It sat on the warm up pad. Silver with blue trim PAA painted on it. The checklist was detailed the flight engineer was moving levers reading gauges. Each engine had a manifold pressure gauge, each engine had an rpm gauge all four engines internals were temperature at the cylinder heads and the temperature of the exhaust gas was measured. The checklist told the flight engineer the parameters. All four engines were working within the parameters. As he read the numbers the Captain had the data they were go fore takeoff.

He had been on the China Clipper second in command he had flown Boeing 314s across the Pacific during the war. He upgraded to DC-4s and somewhere along the line he got the left seat. The Wright engines worst teething problems seemingly were behind. The Captain by nature was skeptical and he was happy with the performance of the engines this evening. The flight engineer was a new face odd for Pan Am. Yet the way he handled himself was reassuring a healthy streak of cynicism was evident. The Captain liked the man who took nothing for granted on the flight. He asked for clearance for takeoff. The Checklist included the call for trim set to certain setting.

The Captain after receiving clearance briefed the plan for one engine failure or two engine failures. It was standard fair but it had to be done.  No wanted surprises in an emergency.  As the large airplane turned onto runway heading he called for takeoff power. The flaps had been partially extended for takeoff. The superchargers were now shoving air to be met with fuel and just shy of explosion in each of the cylinders the pistons were being shoved down the cylinders turning the massive balanced propeller blades at their maximum rpm. All the power wanted to move the nose one way across the runway. His foot on the rudder was working against this. This created a shove forward. The captain watched the airspeed indicator slowly make its trip around the dial. His long legs were on the rudder the triple tail with the out board 2 had rudders keeping the torque and pfactor of the large engines at bay. Slowly he eased pressure and deflection on the rudder as the massive airplane continued to accelerate. Through control cables and through the polished black leather hard soled shoes the very essance of the airplane was felt as it speed built up slowly he eased some of the pressure as the speed of the air made the rudders more effective. Beneath his gruff exterior he was a little boy he knew the science and technology that he was master of he was also enthralled at the notion of flight. The Sun was setting in front of him. He continued to watch the airspeed indicator eyeing the runway things were going to plan the mental image he had thought about before takeoff. The mental image and the real image were close together things were going the way they should. Finally at the point the anticipated actually just a bit sooner came the point to rotate the nose skyward. The captain’s muscles contracted pulling the yoke back. The force from his muscles drove cables that then through the length of the airplane the elevator was raised the weight pushed the tail down and like a giant lever the nose rose. The wheels went a few more feet before the beast lifted. A positive rate of climb was noted.

The co-pilot saw the climb begin the gauges indicated positive rate. Once confirmed he reached to retract the gear. The plane lumbered in a climb as it crossed the coast. Climb power was called. Shortly afterward LA tower called cleared to turn to heading frequency change approved good night. The call came thanks and the airplane turned to the southwest to cross over Santa Catalina. The captain moved the control yoke and his legs adjusted the rudder for a smooth turn to Catalina maintaining a steady climb. The night had just begun. The flaps had been retracted the flight engineer adjusted the cowl flaps on the four engines air flow through the engine cowling had to maintained at certain levels to wick the heat away from the cylinders as the engine was still laboring near its maximum power. The open face of the engine was where the air was shoved and the cowl flaps allowed the now heated air to leave the engine cowl toward the rear and the side as the massive propellers continued to bite the air.

He sat in his seat looking out the window he heard the howl he was familiar with airplanes he remembered the flight on a Douglas same route during War. He had survived battles in the islands now 5 years later he was going to Australia to see some of the beautiful ocean under different circumstances. The Constellation was a beautiful airplane. She was painted silver and blue. He had seen it on the ramp with its long lanky landing gear. The seat was wide and comfortable…..ahh the young major who fought on Iwo Jima had become a photographer and his portraits had sold. He had invested wisely on new technology stocks including Lockheed, and Boeing he was doing well now. He looked out his window he felt the kick as the airplane accelerated. He was staring at the window he saw the ground slowly start dropping away they crossed the coast slowly they were climbing the turn to the southwest was leisure and gentle. He could see Santa Catalina in the distance and the clouds come in the sunset this was beautiful. Soon drink service would begin. This in many ways neat he was actually enjoying this airplane’s flight more then a being a ship. Airplanes were also faster.

The clouds were where the weather man said they would be the crossed 10,000 feet he turned off the fasten seat belt sign the navigator got a position from star shots. The flight engineer moved some oil around to feed the engines but not too much the effects were felt he adjusted the trim and the auto pilot was engaged. The airplane continued to climb. A stewardess brought coffee. A routine had established caffeine would help it. They had gotten out of bed eaten breakfast bacon and eggs tricks had been established to stay awake. The heavier meal with juice and milk no coffee was vital. They had gotten the weather briefing and other details about the flight that had been planned the day would stretch near 16 hours. The captain had heavy cream in his coffee allowing the caffeine to more slowly be observed. The navigator gave the position he shot the stars since now the Connie was above the cloud deck. Even with auto pilot there was work. The night was spectacular as the sun had set the light show from the cockpit was staggering oranges golds purples along the line of the cockpit. His co pilot had taken the watch. Now they had leveled off and darkness had fallen and the sound of the engines continued smooth. The flight engineer was watching with a tone of distrust in his voice. He had been on B-29s and the cynicism kept him and others alive.

The co pilot was relaxed with the Captain. He had been called a land lubber since he had actually more time in the Connie then the Captain had. He had been a production test pilot. Yet the work of a production test pilot was a series of quick test flights. The Captain had learned under Musik and if anything the man was a bit more laid back. It was not that he was not in charge but his easy going nature had a role. The Captain openly sought feedback yet he was in charge. He had been around the sky his mannerisms spoke more then his words did. He had given the instructions at dinner of the flight crew at his place near the airport. The Captain made it clear anything that made any of them uncomfortable they were to speak about it. The Navigator did another position check. He worked his circular slide role the octant the compass all of this generated the position report as they had now climbed over the cloud deck. Though the captain was on the surface laid back everybody knew he was in charge. He had learned to sail with the flying boats. The Captain had made a couple trips from Corpus Christi to Cuba. The basics of navigating over an ocean were familiar to him. The navigator had known this the degree of cross training was an extra line of protection.

The businessman ordered coke and rum. He looked out the sliver cloud deck beneath him. The gentle vibration of the engines made him relax this trip was already showing it was worth it. He saw one of his photos in the life magazine being read by the woman who did not have wedding ring beside him. He smiled she said “I would love to have someone that good take my picture on Waikiki!” He looked at her she had curves she was blond. He smiled “I can find a lab in Honolulu you pay for the processing I might trade you I will do the shoot for half my normal profit margin if you allow me to take you to dinner.” He introduced himself. She asked where he was heading. He would do a four day layover in Honolulu. Then he would go down to Townsville. He would go onto Australia for some swimming off Townsville. He would actually have to go up the coast of Australia. He drank the rum and coke served up nice with a steak dinner. This was good meal he looked out the window silver below he looked at the stars easy navigation tonight. He had done some sailing good octant night. The conversation was good with the beautiful woman he had a scar from a burn he had another scar from a bullet he was skittish around women.

The studio had grown in reputation in Hollywood. A combat photographer and later a battalion commander had taught him. The eye had been developed since he got home from the war and he got a couple breaks. He had learned to work with lighting he did like outdoor work. His camera was going to be a toy for the trip but he did not mind the extra work she wanted Waikiki and beach pose. As the conversation continued he realized this shoot would be more play then work. The steak was great the view was great the conversation was neat.

In the cockpit things were controlled with the meal but steady. There was monitoring some contacts to be made. The navigator was not intimidated by the boss who knew as much about navigation has he did. The two quickly felt at ease. The boss was in charge for sure his standing order was if anybody had a concern they HAD to vocalize it. The Captain and co pilot had set up alternating shifts watching the ship. They had a feeling of being alone over the vast ocean. A conversation came up about the prospects of jets making the trip. The flight engineer said if they could deal with fuel consumption he looked forward. The copilot said imagine only having four power levers to move instead 12. The flight engineer laughed. Jets were far less complicated beasts. The trouble was they still ate fuel the B-47 looked wild but it could bring a revolution. There were a couple more steps in engine technology. They were in charge of an aluminum bird that was now more then three hundred miles off shore and going further Hawaii was a distant hope. Their job was to make sure the sea of blackness was crossed. The flight deck was dark expect for the gauges they were familiar with. For the crew member not watching the flight it was eating in some spectacular scenery. Beauty teamwork and the love of flight united the four men the navigator, flight engineer captain and co pilot. They realized the safety of those behind them and their own depended on their work. They each had separate roles that over lapped. The navigator gave the position and there was going to be a minor course correction and the winds aloft were a bit stronger then expected. The adjustments were made and the pilot made an in-flight announcement one third into the flight. There was work but a steady flow.

The conversation was nice in the cabin as the stewardess cleaned up the meal. The photographer decided to sleep. The hum of the engines was soothing and sleep inducing the dimmed lights of the cabin made it come easy. This trip was already far more pleasurable then he had anticipated the window seat was great the night was beautiful.

In the cockpit the work continued star shot working on the E6B circular slide rule and the course continued real v anticipated weather reports were received. The airplane was remarkable the engines were not perfect that is why the flight engineer was looking forward to jets yet it represented a massive leap forward in technology from the Boeing 314 and Martin M-130 was staggering. Sooner or later they would come the writing was on the wall for piston engine compounding was the next generation of piston engine where the exhaust gas instead of driving more air into the cylinder would be used through gearing to drive the propeller. The speed had nearly doubled and the altitude had tripled. The war had refined the technology. The airplane was cruising as fast as Zero fighters did at the beginning of the war. Pan Am was desiring an airplane that could cruise above most of not all the clouds to allow navigators less fear this airplane was another giant step towards it. The Captain took the watch and was watching setting the auto pilot. As the fuel was burned the flight engineer continued to make sure the airplane was kept within weight and balance. As the fluids of the airplane were moved around weight had to be kept within parameters. The routine continued passed the point of no return they were now half way over this segment of the Pacific. Trim was adjusted by the auto pilot but the gauges still had to be watched. The Auto pilot was a tool to reduce the workload someone was watching the artificial horizon airspeed indicator compass. They were told what heading to fly. The engines were running a bit warm but not too hot the night air at 20,000 feet was slowly getting cooler helping things. It was something to watch opening up the cowl flaps might be called for or a possible enrichment of the mixture. The headwinds would add 20 minutes the flight they carried to fuel to compensate. Slowly they got within radio range of Honolulu they ADF the ADF provided info which backed up what the Navigator had said. The ADF had started homing in on the signal no thunderstorms. Hour after hour ticked by. It was not so much physical labor but the noise and the incessant work of the mind had its own drain. The Navigator would announce position v plan and route of the flight. It adjusted the plan and made things work. The pilot got to eat first and then the co pilot. The co pilot would get to land at John Rogers the morning was steadily coming. It was a bit of a heavy meal but with the coffee it all went well. The carbohydrate content was low the fat and protein insured a smooth performance on the brain. The Navigator had to take a position on a regular basis the flight engineer had to maintain a schedule of fuel burn and even the oil that had been burned off.

He got up after three hours later. The cabin was dark. The woman next to him was asleep. He glanced out he could see the propellers turning the glow of the flame he adjusted his view downward so he could see the silver glow the clouds and the sky was filled with stars. He knew that the navigator had the a Plexiglas bubble to make a position off shooting the stars. He knew enough of the technology to respect the four men up front. They were professionals and they were working. He went to the restroom and realized the wonder of modern technology the air pressure in the cabin was 15,000 feet lower the then airplane was and he was taking care of bodily waste and had access to fresh water while traveling as fast a Japanese fighter at the start of the war. The woman next to him was waking up. The two talked. As she talked he was surprised to find out she was a pilot and had flown the B-29 with the WASPS. She commented how the engines had been juiced for power over reliability. She told him about how she lost a friend and that she actually believed they had flown over her grave when they crossed the Pacific. She was right. The work on the cockpit continued it was also time for another meal to be served the flight engineer had to snag it small and eat when he could the tray was near his panel. She described life in the cockpit …the crew had to work as a team. They were more then halfway to Honolulu. She wanted a glam shot on the beach. They talked about the shoot as the second meal was served. He had orange juice by itself with the meal. It was French toast the hot tea done English style was nice. Him and seat mate talked as they ate. The finished and he watched in the distance as Hawaii came into view. From the window as she got close it was beautiful night. Sun would slowly be coming up and the form of Hawaii a few dots indicated the small points of civilization they could see the fleet at sea.

The cockpit the routine had held the fuel was doing on forecast the flight engineer could lean just a bit more to compensate for the 30 minutes extra of the flight as the night air had been cooler. The Captain was in charge but he did not Lord over his authority. For the airplane and for the crew this was a game of endurance. The flight engineer noted they were dipping into reserved but everybody was reporting VFR conditions to land on. The routine and cadence set by the captain had held now Hawaii was within view breakfast service had been taken up in 20 minutes the flight would start its descent. They were talking to ATC on VHF. Finally he got to announce the descent. The copilot took over. They descended below 10,000 feet

The flight engineer slowly enriched the mixtures the co pilot to handle the throttles. The maintaining of a slightly lean mixture through the descent as temps were actually cooler then forecast as the airplane went down needed a gentle decrease in the temp at the top of cylinders. The cylinder head temps slowly declined. He was watching the prop rpm and fuel mixture why the co pilot set the throttles. The co-pilot added flaps methodically the way he handled the airplane the Captain replied “Babying her” The co-pilot replied “Yeah just because she is forgiving doesn’t mean we have abuse the gal” the response came “Good man” Control movements kept the airplane going where its master intended stable descent. It was a matter of steering of heading while a smooth descent a couple gentle turns making sure the airplane was treated morel like a luxury liner then a fighter. Finally they were coming near the airport calling the tower. They were the first of the flights to come overnight. The airplane turned near Hickam onto runway heading the final thousand feet left the landing was a greaser even by Connie standards with practically no wind down the runway. The passengers had gotten a good view of McDonnell Phantoms also where present. The jet engine was coming-out vogue the F-84 was also present the jets were now familiar. The muscle power on the ailerons the co pilot felt the airplane and his eyes on the instruments feel in the control finally the glide was established and the lights provided him all the info. He did not use the new ILS after he passed the inner marker. One set of lights read one set of lights white then he could feel for the ground the trailing link set. It was time to press the breaks smoothly the airplane was much lighter then it was and propeller reverse the tower gave them clearance to taxi. They made it to the ramp and shut off all four engines as stairs were rolled to the airplane. A good night’s work had been done.

The engines were now silent and the crew took position to greet the passengers departing. They were pros they had been trained mentally. The flight had been near routine headwinds had been stronger then expected at first then things had shifted a bit. The navigator had to call out a couple corrections. They had fuel to make an alternate with a single shot on approach but the weather had been good. The flight was not unsafe. It had its own quirks but they were solved.

The Passengers the first phase of the great Pacific journey had ended as they picked up their bags the sun was raising. It would be tough but they would stay awake for another few hours and forcibly reset their internal clock as the journey across the Pacific would continue.

The four days in Hawaii went fast the photo shoot was successful he got her address and phone for when he would return to LA. He enjoyed the location of Waikiki after those four days were over with he got back in a cap and to the airport for another long flight.

For the flight crew the flight would be easier. They would overly multiple dots between Honolulu and Canton. For the navigator it was a trip in his back yard. The Navigator was hired shortly after the war. He had been in the Navy flying PBY Catalinas first then the military version of the Douglas DC-4. He had hunted submarines then later flew goods to Australia and other points for the DC-3 to move the rest of Pacific. The Captain had a reputation for being tough. He had flown Tri-motors in Mexico at the start of his career. The first officer had wound up on Boeing 314s as a flight engineer he also had a reputation as a skilled navigator taking double duty when the navigator got sick on one flight carrying important people across the Pacific. The flight engineer had been the proverbial right place at the right time and wound up from the flight engineer position on an Army Air Force B-29 which had same temperamental engines that the Connie had to training quickly on the 049 Constellation. His hands and eyes had developed a reputation for handling the precocious engines. The Captain briefed it would be a near max weight takeoff. The term iron pants applied well yet the three other men in the cockpit could make up for it.

The flight would be at 20,000 feet they would have to keep their eyes peeled for thunder busters which would be isolated aver the whole mass of islands. The good news fast ground speeds in the higher density alitude tropical air the bad news was things had to be watched by the flight engineer. The daylight flight would be littered with ground references in additional to sun shots.

The stairs to the airplane were ascended he took his window seat looking forward the flight. With engine start the cabin started getting chilled. The airplane taxied out the warm up pad. He knew what was going on and the airplane settled a bit lower on the gear.

The magneto check, propeller check, was done with some intensity. The navigation on this leg of the Pacific may have been easer but the flight had a different set of challenges. The engines on the Connie were next of Kin to the precocious engines on the B-29. They were hot rodded out and forsook reliability for power. Those engines would spend the whole flight in the tropics over a great battle ground of the Pacific. Temperatures would have to be watched. The pressurization system was set the fuel had transferred the airplane was ready for the flight. John Rodgers tower cleared them for takeoff. The airplane turned onto the runway.

The air flowed over the face of the engine through a mass of baffles and fins it picked up the heat through two rows of cylinders finally leaving either side on two cowl flaps. The superchargers shoved air into the cylinders the fuel injection and air were ignited by spark plugs the propellers were at minimum pitch pushing the airplane forward rapidly through its initial speed. The muscle force for Captains legs was pushing two rudders keeping the airplane centered. The airspeed indicator needles wound up as the props rotation accelerated the large airplane down the runway. The captain pulled back on the yoke his muscle power raising the elevator killing lift on horizontal stabilizer pushing the nose up. The flight engineer was watching temperatures of all the engines closely. Takeoff meant watching their health in the balmy high humidity day. The airplane broke ground and the gear was retracted he adjusted propeller pitch and rolled some throttle off as the Connie climbed into the tropical skies and turned south south west to Canton. The climb would occur over 30 minutes and eat up over 100 miles. That flight left while Hollywood photographer was enjoying Hawaii.  He actually had scheduled a DC-4 flight to Canton for his own reasons. 

The takeoff was interesting he enjoyed the view and Diamond Head faded from view as the wide Pacific he saw again this time it would be peaceful. Saving had paid off. He was looking forward to a steak which was on the menu and some red wine. The view was nice as the airplane continued to climb. No war now the struggle that had marked 4 years of his life was over with the comraderie was something he missed but now he could expiree the same pieces of the world in a different manner. He talked to the person next to him. He was a Lockheed pilot and he was bound for Sydney to sell Qantas a later model of the Connie on the drawing boards. Canton was a great place to spend a couple days.

Seeing after the great photo shoot and dinner the shape of the DC-4 meant memories the nightmares that had haunted him would soon hopefully be killed as a part of his brain was yet to comprehend the fact that war was now five years in the rearview mirror.  The view of the ocean was nice a lunch was served an hour later. The two men talked about what for the photographer was a once in a life time experience. The steak was great with fine red wine. It was cooked well red blood flowed when he cut it. The flavor filled is mouth the Cabernet washed it down quite nicely. It was a good meal.

The military man noticed the change of course and the large thunderhead. Tropical weather he thought. He knew getting a job with Pan Am was like getting a seat at Harvard or Yale. The navigators were cross trained everybody on the flight deck were relentlessly grilled and tested the most exacting CAA examiner was mild compared to the line check airmen of Pan Am. The ADF other navigational aids would aid over this large ocean. There were position points. There were islands to help. He knew some of the landmarks and he got a rough idea of the new course. He could see the spinners reflecting the light as the large props spun. The supercharged piston engines were pushing the airplane at over 200 miles an hour. The flight continued. The two men talked about the airplane. They talked of the war. It was nice to be flying the skies in peace and over the ocean that had finally returned to Peace.

The new course had been plotted and the deviation of the thunder head had been figured in it was an isolated boomer. Nowhere in the wildest dreams could before their lifetime would end that LAX to Sydney would be done non stop. The idea of a navigator being gone would have surprised them they believed they had it good with the pressurized cabin the speed over 200 knots and being able to go above 20,000 feet. The flying boat was only now becoming romantic. The boss was hard ass but he talked about a crash he had witnessed. The three other men figured out why quickly. They wanted to the their best to the flight as he wanted. The nav was sharp using reference if islands ADF gear and sun itself along with the clock. The E6B used was a top of the line stamped brass and big. It was bulky but it could take abuse the stamped larger version was more easily readable and was a top of the line instrument for serious professionals. It had black paint it was heavy duty. It had been with him since the time he first got on the flight deck of a Boeing 314. His octant had been similarly constructed. The tools were high dollar but vital. The flight engineer had an E6B for his own calculations and dealing with the Connie.The Navigator had them two hours to the point of no return. They would have the fuel to make it so far. The first officer had the stick and rudders while the captain ate.

The view had been passed with conversation pine apple juice the distance was ticking. He was enjoying the trip Hawaii without war was nice tourism was developing. Canton a two day lay over Suva then Sydney. After landing in Sydney he would take a series of flights up the coast of Australia Brisbane, then Townsville. The exotic British airplanes were in use by Australian airlines. A second meal was served of an omlette and he drank some coffee and cream the 10 hour flight was now passed halfway.

They had made it around the thunder storm the buildups were off their course and no factor. If things could become routine they had as they passed the halfway mark they were now committed to Canton. The heavy breakfast had sat well. The fruit juice was appreciated. The engines were behaving the schedule of oil and fuel transfers were occurring. The position report was given the Captain was watching he alternated every hour or so with the first officer. The schedule kept their alertness high. They watched their own set of engine gauges and the auto-pilot was working. They had to put the courses and the power adjustments were made it was a heading keeper and an altitude keeper. The flight continued finally they were within radio range of Canton a long languid let down came.

The Major had been asleep when he heard the tone of the engines change he realized that descent was occurring. The sun was setting in a distance he watched the descent with interest finally landing. As the airplane toughed down the ocean quite close he found himself enjoying life. He was in the big Pacific going to islands he once fought over this time in peace something in him was processing it. As the airplane taxied to a stop and the steps were rolled out a voice in his head told him to enjoy it enjoy it memory. The empire of Japan had been defeated now it was time to enjoy the freedom.

The two meals on the airplane had been nice he was directed to a nice hotel room with a bathroom. As he walked he saw places he saw first going to war. He checked into the hotel and he found is room light open airy and comfortable. He went to dinner and then decided he would fish the following day as he walked back to his room.

The photographer lie awake in his bed the trip was something he would have to face both good and bad. The place smelled familiar with the nose his mind was recalling another trip. That other trip was why he decided to visit to Australia to begin with. He knew he had to face the memories. The trip to Pearl Harbor had laid some ghosts. Now he was really laying ghosts. He finally got to sleep he made note he got six hours of sleep that night.

He walked got his khaki shorts on along with a white T-shirt. He looked at himself in the mirror still very fit and slim he thought. He was muscular but not overdone. The shower helped revive him. It was off to breakfast and then a day fishing. From the dining room he could see familiar sites. The white coated waiter was business like he would leave him a tip. The pancakes egg and bacon were delicious. He got directions on where he could rent a fishing rod and fish out in the lagoon.

The photographer walked out seeing the island very much as he remembered it. He felt his blood pressure go up as he headed to a place that once was supply. Many of the military buildings were now rotting away in the heat. The dock once had been a place of Sea Planes now it was place to chase game fish. He cast the bait out into deeper water that had been cut in the lagoon where the Sea planes had been put in. The sat on the dock enjoying the sun and his brain was slowly processing the fact he was not on the way to combat. It took a while which was not at all bad then he got a hit. It was a struggle he was actually fighting the large thing a couple Pan AM crew man on a break watched the action one of them saw the grouper and finally they got the point where they could bring the fish to the shore they got the 20lb beast onto the shore and offered to take it to the restaurant for fish and chips. He was offered a big piece of that the restaurant would fillet for free. He smiled. He took the meal outside and watched the lazy tropic scene as a DC-4 approached. It was 1600 local time so he took a walk around the complex.

The island surrounded a lagoon the airstrip had a portion of the island. He was flashing back some to another era. He grieved for the loss of his friends and as he came into areas he knew that they would approve he was carrying on he had to say good bye yet he was also moving on with life. He was dealing with the fact his brain was focusing on the fact that things were peaceful. He sat under a palm tree and just enjoyed doing nothing. He slowly walked back to the hotel he would be back in the air tomorrow the DC-4 would take him to Suva and Lockheed Constellation would take him from Suva to Sydney.

Slept came easier the talk and the fishing helped quite a bit he could feel at ease. The trip was beginning to heal him. It would be a waffle for breakfast then the flight. His bag was packed and he quickly walked to the terminal. The bag was checked in and he boarded the DC-4.

It was a nice seat. He smiled seeing the familiar shape and different interior. The seat by window was nice the airplane made it into the air before the end of the runway and started its journey southwest. There would be a single meal on the airplane. They were doing south beyond the equator. He kept track and realized at Nadi he would be going where he had never gone before. He would board a Constellation at the Nadi and then it would be into Sydney.

The runway ended up over the Pacific it was somewhat of a tight fit for the DC-4 on departure. The good news was the engines were boringly reliable the magneto check and warm up was satisfactory. RPM drop was under 100 for each of the four engines.

The DC-4 was making one of her final runs across the great ocean Stratocruiser were coming. The flight engineer had already been to school on the Boeing bird that airplane would be real work. He was of mixed mind the navigator talked about how he was looking forward to the greater ease of star shots on the bird. The DC-6 would soon be entering the fleet as well. The engines on the DC-4 were reliable as they came. The airplane was reliable slow but reliable they were cruising at 8,000 as high as they dared go though there were some boomers navigation proceeded on the chart. The captain was a bit of an authoritarian but the crew shut up and they knew this trip it was just a matter of putting in to Nandi for a quick crew rotation. The flight crew was three with a relief pilot on board.

The rum and coca cola was a nice combo he thought as he cruised over the Pacific peace at last. This was now relaxing he found himself enjoying the scenery the meal. The man next to him had flown Hell cats and he was keeping track. The two were heading to Australia for a similar reason…..memories and vacation. The Hellcat pilot was going straight through he was Navy reserve. He had a limited time he had slept on a Connie that had arrived earlier and had wound up on DC-4 from San Francisco. The two men talked as the flight progressed. Dinner was a good fish fillet. The 8 hours was comfortable trip. He was amazed how fast time went.

The flight crew had been in a nearby hotel their rhythm for the night flight had been sent. They would be going to Sydney a push for the bird in terms of range. The flight to Honolulu from LA had been longer but not by much. The drier cooler air of LA made departures just a bit easier. The Captain looked at the new fangled density altitude chart and figured in humidity. The airplane would use most of the runway on the takeoff roll. He called the flight engineer who had flown with him on the hump. The Captain had returned to Pan Am after being a wing commander of airplanes flying the hump. He had survived moving C one oh booms. The graying hair on his head with his log books had earned him a level of veneration that Captain Musick who had made the Pioneering flights of Pan Am had. He briefed the navigator and first officer about what was expected. Unlike other Captains he did not talk down to his flight crew. The irony was in not flaunting his authority he assured the crew of it and they respected him. The flight was his flight he was in charge.

As the airplane stood on the ramp the Captain and flight engineer did the walk around. Both men personally inspected the baffling of each engine. They had been to school on how the engine would work and how the air would go from the face of the engine through the cowl the fins wicked the heat from the engine and sent it out the cowl flap where it was diluted by the slip stream. This meant much to the two men. The first officer had other chores to do. He was watching the cargo and food being placed on board the airplane for the flight to Sydney. The boarding began.

Once in Fiji they cleared customs and then waited in the new terminal building for the next flight it was a small building the Fiji customs officials were matter of fact they were merely transiting. They checked in again and soon their flight was called for Sydney. The Nadi airport still bore its wartime appearance. The walk was simple customs then back to the ticket counter and to a waiting area. He saw the Connie there. Soon boarding was announced it was time to get on a sexy Connie.

The correspondence to get the flight up the Coast had been worth it. His bank had wired the Australian bank for the tickets to the boat and the flights would take him up the coast. Take off was into the moonlit night. It was time for a good night sleep after a nice meal served no cocktail on the flight.

The chores of getting the airplane in the cockpit continued they looked at winds the take off run would take them over the bay and had the shorter taxi. It was good news that meant the taxi run would be shorter less heating of the engines in addition to reducing the chances of fouling of the plugs. The bay meant unobstructed additional runway length in case of engine failure. The smooth conditions on the bay meant additional ground effect while not flying the airplane would not be ground bound they would have a small cushion of air to float in. The plane was loaded the doors were secure. It was now time to start the four engines. The sequence was followed according to the checklist it was done with a controlled sense of haste. Time was not to be wasted but the adage was make haste slowly. The four were going and it was time for run up and magneto check. Once again the Captain was methodically going through the checklist his speech just a bit faster then normal in the fading twilight of the evening. The run up had to be done carefully the engines health were vital to the takeoff. The paradox was they could not waste time on the ground either lest engine heat build up and with the lower speed the spark plugs get fouled with engine lead. The Connies engines were a little closer to racing engines then engines on the family car. The Captain, First officer, flight engineer were paid to be distrusting in these conditions they were more inclined to be distrustful till they got 10 angels between the airplane and the surface of the Pacific.

The major heard the warm up and he watched the dark night slowly engulf the airplane the airplane’s lanky gear settled. He was unaware of the distrustful attitude in the cockpit. The airplane accelerated down runway on heading 270.

The flight engineer was watching cylinder head temps as the airplane accelerated. The rotation point came a little later as the pilot let some speed build up to get better control with the rudder. The speed matched the O49 handbook. The gear was started retracting over the bay a little extra time elapsed before a shallower wider turn was made allowing more airflow through the engines this wider turn reduced overall drag and maintained more air flow. The navigator made note and adjusted course. Captain and first officer watched the altimeters wind upwards as the airplane was now on a southerly course making for a cloud deck. The night was indeed humid the airplane was heavy the density altitude was a couple thousand feet higher. The flight engineer was working the cowl flaps. The higher density altitude on the flip side meant faster ground speed. It was tropical climb which meant work. After 10,000 feet the Captain felt at ease enough to announce he was applying for transfer to Atlantic division. The FE quipped yeah take off from Gander in July you can practically do closed cowl flaps. The 2^nd officer said yeah rate of climb in January heck that air is almost a brick. The three men were keyed up as the temps finally started going down. The outside air temperature gauge showed the temps now in 60s above 10,000 feet. Clouds loomed ahead and the navigator gauging the depth of the clouds they would be clear of the clouds before they would be out of radio range.

The Major found himself asleep shortly after takeoff. He would have one more long day of travel ahead and sleep was to be cherished. He was unaware of the intense drama that had been in the cockpit takeoff. The paradox was all the grimness in the cockpit allowed him to sleep with ease. The airman’s intuition and inherit lack of trust that lead to the increased state of awareness of the airplane provided an additional margin of safety. They had not piddled on taxi and run up checks. The pay off was a slightly larger margin for safety as the airplane continued its climb as the photographer slept.

The first series of star shots confirmed course headwinds were less then expected a course correction was given and the heading in the auto pilot adjusted. The flight engineer was given a steak and some coca cola in a bottle he drank it as he watched the fuel burn. The first officer took watch after the heading correction was given. The auto pilot was watching the plane now at 20,000 where it would stay for a little while. Two hours then up to 22,000. The OAT was decreasing the flight engineer took some cowl flap out as he ate. Below the tropic latitude the climb began a couple hours later. The engines were working and the airplane just barely above the cloud deck was eating ocean as New Zealand came into view HF position reports were replaced briefly by VHF conversation. The flight crossed the tip of island northeast to southwest. The island even at that angle was amazingly small. The air was getting progressively cooler as the flight continued through the night. In the distance after New Zealand came the sun along with Australian coastline.

The photographer former Battalion CO woke up to a breakfast of eggs and ham served with English Tea whole cream mixed with the Tea. The ham and eggs were good. The view as he ate was spectacular as the big engines and props continued moving the airplane over the Pacific some four miles below. The scone was great the whipped cream and jelly in the big piece of bread was a nice finishing touch to the Tea which was a different flavor yet indeed cherished. He started processing his journey. Has he ate and a south Pacific winter sunrise occurred before his eyes. He had made it off Iwo Jima alive. His actions had saved lives that otherwise would have been gone.

As nice as the view was for the passenger the view in the front office was spectacular. The flight engineer had to look at his gauges through partially covering them yet as Australia came into sight everybody in the cockpit was greeted to a morning that reminded them what flying could be. The cooler air had worked wonders the anticipated headwind had faded some. The temperamental engines and their redone cowlings fresh from the shop the baffling had been inspected by both the captain and FO. The FO could have taken the fact that it was inspected by the Captain as well as in insult but the walk around together had built up team spirit. The first officer asked him “Why did you allow me to verify the loading and the weight” As New Castle appeared in the distance. The Captain responded “YOu are more anal then I am.” My watch he called out the remainder of the flight as he called Australia. They had spent four days from San Francisco now their journey would end for a three days.

The airplane was now adjacent to the Australian coast On VHF they were told to call Sydney approach. The Captain turned on the fasten seat belt sign as the flight engineer gently worked the cowl flaps to slowly gently reduce temps on the large engines. He was responsible now for the company’s money the margins for safety had been increased now with the cooler air. His job was make sure the engines did not quit and as descent continued they were not cooled too fast. It was work the last bits of the sunrise were spectacular as the airplane descended below 10,000 feet it was looking at the health of all those engines. At 5,000 feet his work was done for a few minutes. He heard the heavily accented voice to call Kingsford Smith Tower there was another frequency change a brief pause the flight was cleared for landing. The approach would take then by the harbor bridge then down. The airplane had finally crossed the Australian coast.

The view of Australia had been spectacular. The fasten seat belt sign was turned on as the large airplane was slowed down and gently descended. He would not get to see the Harbor Bridge he saw Sydney stretch out the massive harbor the navy side. There was a smile on his face as he realized the adventure of a lifetime would climax in the land down under. This was worth it. The additional shoot had meant the company of a beautiful woman and some extra money to spend on the trip.

The last thousand feet of the approach were work for the captain a slight crosswind to deal with his feet had to work put a little rudder and set the crab angle. It was addressed he got a good stable approach speed plus five to adjust for the gusts it was now a game of eye hand the altimeter wound down in stable rate. The 50 year old mans brain had grown to anticipate the quirks his brain had hundreds of landings so he anticipated the first officer got the impression that the airplane was on a set of rails. The vertical speed indicator’s needle was locked into place as the airspeed needle was locked into place. Over the fence the nose was leveled then raised slightly right gear then left gear gently touched last but not least the nose gear touched the landing was smooth even by Connie standards. Their was little float. The sound of applause entered from the cabin. Their were smiles on the faces of passengers. They were told to taxi to international terminal. On the ground the alertness level went up they were now in the most hazardous part of operation. They knew the airport and the big airplane was taxied the short distance to the terminal a white suited director was found the plane came to a halt one by one the engines were shut off. The large airplane had completed its long journey over the Pacific Ocean.

The long prelude had finished with a landing he barely could tell when the ground was touched. The final approach had been smooth across the aisle his friend who had saved his life on Iwo said “The Captain is a master” the pilot had noted the windsock in taxi. The airplane came to a halt. Two air stairs were rolled to the airplane the doors were open and the cold chilly air filled the cabin. An Australian official sprayed Lysol down the aisle and then they disembarked. He had crossed the Pacific this time instead of war it was in peace.