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TEN ROMEO NEWSLETTER NORTH POLE PROJECT, Report 5 October 30, 1986 Dear Friends: The media blitz through the Midwest, which I was on as you received Report #4, was completely successful. The GPS unit was checked by my COLLINS friends and two hours were spent on Dave Hinman's talk show. TEN ROMEO's flight to the North Pole was page one, column one, in the current issue of the ROCKWELL house publication. At Olathe my KING friends repaired the ice damage to the HF antenna, and replaced the intermittent ADF. At the BEECH factory they rolled out the red carpet with both TV stations doing extensive interviews, and there was time during lunch for discussing new objectives for TEN ROMEO. An extensive feature story was done by the Ottawa, Kansas, "Herald". Since my return, much has been accomplished, but you may recall that I simply ran out of space and time in Report #4. The euphoric feeling of having been to the top of the world remains with me, but there are a couple of items that I wish to share with you before moving on to new horizons. First, a number of you have asked what was actually included in the Albany Tri-centennial Drop Capsule which was left at the top of the world. As members of my "personal cheering section", you should have such detailed information. Following is the Capsule content and message dropped 8/8/86. ALBANY TRI-CENTENNIAL CAPSULE CONTENT:
SPECIAL MESSAGE CONTENT: "This Time Capsule is being dropped at the North Pole from N7710R, a BEECH-36, on August 8th, 1986." Three paragraphs followed with information on the Tri-centennial, the FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES generated by the flight, and a reference to the first field-test of the NARCO radio transmitter. The last paragraph read as follows: "This TIME CAPSULE is dropped as a token of faith, with the hope that if found in 100 years on some sandy beach, it will convey the warm wishes of a person who has enjoyed his short stay on this beautiful earth, and hopes that generations who follow will have increased joy and pleasure based upon the foundations our generation has provided." Signed - Pilot Millard Harmon, born
2/5/26 Signed - Navigator Stephen Honeybill,
born 3/5/55 It's hard to tell if or when the capsule may be retrieved. Perhaps members of some future expedition to the Pole will spot it. Or, - a research vessel might see it bobbing in the Arctic Ocean and bring it aboard in the near future. The capsule is durable, so my hope is that it will remain hidden for a couple hundred years before being located. Second, there were interesting comments from Mayor Andre Thenault of Frobisher Bay, which I wanted to share with you. They provide insight into arctic philosophy. Mayor Andre was a delightful person. Could closeness to adversity (in this case the unrelenting weather for most of the year) give the human soul a warmth beyond normal expectation? Perhaps. Andre was unpretentious, and generous with his time. His understanding of the northland was shared with us. I mentioned how impressed I was with the warmth and concern we had met all the way up the line and back. I mentioned that when one faces an adversary as vicious and relentless as arctic weather it seems to draw human spirits closer together in a fellowship that becomes a common denominator. "That's true, Millard," said Andre, "but let me share with you another cardinal rule of the Arctic. When we have a novice visit us - and that's anyone who hasn't experienced the vagaries of our environment in sufficient depth to understand the inherent risks involved - the safety of that 'novice' is our complete responsibility! We are quite isolated and thus greatly appreciate having guests. I was delighted to become acquainted with you and Steve last Tuesday, but equally pleased to pass on the responsibility of your physical safety to my colleagues up the line upon your departure!" And so it is that the bonds of human linkage become strengthened when faced with a common adversary such as weather, difficult terrain, or other physical attributes specific to the Arctic. Like the bonds of friendship which respect no political boundaries, so the bonds of human community know no geographic boundaries when faced with a relentless environment. There seemed to be a particular "edge" directed toward academic researchers who arrive proclaiming the fragile and delicate nature of the environment and suggesting changes which might be required for maintaining the environmental balance. "If our academic guests would remain with us for a while, they would find the environment anything but 'fragile'!" Two teenagers had been lost from his community three months earlier as the result of clear skies turning ugly with little warning. Their bodies had only recently been found. A major tragedy for that outpost of 4,000 souls. Andre is a good friend, and I will look forward to seeing him on my next trip north. He has been sent a copy of the PBS film FRIENDSHIP FLIGHT which will be shared with all schools throughout the Canadian N.W.T., thanks to the help of INUIT TV facilities. I am pleased to report that NAA has approved ten records on the flight to the North Pole and back. This puts me back as the top man in the record business, but I'll have to work to stay there. A number of special plaques have been arranged with Col. Brown and General von Kann for the Pole trip. One will identify the record strike as the first time the Eureka-North Pole trip has used a GPS for navigation, and this will go to Rockwell. The second will identify my recent trip as the first time a dropped transmitter has been identified by the Soviet satellite as having been at the target site of a record run. This one will go to my friend Yuriy Zurabov, of the Soviet "Sputnik" office. We will also work out a special award for NARCO, for the first use of the CARRIER BURST concept. (I understand NARCO is planning a meeting with the inventor of the CARRIER BURST, and I'm looking forward to that. If there is no objection, I hope to take the backup ELT-10 with me to Moscow on November 18th.) The backup NARCO ELT 10/CARRIER BURST transmitter may be requested by NAA for placing in an appropriate museum - Smithsonian, Aviation Hall of Fame, or perhaps the Soviets have a museum which would like to display it. We'll see how this works out in time. Report #4 made reference to my friend, Walter S. Taylor, who has the best landing strip in his county a few feet out his back door. Walt owns "BULLY HILL VINEYARDS", but he is also an accomplished artist and has been named an official "SHUTTLE ARTIST" by NASA. Walt has been a good friend for many years, and we both share the love of flying. Walt is a multi-talented guy with many interests, one of which is the youth of our country. Extensive amounts of his energy go toward properly educating youth on how to handle his product, but his concern goes far beyond that. He is constantly stressing use of seat belts, and never misses an opportunity of lecturing students on how important our great American heritage is. My file is full of short notes from Walt. "CHILDREN ARE THE GREATEST TREASURE" reads one received shortly following the recent birth of his son. Another one reached me right after my Moscow flight. "AMERICA NEEDS MORE PATRIOTS LIKE YOU!", and went on to suggest that the young people of America need a "TRUE HERO". Many of us dealing with youth have been surprised at the top personalities on the speakers' circuit to high schools and colleges since Watergate. As a result of the warm support and prodding of Walter, I am taking steps to "officially" return to the lecture circuit. Following my return from the Soviet in 1958 I was in high demand and became one of the top attractions of the FLORA FRAME speaker bureau in Boston. By the time I turned my full attention to running campuses in 1962, my speaking fees had become quite respectable. For many months now I have been carrying one to three presentations a week which have dovetailed with my flight project planning and given me considerable satisfaction. Most have been to church groups or service clubs with little or no pay. If I manage the proper "linkage" with an agency, it may generate a bit of income. Who knows, Walt --- if I work it right, I might be able to generate cash flow to continue the self-sponsoring of future projects. In the 1950's and early 60's I enjoyed being on the speakers' circuit. It would be nice to return to that excitement at a professional level again. We are designing a brochure that may be helpful along this line. Spent a day with Walt recently and did some "brainstorming". Walt intends to blend a new wine, will call it "TEN ROMEO", and make it a part of his commercial offering. Will it be "red", or "white"? I'm not sure. But, as one of my colleagues suggested, "TEN ROMEO over ice, - would be nice!" (Whatever it is, Doug, it'll taste good!) I'm looking forward to the label - Walt has sketched TEN ROMEO, and I'll guess most of the records will be listed. (By the way - Walt's gifts to my support friends in Canada were all returned. The custom tags all indicated they were gifts, but ----?????) But - on to new horizons! Next month I am returning to the Soviet Union. This should be a delightful trip - not relaxed, but pleasant. The primary goal of this trip will be to thank Yuriy Zurabov and his colleagues at MORSVIAZSPUTNIK, the Soviet satellite headquarters. By confirming TEN ROMEO's dropped transmitter CARRIER BURST in the vicinity of the North Pole, we have another "first" in our special arrangements of August 8th. Just another small CBM (Confidence Building Measure)! Rest assured, I'll have with me some of Walt's best champagne. That should be a dandy party! In addition, I will be carrying material with me for Ilana to consider for an adventure book for Soviet children on the North Pole project. A number of my earlier publications have been requested, and they will be delivered to Editor Igor, of the "Educational Gazette". If there is continued interest in my educational background and experience, it may be possible for me to travel to the Soviet Union with other than an INTOURIST visa, and that could be less expensive. If a sponsor is not located soon, I may have to close down my personal peace initiatives, since this commuting to Moscow costs a good deal. Negotiations are under way with a major airline to enable me to continue these planning sessions to the USSR. If the Soviet living costs could be reduced, the possibility of continuing would be enhanced. (Speaking of Editor Igor and his Soviet "Educational Gazette", last week I called a contact at the Reader's Digest. "Has the Digest ever reprinted a story from a Soviet publication?" I asked. "I don't think we have, but there's no reason why we shouldn't consider it. What have you in mind?" After a brief discussion of Igor's "Ambassador of Friendship" article, it was suggested that I send it along for their consideration. Cross your fingers with me, and well see what happens.) A further goal is on line for the November trip to Moscow. You may recall that I was asked to consider flying a COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT next summer to honor the Soviet flight of June 18-20, 1937, from Moscow to Washington. It is important for me to determine how much interest the Soviets have in such a project. TEN ROMEO has the capability of carrying out such a project, and if the Soviet Sport Flying Club, or the Government, were to provide sponsorship within Soviet borders, the balance of sponsorship might come easier. Before leaving Moscow, there should be a chance to visit my friends at School 29. I'll drop by Aeroflot, and hope the construction at headquarters of the Sport Flying Club will be far enough along for me to be invited out for some "hangar flying". I'll touch base with my friends at Gostel Radio, Novosti, Intourist Hotel, and perhaps there will be a chance to follow up on the P-39 project. As I look at the above "laundry-list", it seems like a lot to accomplish in the few days I'll be there. Many have asked, "What's next for TEN ROMEO?" The answer deals with two aspects of planning. First, as many of you know, most of the goals I set for myself and TEN ROMEO have been accomplished. The next step requires a major reconfiguring of TEN ROMEO with the installation of a turbine. I am not interested in the Allison conversion. The Smith Lycoming conversion is still reciprocating. I made a follow-up pitch for the turbine I'm interested in, and am still awaiting specs on performance and lapse rate. It appears I've located interest that will be helpful in matching the proper propeller to the power plant selected, and I've taken the first step toward configuring the panel for the altitude record strike. (Gotta have an altimeter that can register to 50,000 feet.) Incidentally, time with my friends at BEECH was well spent since I gained considerable knowledge and made great progress in my own thinking. How much knowledge gained by BEECH, through building and testing the LIGHTNING, will become available to TEN ROMEO? Time will tell. Second, since it will take considerable time to turn TEN ROMEO into a propjet, there are a few interim projects that should keep things interesting. A project proposal called Albany/Albany/Albany has been passed to the Tri-centennial Commission and shared with a number of Albany leaders. As one of the final Tri-centennial projects, I have suggested that a FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE be established between Albany, New York, and Albany, Georgia, through a round trip record flight by TEN ROMEO to be flown in December. If we find a local sponsor, this flight will be flown. Cost is $3600. The 50-year commemorative flight from Moscow to Washington is under consideration. This trip could generate media interest in the USSR since it was the Soviets who suggested that I fly it. Sponsorship is required for this project to go. Col. Brown has indicated NAA interest in a gala squadron of aircraft flying a 50-year Lindbergh Commemorative Flight from New York City to Paris. If sponsorship could be located, little effort would be required to configure TEN ROMEO for these two efforts. As you can see, sponsorship is shaping up as the major objective to be accomplished in the weeks ahead! Along this line, I've done some "brainstorming" with several of my friends here locally. Tom Whitehurst has focused on this matter rather effectively. We will prepare a brochure listing TEN ROMEO's accomplishments, and suggesting the benefits to be gained by a potential sponsor. The sponsorship goal will be $240,000 and members of the Fortune 500 will be contacted. Contacts will, hopefully, be handled by individuals who know the industries to be targeted. The first $120,000 will replace my expenditures over the last two years, and the next $120,000 will cover projects for the next two years. As I have mentioned before, no Fortune 500 corporation will give money to a stranger walking in off the street. In the last two years, I've knocked on many doors without success, but I continue to suggest to each group I address, "If you have a brother, father, aunt or close friend on the Board of one of our major corporations, tell them TEN ROMEO needs sponsorship!" There are a number of Chairmen and CEOs on my correspondence list. These are mighty special people, and are there because members of their organizations, down the line, became interested in TEN ROMEO and provided assistance of one kind or another. These corporate leaders will not be contacted for sponsorship, since it was their organizations who become helpful to TEN ROMEO when need was high, and visibility and accomplishments low. This early faith in TEN ROMEO as a "World Class" machine, has been fulfilled, but those who helped bring it about are a special breed who stand alone in my respect and appreciation. Most of these early sponsors accepted my dream of what TEN ROMEO could manage as an instrument of detente, or a builder of FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES. These friends are generally called EQUIPMENT SPONSORS, and I have been delighted with the generosity in extending their interest and support beyond an original commitment. As a result, TEN ROMEO remains in top shape without the expense normally associated with maintaining sophisticated equipment, and my resources can go toward fuel costs, record sanctions, registrations, etc. Recently I had a malfunction on a piece of equipment. I called my sponsor, explained the symptoms, and he said, "Sure - we know what component causes that problem. We'll have our engineers build a replacement. Drop over and we'll slip it in!" The ADF with the intermittent problem was replaced within 20 minutes of my arrival at the factory. And so it goes -------. With so many of my EQUIPMENT SPONSORS extending their support, I've thought extensively about this unique generosity. Is it because of the exciting projects ahead? Is it because of the number of speed records? - or the concept of using a light aircraft as an instrument of detente? - or the many thousands of air show spectators that see sponsors names on the side of TEN ROMEO? All of these possibilities may be part of the reason, but I have come to feel there may be a more important factor. It's not mentioned, but my sponsors know every time I climb into TEN ROMEO for a record strike, I'll be "going-for-broke" with everything to the firewall. These knowledgeable people recognize that I consistently fly my bird at the upper level of its design envelope which carries increased risk, minor as it may be. Their interest is in seeing that I have as many "odds" as possible in my favor as I stretch for new horizons. To have friends and colleagues this interested in my safety establishes a friendship bond that is special. Many of these sponsors I have known and worked with for many years, and these partnerships have become an important part of the "high ground" in projects undertaken. (Along this line, let me offer a special "thank-you" to: Al, Bob & Max, Chuck, Bill, "Bud", Dick, Gene, Jack, Jim, John, Kevin, Mike, Walt, and Wayne.) Before leaving the "sponsorship" topic, let me suggest to those of you on the correspondence list - if you have any contacts with CEOs or Board members, please tell them we are looking for sponsorship. TEN ROMEO has a proven past record, high visibility, and has become an exciting media and air show attraction. Out there somewhere is a corporation that could benefit with a TEN ROMEO partnership. Help me find that organization! Speaking of air shows --- as TEN ROMEO receives increased requests for appearances at air shows we are giving careful attention to increasing interest in record flying and the NAA. We are adding a "smoke unit" to liven up the "simulated time-line fly-by", and are considering a climbing "victory roll" once by the tower. (How many years since I've done THAT? More than 40 I guess!) Engine operation has been checked out, with an OK. The BEECH gyros have been approved for slow rolls, but no snap rolls or eight-point rolls. I'm hoping KING will indicate their panel can manage slow rolls, too. If this final OK comes, TEN ROMEO will become a more attractive air air show participant. On to another subject, and a bit of philosophy. With increased opportunities to speak before diverse groups, I have found high interest in two aspects of my recent activities. Some groups are fascinated with reports of encountered dangers - in the "dark hole" over the North Pole, (and by the way, new information has reached me through NAA indicating our drop package was within one-half mile of the Pole! Pretty good given the 5,000 ft. altitude and problems we were dealing with at the time of the drop), the three and one-half hours of no communication over the Bermuda triangle, the general feeling of flying an ocean alone, and the fun of flying the 2,100 miles of the GRAND PRIX on the "deck" are their interest points. It's great fun to relive those exciting moments with my audiences, and usually there is a chance to talk about the equipment in TEN ROMEO which has made the trip safe. In these presentations it is also pleasant and appropriate to talk about my EQUIPMENT SPONSORS and their generosity. Then there are other groups who find the FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES and personal steps toward detente of more interest. Recently I had the privilege of speaking to the United Methodist Men of the Troy Conference. The title of that talk was, "THE PERSONAL PEACE INITIATIVE - IS IT WORTHWHILE IN T0DAY'S EAST/WEST POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE?" For some time I've been sharing my interesting experiences with Soviets and suggesting that there is little chance of the positive contacts I've had generating any impact at the political level. In my perception, there may be a small part of the public I've shared my experiences with who think, "Harmon you've been on an interesting ego trip, but what value is it? You've picked up some interesting Soviet friends, but if you aren't actively pressing for unilateral disarmament, or attempting to break out a dissident or two, your time is wasted!". Preparation for The Methodist Men's group enabled me to focus on the activities I've undertaken. "CBM", "DETENTE", and "PERSONAL PEACE INITIATIVE" are terms which I use often, and should be defined. "CBM" means "Confidence Building Measure" and comes out of the Helsinki Accords. Steps taken which relieve tensions between East and West are CBMs. A significant CBM was recently put in place when the Soviet Union agreed to provide two week prior notice to the Eastern Block on any troop movements. Before this, with any Soviet troop movements the temperature and risk factor rose, since the "intention" or goal of that movement was unknown. I have a tendency to use the three terms above as interchangeable. A PERSONAL PEACE INITIATIVE, by my definition, is unrelated to disarmament, and may be used interchangeably with "CBM" and "DETENTE". My definition is, "Any activity taking place between individuals from East and West which results in all parties walking away from the experience feeling 'good'." As I look back on the experiences I am sharing with my audiences, they are filled with warmth and pleasure. I recall the Aeroflot negotiations for TEN ROMEO's flight into SVO, and the Embassy colleague who said, "That was the warmest, most open negotiation session I've had with the Soviets in the two years I've been in this city!". I also remember the enthusiasm developed at the Soviet Satellite Headquarters, the expression of friendship at School 29, and the warm encounter with Editor Igor, who shared that warmth with all of the USSR. through his "AMBASSADOR OF FRIENDSHIP" article in his "Educational Gazette". I have had hundreds of positive encounters with Soviets over a period of 28 years, and view these as my Personal Peace Initiatives. Each one of these experiences qualify as a CBM, and eventually contribute to detente. They will not move the world, but I have to feel that for Soviets to have positive experiences with an American HAS to be a "plus" in the ultimate scale of East/West relationships. But - enough of philosophy. My last report made reference to "Plans for a new long-range project with unusual opportunity and risk." I will close this report with additional information on this project. Many of us have had the opportunity of watching the performance of one of our precision military flight teams. There is a thrill associated with such an experience which is hard to articulate. Perhaps it is the power of the machines, - the overwhelming perception of the sophistication of the equipment, - the beauty of the flight precision, and always, - the fantastic skill of the young men doing the flying. The skill and beauty of those performances must stir the depths of all spectators, flyers or not. But the bottom line of the performances of those professionals is their love of flying. We have already said that the love of flying is universal to those of us who do it. There must be military pilots in all nations who have that same basic love of flying. If you believe, as I do, that American and Soviet military pilots are not destined to shoot at one another (as interesting and entertaining as TOP GUN is, once shooting starts we are on the irreversible path to Armageddon and our world is not destined to become a dry cinder through that process) then the next step is simple. Why not select two Soviet and two American military pilots to do simple versions of precision fly-bys at appropriate events? Such a team need not use the very latest equipment. (Keep interested prying eyes from the very latest equipment.) The four pilots would have to be selected with great care to attempt to avoid the games of "one-upmanship." Programs could be performed on both sides of the Iron Curtain, with proper respect for the unusual concerns while in Soviet air space. The reference to great risk is associated with what might be the fall-out if there were an operational accident - and such disasters do occur. CAN YOU IMAGINE THE KIND OF CBM THAT WOULD COME FROM SUCH A PROJECT? To see American and Soviet pilots flying together in very specialized, restricted situations would give the whole world a sigh of relief. I have tested this concept on a number of my friends and colleagues. The first response is one of incredibility, but then as the thought process evolves, a smile comes over their faces, and they invariably say, "Wouldn't THAT be a sight to see?" An impossible goal, but not as impossible as flying TEN ROMEO into Moscow. This unique CBM is a project I intend to focus upon in the next three years. |