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TEN ROMEO NEWSLETTER

TEN ROMEO TO MOSCOW, Report 6

June 29, 1984

Dear Friends:

Things have gone so fast these last few weeks that it is hard to sequence events properly without leaving important things out.  Within the next hour I'll be on my way to Goose Bay and the start of a mighty exciting and interesting experience!

BUT ---- before leaving, there are a number of items to share with you.

First, I have made arrangements with Milt Brown, of the NAA, for my Russian Navigator to be listed in all record notations for the flight into and out of Moscow.  Seems to me a mighty fine idea for a Russian and an American to be linked in such an interesting activity.  The aircraft record goes to the country of the registration, and as you know, TEN ROMEO is US registered.  I will be listed as pilot, and my Russian colleague will be listed as navigator.

Since my last report, the SPERRY IONS-1020 has been installed, the ferry tanks are in, and extensive test flying has been undertaken.  As far as I know, all items scheduled have been accomplished.  A few items of reflection:

1. A starter solenoid failed at Ottawa, Kansas, and Bob Bowers, Bob Dodson's mechanic, had me operating in no time - even at 9:00 p.m.
   
2. Concern about load was eliminated when UNITED BEECHCRAFT, of Wichita, installed a LOAD METER in TEN ROMEO.  We found that the normal operating draw was only 50 amps.

A delightful time was spent in Denver at the ABS convention.  Much was learned from those who have flown the oceans many times, it was good to visit with friends, and TEN ROMEO generated much interest on the display line.  Had a wonderful time talking about the trip, TEN ROMEO and all the equipment installed, and the food was great:

Should also mention that Don Dodgen has been added to the TECHNICAL ADVISORS list - he's from SPERRY.

A word about sponsorship.

It was expected that something would be worked out with the local CBS TV outlet here in Albany, Channel 6.  However, a strike took place at a critical time, and in my last chat with the president, it was indicated that the cost of settling was mighty heavy and Channel 6 would have to drop any interest in sponsorship.

A mortgage has been taken out to cover the cost of the trip - as you know I intend to make this FRIENDSHIP FLIGHT, and the media coverage has been great.  Each city I find myself in seems to have great interest.  Two of these stories are enclosed for your pleasure.  (Rest assured, there was no anger - just a comment and a laugh on the female weight!)  Also enclosed is an updated list of the equipment now in TEN ROMEO, along with two pictures.

By the way --------- great news!

Just got my record time from Denver to Albany of last Sunday from Milt Brown, of the NAA.  Time was 198.43 mph.  That's a record I'm pleased with, and it should stand for a while.

Sooooooo - I'm off on my great adventure!  Keep well, and I'll be in touch upon my return.

                                        Cordially,

                                        Mil

P.S.  Had a great trip to Moncton yesterday - along with some further test flying.  TEN ROMEO was declared fit for travel over the ocean.  Also met some mighty nice folks.

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The following two photographs indicate the paint configuration of TEN ROMEO just before leaving for the flight to Moscow.

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Dr. Millard Harmon is the owner of N7710R, a 1969 Model BEECHCRAFT-36, SN E-103, which is equipped as follows:

In 1983 Mike Smith fine-tuned rigging and installed his Bonanza Gear package for an increase of 9 mph.

The equipment as indicated above transforms TEN ROMEO into a safe, effective intercontinental aircraft with a range of 3,000 miles.

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