film clip that is an excellent summary of the last flight of 61999, last August. Great sound, great video. Progress is slow but it's coming along. Turn the sound WAYYYY up!

Click on this link, or copy-and-paste into your browser:
http://vimeo.com/channels/inversionaviation

The copilot was Tom Carlson (Morrie's son), FET was Ken Kozlowksi, pilot was Mike Congdon, maintenance help by Aaron Henderson and Janice Kozlowski was along for the ride.

The air to air shots were done by Mike Leary. The in-cockpit work was done at Anchorage and, I think, by one of the crew enroute. The clip does not use any of the video shot at McChord.

Update Note: Thank you all for your Comments!! It's gratifying to know we have some "listeners!" Obviously we're all sharing the thrill of this video bringing back the memories! If you're not comfortable leaving your e-mail address on this blog, please forward it to me at rehanson342@aol.com so we can be sure we have you in our data base. The only "requirement" is that you have an interest in 133s.....you're part of our family.

Bonus Comment: Check out this website from one of our "family members!"

http://boeing377.googlepages.com/c133

Final Flight - Ever!

Video thanks to Dick Strouse!

"Boy, sure brings back some memories. The sounds of those engines just gives you goose bumps. Oh, for the memories. My brother Bill sent this video to me. I have never seen it before, but it has to be the best video and sound of any I've seen, especially since this is the final landing and sound of a C-133 again. My four years on the Lead-Sled made me a real Loadmaster and groomed me for bigger and better things in my Air Force career and life. As ol' Chief Hannigan would say, 'The days of wooden ships and iron men.' And how true it was!"
........Dick Strouse, 1968-1971, 39th MAS

The Final Flight!

Great photos of what is now the "Travis Bird"......CORRECTION! (my bad, as my grandkids say). These two photos are of the right "Bird," but they were taken by Cal Taylor's brother, Phil, on 28 Aug 08 at McChord AFB after it landed on the "next to the last flight." Still can't wait for those photos, DVDs, and published articles on the Final Flight....



You can still see Mark Meltzer's photos taken at Travis after "the final flight." Click on: http://boeing377.googlepages.com/c133

New Photos of Travis 133

Here's the value of the blogs folks! We, in the 133 community, have a new connection. He left a link to his photos, and in a follow-up e-mail, introduced himself to us. Check out the red links below....

Hi Dick,

I found the blog in a Google search yesterday and just thought I'd drop my link on it. I am not a C 133 vet, just a 58 year old guy with a strong interest in old transport aircraft and their systems. I hope my comments about the Nav's work on 133s was technically accurate. I used Loran A myself in commercial fishing back in the day, mostly old APN 9s and even a few APN 4s. I also did celestial nav, mostly just noon sun shots but some star work too. I like navigation, which is a disappearing art now with cheap GPS on the scene.

Your blog was very hard to find for some reason, but glad to know it is there.

Man what an aircraft. I was knocked out by its size. Astounding that one was flying in 2008 without a giant maintenance and logistics org behind it. (Note: I'm sure all 133 crew veterans are also astounded about that!!)



Regards,
Mark Meltzer

To see Mark's 133 photos, click on: http://boeing377.googlepages.com/c133

Also, Mark's web site is fascinating. Lots of "airplane stuff" from a sky-diver's perspective: http://boeing377.googlepages.com/skydive2

Eyewitness Comments & Videos

Thank you Aeroki and Dan H. for your Comments. You've helped connect the rest of us to the true end of an era we all remember well!! Click on Aeroiki's red youtube link below to see his video of the landing.....then click on Cal Taylor's red link at the bottom of the post....

Aeroiki said...

It was a very moving experience to see this plane land at Travis AFB Saturday. It was like watching an extinction. I posted two videos I shot on youtube.com. Others have started to post too so just search for C-133. Among the hits are a video of the roll out of the first Cargomaster!

Cheers,
Aeroiki

September 1, 2008 6:43 PM

Dan H. said...

On Saturday, Aug. 30 I took a trip back in time. It was the mid-60's, the war in SEA was going strong and the sky above Travis AFB was filled with the sight and sound of the mighty C-133. Unknown to most and relegated to Air Force footnote status, those who flew and maintained her will long treasure her memory. Welcome home61999! Dan H.

September 1, 2008 9:14 PM

And Cal Taylor said..

This clip shows C-133A 61999 landing at McChord AFB, WA, 28 Aug 08. There is great sound of those huge propellers. We were also filming at the other end of the field and got great video of the entire movement of the airplane, from taxi to parking to taxi out and takeoff. Turn your sound up high. There will be a DVD in a while that covers the entire operation of moving the airplane from Anchorage, AK to Travis AFB, CA.


http://www.airshowbuzz.com/videos/view.php?v=7027bdddIf

61999 final shutdown

On 30 Aug 08, the airplane launched on its final flight. Takeoff at McChord was 0800 and landing at Travis at 1101 PDT. At shutdown, the airplane had logged some 18,250 flight hours with more than 6,100 landings. Thanks to all those who made this last flight possible. It will be an excellent display in the Travis Museum. There will be lots of excellent footage from which to create a superb C-133 DVD.

61999 at McChord, 28-30 Aug

The airplane touched down on a cloudy evening at just before 1900. We got really good footage of the roll-out, taxi-in and shutdown. Over two hours, three photographers shot a whole bunch of film, including interior and exterior shots, cargo handling and interviews. On Saturday morning, the subject will be engine start, taxi out, takeoff and departure. Hopefully, the active will be 16, which will take the departing airplane past the camera spot, with Mt Rainier in the background. Pray for clear skies.

There were only some minor squawks, including cracks in the outer pane of the right side forward windscreen. The engineer said not a problem. They are not carrying a high pressurization differential.

Some of the new USAF markings peeled in flight. But, that will not be a problem to fix. It will still be a USAF airplane on landing at Travis.

The engineer says 61999 is a great airplane that has never given much problem, over close to 35 years. The museum is getting a good airplane and he is happy that it is getting a good home.

61999 Now at McChord AFB

First leg successful! Go to Cal Taylor's blog and scroll down to the 28 Aug update for the latest report.

Click on: Cal Taylor's Blog

61999 to arrive McChord AFB

The airplane now belongs to the Travis Museum. The ferry permit is in hand. Departure from Ted Stevens IAP, Anchorage, AK is at about 1100 local, with ETA to McChord at 1630 today, 28 Aug. There, it will park on the Echo Ramp, near the McChord Museum restoration hangar. If the crew is up to it, there will be a cargo swap this afternoon. Some stuff for the McChord Museum off load, onload of stuff to Travis Museum.

I will be there with still and video camera. There will be a professional videographer, working for the Travis Museum. PAO has been alerted. The plan is to film as much of the approach as possible, plus taxi-in, shutdown, and loading evolution. I hope also to shadow the engineer, during his preflight on Saturday and then to get engine start, taxi-out and takeoff (from a distance). Departure from TCM is probably NLT 0730, to make Travis at 1030.

There was an engine run at Anchorage, all okay, then two flights. One had a video team aboard to document the operation. Shots of takeoff/departure and of landing were also done.

The airplane has been re-militarized with stars and bar, tail number, etc, so it will be a USAF airplane landing at TCM and SUU.

Cal Taylor

61999 ANNOUNCEMENT!

BREAKING NEWS!! Just got the following from Fred Galey, who got it from Chuck (?):

The last C-133 flight will land at Travis on Saturday, August 30, 2008. It is one of the birds that was in Alaska. It is scheduled to land between 10 and 1030 Saturday morning. After landing it will become part of the Travis AFB Air Museum. It has been donated by the fellow that flew them in Alaska. They had to raise $68,000.00 to cover the fuel costs. Chuck

Wish I could be there! I'm sure Cal Taylor will provide photos, and probably videos!

Thank you, Fred!

N199AB update

June 25, 2008

Here is the latest on the C-133 move to Travis Air Museum.

We just spoke with Terry Juran from the museum and he is very upbeat on the response we have had from former C-133 members and their families! He was able to secure a greatly reduced price for the fuel by including the C-133 as a participant in the Air Show at Travis Air Force Base over Labor Day weekend.

From the promised donations and from the Travis Air Museum Board who pledged $5,000 during its Board Meeting this weekend, we appear close to one third of the total dollar amount we need for fuel.

If you are able to contribute, donations must reach Terry by August 1, 2008 to make the Labor Day event. Donations can be sent directly to:

PROJECT C-133

TRAVIS AIR MUSEUM

400 BRENNAN CIRCLE

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, CA 94535

Here are some answers to your recent questions:

Q: If the funds donated exceed what is needed for fuel, how will it be spent?

A: All PROJECT C-133 designated donations received by the Air Museum will be placed in a special account and used for the C-133 only. The account will be used for expenses such as restoration, maintenance, site preparation, etc.

Q: Was the C-133 in Alaska ever assigned to Travis Air Force Base?

A: We have verified that 60199 was assigned to Travis Air Force Base from February 1960 to November 1960.

Q: What social activities are planned for the C-133 arrival on Labor Day weekend?

A: We are still in the planning stages of any social activities. Watch for regular updates for more information.

Thanks to those of you who have pledged donations to this project! We are excited and optimistic about Travis AFB displaying the C-133.

We welcome any questions you may have.

John and Jetta Burnett

jnburnet@cwnet.com

N199AB Fuel to Travis

An update from Terry Juran, at the Travis Museum. He can get fuel for $3.04/gal, vice $6. About 16,000 gallons are needed and money to get the Alaska crew home. So, about $50,000 is the goal. He is contacting various potential sponsors, I have had input from other possible sponsors and have written to a person who has put lots of money into aviation projects. One of my contacts is going to submit my short article on the move to Pacific Flyer. Things are moving toward the goal of a Labor Day arrival with several low passes.

N199AB to Travis

Just in from John Burnett

June 18, 2008

Here is the latest information we have on the delivery of the Alaskan C-133 to Travis Air Force Base.

Travis Air Museum will be receiving the C-133 from Alaska along with two additional C-133s from the Mojave Desert. The plans are to have the one from Alaska arrive at Travis during the Air Force Celebration over the Labor Day Weekend.

The two that Travis will receive from the Mojave are not flyable and will be used for spare parts. There are plans to remove the fight deck from one of them and install it inside the museum. The museum hopes to involve former crew members in this project (more information on this when it becomes available).

The biggest challenge the museum has at the present time is the fuel purchase to fly the plane from Alaska to Travis. [Cal comment: 18,000 gallons for unpressurized flight of 7:55 plus reserves will cost about $108,000].

The museum has received a donation of $5,000.00 from a former C-133 crew member. This member is challenging other former members for donations, up to an additional $5,000.00, which he will match.

So many of you have asked how you can help. To make your donation, please send a check or money order to:

C-133 PROJECT
TRAVIS AIR MUSEUM
400 BRENNAN CIRCLE
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, CA 94535

Those who donate $250.00 or more will have their name placed on a donation plaque in the C-133 area of the museum.

Terry Juran from the Travis Museum will be in Alaska next week to inspect the
C-133 and we are hoping to post pictures on this site when he returns.

Spread the word and please send any questions to us:

John and Jetta Burnett
Jnburnet@cwnet.com

Fuel Burn

For anyone out there who remembers performance figures:

Put on your engineer's cap for a minute and give me some round figures ( I figure you don't even need the Dash One Dash One to do this). The big ticket item to get N199AB from Anchorage to Travis is fuel.

The direct flight from Anchorage to Travis takes 6:55 at 250 knots. A route via overhead McChord required 7:13. Adding 1:30 for reserves, that gives a maximum of 8:43, so round off to 9:00 fuel required. Jet-A fuel is running about $6/gal. What is the burn rate for a flight at 10000 or 15000 (I don't know if they would choose to go pressurized or unpressurized. Would it save fuel to fly unpressurized? In any case, how much fuel would be needed to cover 9:00? What is the total cost?

Let me know at firstfleet@aol.com.

I want to see if any fund-raising is an option.

Cal Taylor

N199AB/61999 Update

This is a summary of what I have learned about the potential move of N199AB/61999 from Anchorage to Travis AFB. The Jimmie Doolittle Museum has received a letter of intent to transfer the airplane. Two big issues are gathering funds to repaint the airplane in military markings and to pay for the fuel. Assuming that those are accomplished, the concept is to have the airplane arrive during a Labor Day air show at Travis. There are still lots of hoops to be jumped through to make it happen, but there are good prospects for the last airworthy C-133 to go home. 61999 was assigned to Travis from Feb to Nov 1960.

Cal Taylor

Alaska Bird

Fred Galey provided the following photos of a C-133A (tail number N199AB, formerly 61999 at Dover AFB) "still flying in Alaska," taken by his son, Fred Galey, Jr, from the cockpit of a FedEx MD 11 in July, 2007. THANK YOU, FRED & FRED JR!!!!

The following is a relevant excerpt from Wikipedia:

"Two C-133As have been in storage at Mojave Airport, California, since the 1970s. They are N201AR (ex-62001) and N136AR (ex-40136). They are owned by Cargomaster Corp, Ted Stevens International Airport, AK, which also owns and occasionally flies C-133A N199AB (ex-61999). That aircraft was never certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration for civilian operation. Thus, it must fly as a government aircraft, mostly for the State of Alaska, where the last known flights were in the summer of 2004. The ANC based aircraft flew test flights and then a real flight, carrying fire trucks and heavy equipment to the bush, on April 18th, 2006."

*

I then Googled the Cargomaster Corporation mentioned above and discovered the following two websites with more description & photographs of their three aircraft. Click on Cargomaster on the Go! and Goleta Air & Space Museum.