AeroKnow Home
AeroKnow Home
This page was most recently modified Sunday, February 07, 2010
Welcome to AeroKnow,
an aviation museum, a not-for-profit aviation data bank, model museum
and educational enterprise, based in Springfield, Illinois, USA.
Telephone number, mail and e-mail information are provided at the bottom of this page.
When you write to AeroKnow, you are writing to founder, director
and webmaster Job Conger. I am not a pilot, even though I wrote
a pilot report about a Piper Aerostar featured in a national aviation magazine. I have
flown right seat , front seatand back seat with some terrific people who appreciate
what I'm doing with aviation, and there's no one I'd rather
spend time with than aviation people.
If you have news of interest to aviation enthusiasts and historians, and
if you would like to be placed on a mailing list of aviation enthusiasts to be
notified whenever the aviation pages here are updated, e me writer@eosinc.com
Join Abe
Lincoln's Air Force and receive a membership card and membership
certificate, suitable for framing, by sending your check for $20, renewable annually for
$15, payable to AeroKnow to 428 W. Vine St., Springfield, Illinois 62704-2933. For more
information about Abe Lincoln's Air Force, click here
Calling all Artists -- Newly launched here at AeroKnow is Arts
Round Table, dedicated to telling the world about art and artists in Springfield,
Illinois. If the site were a Wittman Taillwind, I would say that the rudder jig has been
built, but that's all, and I'm a long long way from a complete airplane. If you're into
music, literature and visual art, please visiit what's up so far by clicking here
ON SALE
NOW
|
Springfield
Aviation by Job Conger In 2007, ArcadiaPublishing asked me to write Springfield Aviation, a book about Springfield, Illinois aviation history. It was great fun to write and arrange, and it is a delight to the eyes. Arcadia has exceeded my hopes, and they are great people to work with! If your library, organization or business would like to host a book signing, please drop me a note. jobconger@eosinc.com Buy your copy and a few extras for friends and family at your favorite bookseller and from www.arcadiapublishing.com |
(Photo by Steve Hinton) |
 When
State Journal-Register reporter John Reynolds visted in early
September to interview me about Southwest Airport, what should have been 30 minutes
chatting across the living room table became an interesting hour and a half of touring the
AeroKnow collection. He posed here for a picture taken by concurrent visitor Kevin
Panting, model builder extraordinare. |
A letter from Corwin H. Meyer -- former Chief Engineering Test Pilot, Grumman Aircraf and Springfield native son: Dear Job. What a fabulous book, the very best I have evere read on aviation. Its size is very carryable, has zillions of excellent pictures with wonderful coverage and captions that usually leave one wishing that the words had covered all the questions the reader could wish for. I was highly honored to be on your list {of Springfieldians pictured and described}. I was pleased and complimented to the highest of heavens for your doing so. The chapter headings were not only timely but were a complete picture of aviation from its simple beginning to its fulfillment even as of now. You are an excellent writer and I hope that you do more because you could end up very rich. You do not live very far from where I lived in Springfield. I lived and grew up at 1044 Williams Boulevard. Thanks again for giving me the finest aviation book I have ever seen. Job I love you for your kindness to past history which I was able to enjoy for over 67 years. (signed) Corky |
 The Arcadia book does not have color pictures, but if it did, I would have wanted to include this slightly retouched picture of a B-17 visiting Springfield in 2003. I have added a page of news about book signings I have attended and where I will be signing copies of Springfield Aviation. To visit that page, click here |
| MENU NEW at AeroKnow Abe Lincoln's Air Force Air Combat Museum Aircraft Data Index Aviation History News Aviatuin Book Reviews Books Surplus History Book Reviews - coming soon Historair Files Springfield Chapter, Illinois Pilots Association Jim LeRoy Remembered Magazine Index Magazines Surplus Modelair Museum Model Catalogs Surplus - NEW! - Models In Review Model Kits Surplus Photo Galleries Postcards for Trade Recommended Links Research in Progress Slides for Trade Springfield High - Aerial Views of Springfield, Illinois U.S.A.F. Museum Site Map |
This Week in Aviation History February 7, 1938 -- The Rogozarski SIM-XII-H, a tandem two-seat, high-wing, floatplane trainer flew for the first time. February 8, 1965 -- The US Air Force flew its first retaliatory mission against North Vietnam when F-100s flew cover for for attacking South Vietnamese fighters that were suppressing ground fire in the target area. February 9, 1969 -- Boeing's first 747 flew for the first time, six years to the day after its 727 prototype flew for the first time. February 10, 1908 -- The first US Army contract for a military airplane was signed with the Wright brothers. . Febuary 11, 1945 -- The Consolidated XP-81 first prototype with a reciprocating Rolls-Royce Merlin engine in front and an Allison J-33 turbojet in back, flew for the first time. It was later fitted with a turboprop engine in front.. February 12, 1973 -- Project Homecoming began, flying 591 prisoners of war back home to the United States from the prisons in which they had been imprisoned during the Vietnam War. February 13, 1923 - Chuck Yeager was born. Happy birthday, general.. February 14, 1938 -- The first flight of a helicopter inside a building took place when Hanna Rietsch flew a Focke-Achgelis Fa-61 inside deutschland Halle in Berlin for a crowd of 20,000 spectators. February 15, 1957 -- The last B-47 Stratojet built rolled off the Boeing productiion line. February 16, 1946 -- The Sikorsky S-51 flew for the first time. February 17, 1944 -- The first aircraft carrier-based night bombing mission flown by the US Navy took place when TBF-1Cs from the USS Enterprise hit Truk. |
MAGAZINE PUBLISHERS:
AeroKnow invites you to add this enterprise to your list of comp
subscriptions by directing your aviation-related periodicals to
AeroKnow
428 W. Vine St.
Springfield, IL 62704-2933
In return, we will feature a photo of the front cover of every issue you send in
2007 jplus an index of articles relating to human flight PLUS information about how to
order subscriptions and single copies from you or your designated distributor. To
see what your donation does for you, visit the AeroKnow Magazine Index page by clicking here Enthusiasts all over the world will learn what you have
published which THEY want to read. And you will have a source publicly posting index
information so you don't have to do it. Please take advantage of this service TODAY.
Questions? E-mail writer@eosinc.com
ATTENTION MAGAZINE READERS:
Don't leave it up to your wife, mother, girlfriend or other professional
efficiency consultant to pitch your aviation magazines when you least expect it. DONATE
the aviation magazines you've read to the address above. In return, AeroKnow will send you
an index of evey issue you donate. You can also find indexes to issues currently on hand
at the Magazine Index page, right here
SPEAKING OF MAGAZINES
Do you happen to know anything of the following:
-At top of each front page-
1028 Lectures on Aviation Serialized in 54 weekly Issues
Aeronautics
An Authoritative Work Dealing with the Theory and Practice of Flying
Color: Silver, blue and white
Softcover
Volumes 1 thru 9
Published by the National Aeronautics Council
Ron Ryan Mockler - Editor
First issue 1940
I have the the series from Issue No. 1 thru Issue No. 54
and a couple of duplicates
Question: Did the series go beyond volume 9?
Question: Is this of interest to the aviation historical community?
Question: Are there other collections available?
Best Regards,
John Sforza -- jasforsa@gmail.com
 If the models of these unique aircraft seems vaguely familiar to you, you may enjoy visiting my USAF Museum web page by clicking here |
 |
SUPPORT American Aviation Historical Society
This organization, founded in 1956, publishes a rich, photo-packed, technically illuminating quarterly Journal and a professional but much smaller, less formal Newsletter between Journals. I am privileged to serve as a volunteer on the organization's editorial committee, but the real work is done by Managing Editor Hayden Hamilton, Journal Editor Albert Hansen and a group of dedicated historians and contributors all over the world. NEEDED NOW, besides new members, are new members and established members who desire to contribute articles about US aviation history to AAHS. Articles must be US-connected, but may feature foreign-built aircraft. For example, a recently published article about DeHavilland Mosquitos evaluated for widespread deployment by USAAF units brought to light aspects of that versatile aircraft and US pilot capabilities which this historian had never considered.
There is a TON of fascinating aviation history that remains unknown to most of us, waiting for new authors to reveal it via their research and memories. You do not have to be a published author to contribute. Hayden and hardy crew can take your story and refine it to a finished article that will do you proud and serve curious present and future generations. To learn more about how you can help, email Hayden Hamilton whose address is found at the bottom of the AAHS web site home jpage -- www.aahs-online.org
Tell him AeroKnow sent you.
Civil Air Patrol, Central Illinois SEEKS NEW MEMBERS
This organization of teen agers and adults was formed in World War II and continues today. It conducts 90% of the searches for aircraft lost in the US, including major involvement with the loss of Steve Fossett. The Springfield-based squadron is looking for new members to help with the search mission and more. Opportunities to learn about aviation are many. Senior members work in the fields of emergency services, youth programs and aerospace education. Young people age 12 and older study aeronautical science, take orientation flights and develop leadership skills working with the military and civil sectors. The local squadron meets Wednesday nights, 6:30 p.ml to 98:00 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport's Illinois Air National GUard Base. Visitors should call 41401441 or 280-0648 to make arrangements. For more information visit www.ilcapspi.org Tell them AeroKnow sent you!
P.S. -- Earnest webmaster is a former Springfield composite squadron member and I recommend it without reserevation. The leaders and members are focused, sincere, competent people, and you will be warmly welcomed aboard. And what you learn, including skills applicable to eventual enlisting in the armed services AND in civilian life will stay with you for years.
Springfield, Illinois Area Pilots Should Get to Know
Visit the Springfield Chapter Illinois Pilots Association web site by clicking here
The Springfield Chapter meet first Wednesdays starting at 6:30 pm at various restaurants in Springfield during the cold weather and at Jim Thornton's hangar, D-35 on Charlie Ramp of Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. You do not have to be a member to attend a meeting and see what we're all about. Chapter members and friends receive a monthly newsletter Capital Crosswinds sent via e-mail and conventional mail about a week in advance of the next meeting. President this year is John Salz. Attend a dinner meeting of this friendly group. For information about the location of our next meeting call Vice President Darley Copp: 529-2578. Tell her AeroKnow sent you.
DO YOU HAVE COMMEMORATIVE LICENSE PLATES? The Springfield Chapter, IPA wants to pay you a reasonable price for all you don't want to hold onto so they can be sold to collectors and funds added to the Charlie Wells Memorial Scholarship Fund. Your contribution will pay for the college education of young men and women who desire careers in aviation. DONATE your plates to this effort, and the scholarship fund benefits even more. The plates do not have to be aviation-related; ALL special license plates are needed. If you have plates to sell or donate, call Darley Copp, 217-529-2578.
Slip 'n' Skid pilots' club
The Christmas Party meeting will take place starting at 6:00 pm at Springfield Motor Boat Club on Lake Springfield.
The informal gathering of pilots, aircraft owners, pilots and friends meets 3rd Wednesday of the month at The Old Luxemburg Inn, 1500 S. 15th Street, Springfield, starting at 6:00. There are no dues to pay in this club. The members are called to be reminded of meetings. It's essentially a social club that also shares news from the grapevine and plans group flights to midwest destinations for $100 hamburgers and more. For more information or to be added to the phone call meeting reminder listm call Darley Copp --529-2578.
FRIENDS of Springfield Air Rendezvous
I recently went through my copies of the Springfield Air Rendezvous air show Official Souvenir Programs in my collection and discovered I am missing those publications for 1993 and 1997, I need at least three copies of each of those programs, up to ten if possible, for the AeroKnow collection and to use in trade for issues I need. I have some copies of years not listed above for trade. If you can help, call me -- 217-544-6122 or email me. Thanks.
THANK YOU RITA KUGLER, Springfield for donating flying model materials several books about peanut and pistachio rubber-powered models, three views and aviation monographs, full size plans, model engines and model kits in memory of her husband Don Kugler. Her kindness has added significantly to free flight and scale model resources here, and will be appreciated by future visitors and correspondent6s.
THANKS TO MIKE GEORGE, Springfield, Illinois for his donation of several hundred issues of the Experimental Aircraft Association's (E.A.A.) Sport Aviation, the EAA Warbird Division's Warbirds and many miscellaneous av mags. These titles are of special historical interest because of their superb documentation of one-of-a-kind and more popular home-built general aviation aircraft, restored civilian types and of course, restored military aircraft. Partly in recognition of Mike's major boost to AeroKnow resources and partly because it needs to be done, and now we can do it, I am initiating a priority focus on indexing not only Mike's donation, but all copies of those publications already in the AeroKnow collection. There are still some holes in the publication run of those titles. If you would like to fill those holes, please e writer@eosinc.com and I'll send you a list of current inventory of those (or any other) titles. In the meantime, if you want good advice regarding business and home security, look up George Burglar and Fire Alarm Company and give them a call.
THANK YOU GARY FLECK for the pictures
from your dad's airports, an almost forgotten part of Springfield's rich aviation history!
It was a pleasure talking about your memories of the days out by the lake and Sunday
flying with your dad and family. The story of his enterprise will receive the long-overdue
cover it merits when my book hits the shops.
THANK YOU Dave Beatty of Beatty Televisual for sharing pictures from the three
Springfield airports you photographed extensively in the 50s through 70s. The two and a
half hours we spent considering just a part of your incredible collection could have gone
on for another eight hours if we hadn't committed the rest of your afternoon elsewhere.
Those pics from the National Air Races at Southwest in 1956 are nothing less than what the
French say as "incroidale!"
THANK YOU Slip N Skid Fliers Club - Brian & Carol Borecky, Etta Bunger, Joyce
Cooper, Bill & Darly Copp, George Covington, Tom & Dorothy Fitzgerald -- for
your support of Springfield Aviation generously expressed at your March meeting.
AeroKnow now accepts PayPal!
From your PayPal account, you
may direct your support to jobconger@eosinc.com
THANK YOU FOR
YOUR SUPPORT!
 1267 W. Wabash Springfield, Illinois 217-787-4747 www.beattytelevisual.com audio-visual rental, sales electronics repair home theater installation, commercial telephone and voice mail systems, commercial and residential sound systems, television repair. . . . Lionel train repair interactive classroom systems and more |
|
|
Place your business or organization's
card
|
|
Trouble with an electrical outlet? |
|
 |
AeroKnow was organized by a group of
aviation enthusiasts who believe the best way to learn is to share what we know and reap
from the wealth of feedback contributed by those who appreciate what we do. We intend to
accomplish this mission through Abe Lincoln's Air Force, our support organization, by
offering what we know to aviation enthusiasts all over the world and by developing
subscription services of interest to new and experienced aviation historians.
AeroKnow Honor Roll
-- Mike George, Springfield, Illinois
-- Peter Bourke, Melbourne, Australia
-- Barry Tempest, Kingscliffe, England
-- Brian Borecky, Springfield, Illinois
If you have a business or personal web site connected to aviation, or Springfield, Illinois, please add a link to AeroKnow.com to your web site and recommend it to others. Tell us about your aviation-related web site, and if we visit and add a link to it.
|
|
"It is better to break ground and head into the wind than it is to break wind and
head into the ground."
-- Thanks to Malcolm Jefferson
who sent the above to Barry Tempest, and to Barry for forwarding it to AeroKnow.
