|
[Home Page] [Newsletters] [About Mil Harmon] [Future Plans] [Sponsors] [Advisors] [News Coverage] [Acronyms]
|
|
TEN ROMEO NEWSLETTER HEL-SVO SPORT PILOT CORRIDOR, Report 5 January 20, 1990 Dear Friends: WHAT AN EXCITING TIME TO BE LIVING! Upon returning from my October/November trip to the Soviet Union, I sat transfixed before the television set as we watched the Berlin Wall crumble! That change triggered events which were an answer to a prayer many of us have prayed nightly for 40 years. And the rapidity of it all! In my wildest, most optimistic dreams, I would never have thought the changes could have come so quickly. We will face new concerns generated by these monumental events, but as we move to solve these problems the world is a safer place! While watching history evolving before our very eyes there was no time to put this report together in November. Then came the excitement of the holidays. Soooooo ------ here we are with the next report, only slightly delayed. There is much to cover in this Newsletter: a report of my recent trip, information on General Moiseyev which was intended for an earlier report, a chance to talk about the next exciting TEN ROMEO flight, a report on a potential joint USA/USSR AIR MAIL postage stamp, reference to a number of mechanical items, and finally, techniques of an interesting nomination. I considered delaying my fall trip until the first of the year but, following serious thought, it seemed inappropriate to delay the Soviet travel for two reasons. First, I had received a package from Beech Aircraft Corporation which was a real surprise. It contained a beautiful model of TEN ROMEO prepared by my friends at the Beech factory. The Soviets had requested such a model for one of their museums. I would feel more comfortable with that model delivered as soon as possible rather than sitting in my living room. Second, I had received fragments of disturbing information about the pressures for hard currency upon the USSR MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION which could perhaps change their more liberal policy which I had been helping them develop for three years. It was important to check this matter out personally as soon as possible. The FINNAIR flight to Helsinki was as enjoyable as ever. It was good to make contact with my Helsinki friends, and I discussed with travel agent friends changes within the USSR since my last trip. I was told that the difficulties of "perestroika" had grown considerably since my last visit to Moscow. As a matter of fact, I met an Estonian friend in Helsinki and further attention was focused on shortcomings and difficulties within the USSR which had grown to disturbing proportions in recent months. "Millard - it just is not working! Everything is in short supply - razors, soap, toothpaste, and particularly food. In two years, without major improvement - and we don't see that happening in the near future - we will be starving! 'Perestroika' is a complete failure!" "No, no, no, my friend. This would never happen! We, in the United States, grow much more food than we need. We would not allow such a disaster to occur. In recent months the Soviet Union has assumed the mantle of a more responsible member of the community of nations. You have many friends in my country today. In the early days of your revolution our President Hoover sent you many metric tons of wheat. Countless Russian lives were saved by that action. Your Communist history books have conveniently left this out, but the United States would be prepared to do that again if necessary!" (Dr. Armand Hammer's efforts also saved millions of lives in those early years.) My friend was too preoccupied with a feeling of despair to fully appreciate the possibility of such a potential disaster being averted by outside world concern for Soviet people. The ferry trip to Tallinn was pleasant, as always. Meeting my "adopted" family, the Kesas, brought about the expected celebration. Vello looked great, with his new "perestroika" automobile repair shop operating to its capacity with more cash flow than ever imagined. Rita enjoyed the gifts I had brought, and daughter Sylvia is becoming quite the young lady at eight years of age! Before leaving home I had discussed with my pastor, the Rev. Dr. Art Hagy, of the First United Methodist Church of Delmar, the possibility of establishing a linkage with Rev. Olav Parnamets' Tallinn Church, the largest Methodist church in Europe with 900 members. With 1600 members here in Delmar, Brother Art and I decided there would certainly be 15 to 30 members who would welcome the chance to visit Rev. Olav's church and congregation in the spring of 1990. Thus, I planned to visit with Brother Olav about such a possibility. I found Brother Olav in good spirits, and enjoyed bringing him up-to-date on the interest of my neighbors in visiting him and his congregation. We discussed the present situation in Estonia. Olav indicated that things had become more difficult in Tallinn in recent months with many shortages, and "activity" in the streets. I remembered back many months ago when "glasnost" was first blooming and demonstrations were highlighted on our national TV showing unrest in the streets of the Baltic States. There was great concern in my heart for my Tallinn friends and in those early days we did not know if the unrest in Baltic streets would turn violent, as had happened in Azerbaijan. Early on it seemed that the primary leadership thrust for independence was centered in Estonia. With time, that leadership seemed to move to Lithuania. My external view of this adjustment of leadership is based upon the skill of my friend Vaino Valjas, First Secretary of the Estonian Communist Party and a close friend of President Gorbachev. Valjas has channeled the strong Estonian feeling for independence into a more moderate approach. Such action is viewed as far more acceptable by Moscow leadership. Time with Olav was warm and enjoyable. It was agreed that spring 1990 was too early for the Delmar/Tallinn church linkage. This possibility will be considered at a later date when the situation in Tallinn is less tense. Olav invited me to preach from his pulpit during my next visit in April, and I accepted with pleasure. I took the night train to Moscow. I was at the MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION in Moscow at 10:00 am on Friday, October 27th. My concerns regarding MINISTRY policy returning to a less moderate position were relieved. I was assured that time I had spent meeting with the USSR MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION was beneficial, and it was expected that there would be increased use of Soviet skies by Western pilots. However, at the same time, it was also suggested that I had probably provided as much help as possible as a private citizen. An acceptable next step might be to establish an official relationship by representing a recognized organization. Enclosed as a part of this report is a summary of my work with the USSR MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION. When I returned to the States I found International AOPA had a satisfactory link with my friends in the Soviet Sport Flying Club. Since I continue to think the MINISTRY, which I see as similar to our FAA, is where policy change must be implemented to make Soviet skies more accessible to Western light aircraft pilots, I arranged an official assignment from the AMERICAN BONANZA SOCIETY as Liaison to the MINISTRY in order to continue my work toward bringing "glasnost" to Soviet skies. At 2:00 pm a press conference was held at Hotel National where a beautiful model of TEN ROMEO was officially turned over to Igor Chkalov for permanent display in the SOVIET MUSEUM OF AVIATION. A copy of the press release on this event is enclosed. Fifteen media representatives were present along with a number of officials. That model of TEN ROMEO was "the most expensive non-flying aircraft to ever leave the Beech factory", and it was a pleasure to pass responsibility for its safety and care to my Soviet friends. Col. Chkalov gave me a medallion for President Max Bleck of Beech Aircraft Corp., and I will deliver it on my next TEN ROMEO flight to Wichita, Kansas. I contacted my Moscow friends, and completed all business early. This was probably the result of my acquiring FAX capability recently, (Thanks sponsor John!) which allows fast communication with more accurate prearranging of Soviet meetings and conferences. With work accomplished, I departed the USSR three days early, had no difficulty in adjusting my GEORGE OTS FERRY ticket, (Thanks Rima!) and adjusted my FINNAIR flight. (No INTOURIST credit for early departure.) Last May I became more knowledgeable about a new Soviet military leader, Col. General Mikhail Moiseyev, 1st Deputy Minister of Defense. He was appointed following Marshall Akhromeev's retirement. It was my intent to share this information with you in my July 20, 1989, report but there was not sufficient space. Let me correct this omission at this time. General Moiseyev was featured in Izvestia's weekly celebrity supplement in early May and the text was translated for me by my friend Journalist Elena Ivanova. The following is a summary of that feature article. The General recently became 50 years of age, and thus represents the military officers of the new generation. He is also Commandant or Chief of the Soviet General Military Command Center. As a professional soldier, he was a top scholar at the military academy, and has served at the junior-and senior-officer level. Moiseyev indicated the new Soviet military application of today concentrates on defense, even though defense has been the major concern of military thinking all along. He suggested US bombing of Japan to end WWII was an afterthought, with the cold war initiated on August 18, 1946, by Churchill's famous speech. (That speech was based upon Stalin's reneging on Eastern European Yalta agreements. Some of us view the blockade of Berlin, which resulted in the Berlin Airlift, as a more appropriate initiating point.) Until the mid-1980's, the USSR and USA military were fearful of each other. Since then a new way of thinking came upon the scene, with each side wooing the other. Detente was no longer necessary, and mutual trust continues to grow. Because of this the USSR military now carries a specific defensive character. How does the Center deal with this new military doctrine? It is difficult because of new requirements - work must change, prediction must be a part of our work, we must solve new problems, we must work better than before. What military lessons were learned from Mathias Rust? That was not a pleasant incident, much of it our own fault. We have taken measures to prevent such an incident occurring again. Borders are under increased patrol, our air defense is improved, control is now very strong. What lessons were learned from Afghanistan? It is too soon to appraise well. Our modern position indicates it should not have happened. It was a political decision. Our military learned much, but took too much upon themselves. It was expected to be over in three months, and we were there nine years. Our soldiers fulfilled their duty well and their experience will help them in their civilian life. Afghanistan was a terrible time. We should have made physical culture better in our schools. We must reestablish military understanding for the new era, like West Germany has done. Regarding the Warsaw-NATO situation, we feel NATO is moving slowly toward Soviet peaceful efforts. The politics are better, and things will continue to improve. While there is a decrease in our military spending, there will be no decrease in our defense posture. With our present physical cooperation with the US military, we will learn much - particularly regarding sports and its heavy role within the military. The modern press does not cover our military intent well. Moiseyev has a beautiful wife who is a good mother and has worked outside the home for 20 years. The Moiseyevs have one granddaughter. The original intent of these NEWSLETTERS was to share the excitement of my TEN ROMEO activities with family, advisors, sponsors and friends. However, I also enjoy providing insight into cultures different from ours by offering information which may not be generally available. General Moiseyev is a bright, young star on the Soviet military horizon, and will be around for a long time. The Izvestia article was for internal Soviet consumption, but his thinking is important and I wanted to share it with you. (My granddaughter Rebecca sent her picture and a note to General Moiseyev saying she wanted to be his granddaughter's friend. Rebecca expects a reciprocal photo soon.) On the home front -------. In July I said "yes" to my friends who want me to lead a flight into Sheremetyevo, Moscow. I'm pleased to report that project is well underway. Our title for that mission is, "ABS to SVO" or Adventurous Bonanza Squadron to Sheremetyevo, Moscow. Initial communication has occurred, the schedule is set, and support people have been alerted. Our original expectation was to have three-to-six aircraft in our formation flight into SVO, but interest has been outstanding. We are now looking at ten in our group. The title of my next report will be "ABS to SVO", Report #1, and will focus on aircraft and flight matters for that trip. I depart for Moscow on April 4th to address Soviet details of this exciting program. A new project has evolved since my last contact with you. You may recall that there has been interest in the Soviet Union in an AIR MAIL STAMP of TEN ROMEO's COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT of June, 1987. Since several Soviets mentioned the possibility of a stamp during my fall trip, upon my return I gave thought to an appropriate artist to handle the project. Pat Whipp immediately came to mind and when I called her, I discovered she had been commissioned for a US AIR MAIL stamp which she had just completed. Pat is an internationally renowned talent with some of her work hanging in the White House. It was her "American Eagle" which was among the gifts from Dayton, Ohio, that I delivered to Moscow on my FRIENDSHIP FLIGHT in 1985. Pat is a divergent, positive thinker, and it wasn't long before we were discussing the possibility of the stamp being a joint USA/USSR AIR MAIL stamp, the first joint venture of that kind ever. Impossible? YES! But not as seemingly impossible as the 1983 concept of my FRIENDSHIP FLIGHT! Initial contacts have been made both here and in the USSR. I will keep you posted on progress. Pat will have the art work available for me to take to Moscow in April for first review. There is great excitement on the horizon for TEN ROMEO and my next report will deal with this in considerable detail. I'm reluctant to say more since final arrangements are not yet in place. On to odds and ends. TEN ROMEO's two front-seat inserts were beginning to look tacky, so I flew to Palmer Airmotive, my modification center. Both seats were brought up to "new" standards, and there was time to visit with the Palmer crew. It was also possible to spend time with my SSP (Sometime Sign Painter) friend, while an additional sponsor's name was added to both sides of TEN ROMEO. The INSIGHT film project, MODERN ENGINE MANAGEMENT, has been completed. The final product is excellent, with state-of-the-art graphics, a gyroscopic lens used for the turbulent mountain flying, and credits even for chase planes. TEN ROMEO had a small part in that production, which is slated for heavy use in training programs. Accolades to the Youngquists and their crew. It is pleasant to report that TEN ROMEO has a new sponsor, HORIZON INSTRUMENTS, INC. I've been looking for a solid state tachometer, and Ron Jacobs has a fantastic magic box with digital readout and many special features. President Ron will have a unit in TEN ROMEO for the SVO flight. I should also mention that a Soviet friend has become an "anonymous" sponsor by covering my out-of-pocket ground costs while traveling in the USSR. * * * * * * As the Berlin Wall crumbled, and I watched the events unfold in Eastern Europe with Soviet military might remaining inactive (quiescent), I realized my personal measure of Gorbachev in his early years of leadership - based upon firsthand experience of changes in the Soviet Union - was correct. Those who only read his book, "Perestroika", may have been unconvinced, but changes witnessed firsthand carry a deeper perspective. I thought back to TEN ROMEO's FRIENDSHIP FLIGHT. Granted, there was great help in clearing obstacles by Congressman Stratton, Ambassador Dobrynin, and Dr. Hammer. That flight clearance, however, was so unique that it's been suggested that the clearance had to come from the very top. Gorbachev had been in his position of leadership three months before my epic flight, and there are those who suggest that my approval was a first signal that the Gorbachev leadership would be "different". I recalled my guest editorial on 3/30/88, in which I said, "Gorbachev may be the first Soviet leader who truly believes no political objective is worth a hydrogen holocaust!" It is reported that his logic before his Central Committee is what opened the door to reduced nuclear weapons in Europe. He withdrew Soviet forces from Afghanistan, unilaterally reduced Soviet conventional forces in Eastern Europe, and opened Soviet borders to verification teams. On the basis of actions which have made our world safer, President Mikhail Gorbachev certainly deserves the 1990 Nobel Peace Prize. As an American with extensive Soviet contact during Gorbachev's leadership, I would find a way to make the nomination. Open nominations are not accepted for Nobel prizes but must come through designated representatives of the Nobel committees who are scattered around the world and are unidentified. How could I move a nomination into acceptable channels? I chose to route my nomination through His Majesty King Olav IV, King of Norway. I indicated to the King that I am married to a beautiful Viking Lady, had studied at the University of Oslo in 1953, and had been entertained royally by the Norwegian Flying Club in 1984 prior to my failed attempt to fly into Sheremetyevo. I said it was my hope that such Norwegian ties would allow him to pass my nomination of Mikhail Gorbachev for the 1990 Nobel Peace Prize into an acceptable nomination channel. It was a pleasure to have received a letter recently from King Olav's personal secretary in which he said he had been instructed by His Majesty to inform me that my nomination packet was being moved ahead through appropriate channels. There may be hundreds of official nominations for the 1990 Nobel Peace prize. It's nice to know one of them is mine! My next report will focus on exciting new horizons for TEN ROMEO. ------------- Background Information DR. MILLARD HARMON'S WORK WITH USSR MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION 1. Harmon first met with the USSR MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION, International Relations Department, on December 1, 1983, when he requested Soviet approval to fly his Beech-36, TEN ROMEO, into Moscow on July 4th, 1984. The Soviets aborted this flight in Oslo on July 1, 1984. Congressman Sam Stratton and Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin cooperated in cutting through Soviet bureaucracy allowing TEN ROMEO's first flight into Sheremetyevo in June, 1985. 2. A second flight into Sheremetyevo was made in June of 1987 as a COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT honoring Chkalov and his crew's historic 1937 flight from Moscow to the US 50 years earlier. Harmon established a world record on this Washington/Moscow flight of 41 hours, 31 minutes and 18 seconds. 3. Following the 1987 flight, negotiating meetings were held on a continuing basis with the USSR MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION and the following were discussed: flight in Soviet skies by Western light aircraft without an "escort crew" or Soviet navigator, review of charges assessed for use of Soviet airways and related flight costs, Soviet aviation fuel quality, the advantages of opening Tallinn as an entry airport along with Leningrad, a review of inappropriately high LLOYD insurance rates for Western aircraft flying Soviet skies, and other flight-related matters. 4. On October 28, 1987, Harmon presented a NATIONAL AERONAUTIC ASSOCIATION "Certificate of Appreciation" plaque to the Moscow Air Traffic Controller team for their excellent Surveillance Approach for TEN ROMEO during an equipment failure as his COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT was concluded in June, 1987. 5. During early negotiations the Soviets agreed to waive Soviet escort crew for Western aircraft in "selected" instances. The Tallinn airport was opened for international traffic on November 1, 1989. Advice has been offered Soviets on Americans requesting use of Soviet airspace. 6. The last six meetings with the USSR MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION have been documented and reported to those with a proprietary interest in the proceedings, such as LLOYD's OF LONDON, SHELL INTERNATIONAL TRADING COMPANY, and PAN AM. Appropriate American and Soviet government officials, including Ambassador Matlock, Ambassador Dubinin and others as appropriate, were kept informed of progress through copies of minutes of meeting sessions. 7. Soviet officials requested a model of TEN ROMEO for their Soviet Air Museum. The model, built by the Beech Aircraft Corporation, was personally delivered by Harmon on October 27, 1989, at a Moscow press conference. 8. During the October 1989 Moscow trip it was suggested Harmon develop an official linkage with Western aircraft organizations for continued work with the MINISTRY focusing upon Western/Soviet flight matters. 9. Harmon has held 15 meetings with the USSR MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION since December 1, 1983, is acquainted with the leadership of the Soviet Sport Flying Club, the Moscow Air Traffic Controller team, leaders of the Soviet Ultralight Flying Club, a number of military leaders, and has many friends associated with Soviet aviation, as well as the general Soviet society. He intends to continue work with Soviet friends to generate increased American/Soviet understanding. (Five hundred friends, advisors and sponsors worldwide receive a newsletter three or four times a year on TEN ROMEO's activities.) -------------- Harmon Associates PRESS RELEASE October 20, 1989 To: Press and Media contacts in Moscow, USSR From: Harmon Associates For 31 years Dr. Millard Harmon has served as "Ambassador of Friendship without Portfolio" between Soviets and Americans. These bridges of understanding and personal contact have had an extensive impact both in the USSR and the USA. Dr. Harmon often uses his single-engine aircraft, a Beech-36, identified as TEN ROMEO, in building friendship. His first flight into Sheremetyevo was in June of 1985. He returned to Moscow in his light aircraft in 1987 to honor the daring and skill of Valery Paviovich Chkalov and his heroic crew. Harmon's flight originated in Washington, DC, USA, and was completed in Moscow, USSR, 41 hours, 31 minutes and 18 seconds later with a new world speed record. Dr. Harmon returned to Moscow for a lecture tour, addressing Soviet school children in the Moscow area. He had with him a model of his beloved TEN ROMEO. When Harmon visited with his friend, Igor Chkalov who is Valery's son, Igor said, "Millard, the people of the USSR need a model like that for a Soviet Museum. It would be a fitting tribute to your devotion to USSR/USA improved relationships, as well as your courage to undertake and complete successfully the tremendous task such as your commemorative flight!" When Dr. Harmon returned to the States, he asked the Beech Aircraft Corporation, who had manufactured TEN ROMEO, if it would be possible for a model of TEN ROMEO to be built as a gift for a Soviet Museum. It was felt that the cost would be prohibitive, and it seemed the project would never be completed. However, when the factory workers at Beechcraft learned that a model had been requested for display at a Soviet Museum, they volunteered their time to build the model. They told Dr. Harmon, "Dr. Harmon, this model is a small gift to the people of the USSR. We hope it will help increase and continue the warm USA/USSR friendship bridges you have devoted so many years to develop!" Dr. Harmon arrives in Moscow on October 26, 1989, to present this beautiful gift to the Soviet people. A press conference will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 27th, in the lobby of Hotel National.
|