On airplanes – “Planes are basically the same. They all have wings and engines and tails. You pour the coal to ‘em, and away they go. But instruments. That’s where the improvements have been. It took years of testing and modification to develop each one.

            On the Ford Tri-motor, Deke’s favorite plane – “It could go up like an elevator. It was a safe, maneuverable and fun to fly”. Deke captained Northwest’s 30 th Anniversary coast-to-coast Ford Tri-motor flight in 1956 and commented about that flight, “At enroute airports, youngsters in the control towers would clear me on their entire 8,000 foot runways,” he said. “Then I’d take her up like a balloon in 300-400 feet. It was just like old times”.

            Deke’s proudest aviation memory – In more than 30 years of commercial flying, thousands and thousands of persons flew with Deke Delong. “And,” says Deke; “not one has ever been scratched.”

            The History Centre adds – We believe that Deke was the only Northwest pilot to fly until age 65. A few others, including legendary Walt Bullock had intended to fly until that age but were forced into early retirement when the FAA established regulations prohibiting a pilot from flying scheduled airline passenger service on or after their 60 th birthdays.

- COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS - PLEASE -

            As mentioned above we very sincerely need your comments and suggestions, good, bad or indifferent about the newsletter and the History Centre. Drop us a note at 8101 – 34 th Ave, So. Bloomington, MN 55425 or send an e-mail at HVP0829@aol.com or better yet stop by and give us the benefit of your wisdom.

– RAFFLE – FUND RAISER –

            As our first venture in fund raising we are conducting a raffle of a Q-BIKE, with second and third prizes of an embroidered sweatshirt and logo cap. Drawing and award of prizes will take place on October 8 th, the first anniversary of the museum opening. Director Dru Dunwoody who brought it home from Taiwan has donated the Q-Bike. The bike would retail around $500.00 and is sort of unique. It has a larger front wheel and small tailing wheel similar to a very old bicycles type but with modern updating. The bikes can be seen in the credit union office both at Apple Valley and at Appletree Square in Bloomington. Tickets are $1.00 each or six for $5.00. All ticket purchases are tax exempt donations to the History Centre. Tickets are available at both of those credit union offices, the History Centre and through several of our volunteers.