Tora to Alaska
by Doc Pood, Charles Hutchins, and Bob West
Not since the raid on Dutch Harbor, has Alaska seen this many WWII Japanese Aircraft attacking a ground facility. In December 2001, the personnel from Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage Alaska approach the Tora group about performing at the Elmendorf AFB show in June of 2002. The big question for us was "can we fly 8 vintage WWII era aircraft roundtrip, approximately 8000 statute miles, through some of the most rugged territory in this country, do it safely, and put on a great performance?"
While most of the personnel associated with Tora had serious concerns, I don't think any of us had any doubt that we could do it. Not least among these concerns was the fact that if any aircraft experienced mechanical problems during certain legs of this trip, there would be few if any alternatives for emergency landings. The concerns were natural and healthy, and simply dictated extensive planning and preparation to ensure a safe adventure. Besides, we had a reputation to live up to. Tora had just won the coveted ICAS/Art Scholl Showmanship Award for 2001. Any good showman will tell you "the show must go on."
Details of the trip up, provided by Tora Lead Charles Hutchins
- Charles Hutchins in Zero AI 111.
- Will Bonefas and Jim McDonough in Kate AI 356.
- Jesse Bootenhoff in Zero AI 114
Departed Wolf Airpark (3T2) for Elmendorf AFB (PAED). Landed in Mineral Wells, TX (MWL) and met:
- Jim Ryan and Myriam in Zero AI 113.
- Ron Iberg and Jim Liles in Zero AI 112.
- Doug Derr and Dawn, in Val BI 257.
- David Hatten and Gracie in Kate 310.
Next stop Liberal, KS (LBL), Next stop Akron, CO (AKO) where Gene Armstrong in Val 78 joined. (Eight aircraft and 13 people plus the Comanche for a total of 9 aircraft and 15 people.). Douglas, Wy (DGW). Spent the night with rooms scattered everywhere because town was full.
June 23
- Sheridan
- Great Falls
- Calagary
June 24
- Whitecourt
- Fort Nelson
- Watson
- Whitehorsein Yukon (CYXY) and spent the night.
June 25
- Northway
- Elmendorf, AFB (PAED) in Anchorage
TORA Tommy Hill (Tora Ground) and Ken and Gwen Crites (Tora Announcer and wife) arrived via commercial airlines and to take care of our announcer and ground needs. The TORA BOMB SQUAD decided not to drive to this show and the following were the lucky folks who made this trip:
- Bernie Yost
- Collie Grey
- Elliott "Doc" Pood
- Wim Kersten
- John and Diane Lemen
- Bob "No Neck" West
According to Bob West, "This two day airshow was in absolutely beautiful weather conditions. A few puffy clouds would come and go, light breezes would help dissipate the smoke we made, and the balmy temperatures never went above 72 degrees. Early mornings and evenings had all the Texans wearing sweatshirts, coats and complaining (sissies)."
The trip back, as described by Charles Hutchins was as follows:
July 1
- Departed Elmendorf at 6:00 am for PA0R, Northway, AK
- CYXY Whitehorse
- CYQH Watson Lake and spent the night
July 2
- CYYE Fort Nelson and spent the night.
July3
- CYXJ Fort St. John
- CYZU Whitecourt
- CYYC Calgary and spent the night
July 4
- GTF Great Falls and cleared customs
- SHR Sheridan, WY
- SNY Sidney, NE spent night
July 5
- GBD Great Bend, KS
- AMD Ardmore, OK
- CX0 Conroe, TX
- 3T2 Wolfe Airpark
Left June 22 at 8:16 am and got back July 5, at 5:58 pm. Mr. Hutchins summed up this remarkable trip as follows: "6967 nm or 8012 statue miles 59.0 hours of flying time. One mechanical breakdown, had to change a wheel brake cylinder. Took 35 minutes and we were ready to taxi. 472 total hours of flying time in 8 aircraft, Remarkable!!!!"
The following three photos to the right are from the trip. The first two are from the Anchorage Daily News - front page on Friday and Saturday. The last is a 30 pound halibut being prepared for the lunch special at the White Spot - a neat little greasy spoon we found for breakfast.
Bonzai Bubba.
