TEN ROMEO NEWSLETTER
DCA-SVO COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT, Report 1
February 28, 1987
Dear Friends:
Plans are well under way for the next exciting TEN ROMEO project, the TEN ROMEO COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT which will be flown this June to honor the 50th Anniversary of the 1937 Soviet flight of CHKALOV, BELYAKOV and BAIDUKOV from Moscow to the USA. You may recall from an earlier report that Soviet TV Journalist Andrew Sturua suggested the COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT as TEN ROMEO's next CBM, or Confidence Building Measure.
My last report was sent off to you just before my November trip to Moscow, and it was an exciting trip. I entered the Soviet Union at TALLINN, established a tight Moscow schedule by telephone, and then took the night train to the Capitol a day or two after my arrival.
On the November night train, my "bunk-mate" was Igor, Chief of the Department, Committee of Youth Organizations of the USSR. He was a charming, sophisticated young man, well traveled in the United States, and had with him a copy of the book, "THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE MYSTERY SOLVED". What a nice opening! TEN ROMEO's BERMUDA CHALLENGE fascinated my new friend, and the excitement increased as he learned that I was on my way to Moscow to thank my MARSAT friends for allowing me to borrow their satellite for three revolutions to certify my North Pole Record. As I shared my plans for the COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT and the complicated clearances ahead, this top, young political leader leaned back on his bunk and said, "Perhaps there is a way to ease those clearances. Why not a direct note to Chairman Gorbachev asking his feeling about such a flight by TEN ROMEO? If the Chairman feels it a worthy idea, your clearance problems will be eliminated."
"Will the Chairman receive my letter?", I asked. "Sure - I'll show you how it can be arranged."
"Will a man as busy as your Chairman have time to answer my note?"
"The Chairman answers all his mail. You will get a reply!"
The TALLINN train arrived early in the morning, and a full day of work was accomplished. Over a leisurely evening meal, two gentlemen were seated at my table and, as is the custom when men are a long way from home, talk came easy. I learned about their business interests, and they learned about TEN ROMEO. When it was time to leave I asked, "I have been unable to locate a typewriter. Do you have any idea where one might be available?"
I wasn't really expecting the miracle that then occurred!
"Our offices are not far from here," said the president. "Meet my associate here for breakfast at 8:00 am. He will take you to our offices. Consider them yours for as long as is necessary."
And thus, my handwritten note to Chairman Gorbachev, with the help of a dual language IBM Selectric, was put in more presentable shape and delivered according to Igor's instructions.
Of many highlights of the November trip, the meeting with my Soviet satellite friends at MARSAT was outstanding. The NAA Record Plaque, indicating TEN ROMEO's 8/8/86 record strike to the North Pole as the first to use COSPAS/SARSAT verification of a record strike, a back-up NARCO ELT10/CARRIER BURST transmitter (for a Soviet Museum of their choice), and a bottle of Walter S. Taylor's best Champagne were presented to Vice-President Yuriy Lavkovskiy. The press was well represented at the presentations. Igor had promised he would arrange good coverage of the unusual CBM that the cooperation between TEN ROMEO and MARSAT represented.
I returned home and began working on the many tasks required to bring about another East/West FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE. And, a remarkable event occurred on December 10th. The front page of the local weekly newspaper here in Delmar carried an interesting "slug" which said, "HOW THE OTHER SIDE COVERS DELMAR FLIER". Inside was the Moscow Novosti News story of the MARSAT press conference of my presentation to Yuriy. The Novosti story had been translated into English, sent to the Soviet Embassy in Washington, and they had sent it to the SPOTLIGHT! How's that for a delightful little CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURE!
A copy of the SPOTLIGHT article is made a part of this report. You will also see, on the back of the article, a copy of a letter I sent to my MARSAT friend after the article appeared. This may provide insight into how I work with my Soviet friends to give them a better understanding of America and Americans. Yuriy was deeply concerned about SDI and GPS, and it was important for me to give him an American perspective on these two items.
But - on to other matters.
Last fall an AP Feature Article was prepared on TEN ROMEO's activities which went to all AP outlets in New York state in mid-December. It was determined that the story should go national, so a photographic flight was flown for new pictures the middle of January, with national distribution in late February. It has been fun to receive copies of the article from friends all over the country. MANY THANKS!
Let me turn to a few thoughts on sponsorship.
Since it has been so difficult to locate major sponsorship for interesting activities with TEN ROMEO, a new approach has been undertaken. A number of smaller packages have been prepared, I call them PROJECT PROPOSALS, and they are being moved to appropriate corporations. For example, it is necessary for me to make at least two planning trips to Moscow to work out details of a TEN ROMEO flight. In 1986, FINNAIR had been helpful on my trips to the USSR, and I'm pleased to report that this assistance has been formalized with a signed agreement which will allow this support to continue in 1987. The personal pleasure I feel from this partnership with FINNAIR goes far beyond the dollar value of the agreement. It provides me and TEN ROMEO with a formal relationship with one of the great airlines of the world. How nice it is to be given courtesy crew status by my professional FINNAIR colleagues.
A second arrangement is close to completion. It is necessary for my ground costs to be covered on FRIENDSHIP FLIGHTS as well as the planning trips to Moscow. A good friend is representing me to AMERICAN EXPRESS. (I've got my fingers crossed, Bernie!)
The third package is for fuel. We came close to arranging this last year, but the VOYAGER was the recipient of support for 1986. Let's hope 1987 will be TEN ROMEO's year! And - let's not forget to offer hardy CONGRATULATIONS to Dick and Jeana! A FANTASTIC JOB BEAUTIFULLY DONE!!!!!
In early December a swing through the Midwest was made to touch base with EQUIPMENT SPONSORS, consult on the next step regarding configuring our new aircraft, and to return the COLLINS GPS for use by Dick Norton on his Pole to Pole flight. I enjoyed working with Dick as he prepared for his flight, and was mighty disappointed when he was forced down at Mould Bay, Canada. The wing noise he and his colleague heard may have been rivets popping in the -50 degree F. temperature. The Malibu had never been exposed to such rigorous temperature before, and the Artic Tern may have been preparing to shed skin. Stopping was the prudent choice.
A few odds and ends --------.
Progress is being made on the installation of a smoke unit for Air Shows, and while on my trip west in December I obtained approval for slow rolls. AIR SHOWS - HERE WE COME!
A PROJECT PLAN has been prepared on the TEN ROMEO DCA-SVO COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT, and distributed to appropriate Soviet and American officials for consideration. Since the project was suggested by TV Journalist Andrew Sturua, it is expected that clearance for this flight should come easier. A page from the PROJECT PLAN document entitled PLANNING STEPS has been made a part of this report.
Following the President's STATE OF THE UNION address I felt an opportunity had been missed, and sent a comment to the local newspaper on how Soviet references might have been handled. A copy is enclosed.
On March 18 I will once again leave for the Soviet Union on a planning trip to work out any final details on the June flight. It is my hope to have coffee or lunch with Georgei Phillip Baidukov, the surviving member of the 1937 Soviet crew who flew from Moscow to the USA. This came close to happening during my November trip, but he was not feeling well and had to spend some time in the hospital. There is so much I would like to know about that historic flight of 1937. Chkalov, Belyakov, and Baidukov must have been remarkable men. The world and skies of 1937 were far different than they are today! Perhaps I'll have a chance to brush history personally if Georgei is feeling better. You will be the first to know if this happens!
My next report will be following my return from Moscow. If things go as well as I expect, I will return with assurances that the "RED CARPET" will be out for TEN ROMEO on June 20!
Warmest regards to all of you. Sure is pleasant having my own private cheering section as I pursue these interesting and exciting projects.
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PLANNING STEPS (Page three of PROJECT PLAN sent to USA & USSR officials.)
1. A trip to Moscow was made in November, 1986, to thank MARSAT administrators for verifying TEN ROMEO's presence over the North Pole on August 8th, 1986. While in Moscow a memorandum was delivered to Chairman Gorbachev asking his views on the value of the TEN ROMEO COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT as a CBM.
2. In March, 1987, a planning trip will be made to Moscow to work out details of the June flight. A follow-up contact will be made with the Chairman.
3. A "sponsor" will be requested of the Soviets to facilitate approval of use of Soviet airspace. The MOSCOW COMMEMORATIVE COMMITTEE, or the SOVIET SPORT FLYING CLUB would seem appropriate partners.
4. While in Moscow in March, coffee will be requested with Georgei Phillip Baidukov, the surviving member of the 1937 Soviet crew. This was planned for November, 1986, but ill health of the Soviet Pilot precluded the opportunity of learning more about the historic early trip at that time.
5. An attempt is being made to insure TEN ROMEO through Soviet sources for the COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT for the six hours of Soviet airspace use. LLOYD's of London have no statistical base for determining risk in the USSR, and thus their fees are based upon inappropriate risk assumptions with unreasonable rates assessed.
6. A partner relationship has been signed with FINNAIR to reduce costs of the March commercial planning trip to Moscow, as well as the return in November for "wrap-up".
7. Arrangements are in process with a SUPPORT SPONSOR for assistance with flight-related costs while in the Soviet Union.
8. Negotiations are in process with a FUEL SPONSOR to cover fuel costs required by TEN ROMEO for the COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT.
9. All specialized electronic equipment in TEN ROMEO will be fine-tuned just before departure. The engine will be completely checked before the flight.
10. Information and background on TEN ROMEO's flight planning will be broadly distributed to Soviet and American officials. All support members along the flight-plan route will be properly briefed by the NATIONAL AERONAUTIC ASSOCIATION with proper lead-time.
11. Media will be informed of flight progress with flight following capability in Washington and Moscow.
12. As with all previous TEN ROMEO CBM projects, a commercial trip to Moscow will be made in November to thank all Soviets who assisted in the success of the project.
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Special to VIEWPOINT page of the KNICKERBOCKER NEWS
Editorial Statement: Millard Harmon is a free-lance writer who has spent considerable time as a SOVIET-OBSERVER. His following comments relate to the January 27 "State of the Union" address by our President.
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The President continues to be the "GREAT COMMUNICATOR" that he is and the "State of the Union" address last evening has given everyone something to comment upon.
Perhaps the disappointment of some, myself included, relates to an omission far too minor to excite the media, or the attention of policy makers.
It would appear that the President might have responded to recent Soviet events with a statement more "up-to-the-minute".
Educators tell us that when a recalcitrant child attempts to mend his ways, reinforcement of positive action is far more effective than dwelling upon past errors.
How nice it would have been if the President's confidence in himself, our country, and the bright future ahead for all Americans had allowed him to structure that segment of his address relating to the Soviet Union as follows:
"We have all watched with acute interest the action of the Soviet's new, dynamic leader, as he has taken decisive action in moving to correct many of the problems faced by the Soviet Society. Swift action has removed many of the corrupt bureaucrats who have misused their responsibility. Steps have been taken to address the widespread problem of alcoholism, and new, younger men have been given major responsibility in ruling circles of the Politburo. The whole new concept of ''openness' or ''glasnost'' is offering Soviet citizens a chance for introspection unheard of but a few months earlier.
"Releasing Sakharov from exile with no holds barred and a more open approach to emigration should not go unnoticed. Soviet observers have seen published accounts of Gorbachev's desire to extract the Soviet military from the quagmire of Afghanistan, and recently we have seen that Gorbechev is suggesting more than one candidate on Soviet ballots at the lower echelons.
"These steps are all to the good. We are seeing changes within the Soviet society that many have hoped and prayed for, but had begun to expect would never come about. Gorbechev is carefully MODERNIZING his monolithic society, and with these new changes, the Soviet Society will become more like ours. The human spirit will not remain satisfied indefinitely with the old Soviet restraints - particularly when vision sees an openness in adjacent societies on all sides.
"We applaud these rapidly evolving changes, because 273 million Soviets will benefit from them and, in turn, the whole world community will benefit as well.
"But - there are major risks inherent with such sweeping changes as are evolving under the Gorbechev reign! As the Soviet society becomes more modern or more attuned to the responsible behavior expected by the family of nations, we may tend to become more complacent. We may forget the basic risk that we have faced across the Iron Curtain for the last four decades.
"The Soviets have a constitution. of their own. It is studied by every school child in the USSR, and in truth, its words sound very similar to ours. The big difference between our constitutions is that ours says, 'We the people', and makes no excuse for government incursions into our rights and privacy.
The Soviet Constitution was based upon a Marxist theory of 1880 which was designed to save Western society from the capitalist operated sweatshops which were rife with misuse of the human spirit. The Soviet Society, at least the Soviet leaders, have not recognized that the depravation of human spirit, which their political party was created to eradicate, has not been a part of the Western equation for almost as long as their party has existed.
"We applaud the Soviet steps to become a more modern society. We implore the Soviet leaders to review their precepts for world domination, and to then update their political philosophy in line with the appropriate improvements they are making on their home front!
"And, while we are awaiting modification of Soviet plans for world domination, this Government will increase our strength in every way necessary to guarantee our continued freedom!"
The winds of change are gently blowing across the steeps of Siberia, onto the shores of the Crimea, and even through the streets of Moscow. To ignore the present changes may indeed, give us the same kind of blinders suffered by Communist practitioners for the last 80 years.
We and our society should be smarter and more responsive than that!
The first steps of Soviet change may offer a greater challenge in the years ahead than we have faced before. Our task will be to educate all who will listen to what our style of "freedom" means. True, we do not guarantee everyone a job; we do not guarantee inexpensive housing; we do not provide federally sponsored health care for all. There will be those who come to us who will be unable to accept the rigors of worrying about matters formerly provided by an all inclusive government.
But - there continues to be a part of the human soul which prospers best with self-determination of those core aspects of life - freedom of expression, freedom of movement, freedom of association.
The months and years ahead will be exciting as we deal with the challenge of an emerging Soviet Union more attuned to the 21st century.
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December 10, 1986
Deputy Chairman Yuriy Lavkovsky
V/O "MORSVIAZSPUTNIK", Moscow, USSRMy dear Yuriy:
I want to thank you for the warm reception in your office last month as we celebrated your assistance in verifying my record flight to the North Pole on August 8, 1986, in my single-engine Beech-36 aircraft. Enclosed is a copy of the local newspaper which today carried the report of our visit which was sent through your embassy in Washington to Editor Tom Mcpheeters.
There is one very slight error in the report which I think may be a bit of "cultural" slippage. My contacts in Washington did not say, "The Soviets are only interested in saving lives in the Soviet Union --", what they said was, "The Soviets are only interested in saving lives, not messing around with records." As a matter of fact, your satellites have probably saved more lives in North America than in the Soviet Union. I think your press people do not know how helpful your satellites have been to the whole world, and I want you to know that I, and most Americans who fly, know this.
I also want to speak for a moment about SDI and GPS. It was obvious to me, as we spoke, that you felt very strongly about these two items, Yuriy. You will recall that I predicted that these matters would be resolved to our mutual satisfaction, given time.
Unfortunately, there is little "trust" on either side of the negotiating table between our two great nations at this time. SDI is not a "ploy" for positioning nuclear weapons in orbit, only laser units. The American public would not stand for such a violation of outer space on the part of our government. In time, it is my hope that this understanding will be more clear to you and your people.
As for the GPS being used by the military, yes - this is true. But - keep in mind that everyone who flies will be using the GPS as well. It was the COLLINS EXPERIMENTAL GPS in TEN ROMEO which allowed that transmitter we dropped to be within 1/2 mile of the North Pole. Aeroflot, as well as your military, will be using the GPS system extensively once it is in place. The military "degrading" of the GPS accuracy is of such a small magnitude that it will not be a navigation problem to TEN ROMEO or other civilian users of the system.
I see a bright future for this beautiful planet of ours, Yuriy! You and I must continue our efforts to promote understanding and cooperation between your people and me.
Warmest seasons greetings, and I'll see you in March!
Cordially,
Millard Harmon
MH/ra