The Tail Dragger

“Gramp, how come all you do is sit in the house watching television? Did you used to do something else, or have you always done this?”

The question came from Gramp’s twelve-year-old grandson Jack who was visiting him at the farm.

It was like a bolt of lightning for Gramp who leaned back in his chair and looked thoughtful. He was seventy-two years old now. His hair was thinning, his face was lined, but there was still something youthful about the twinkle in his eyes.

Had he ever done anything but look at TV? Who really knew anymore what he’d spent his life doing? Who even cared? He was aghast to realize that the boy had never seen him do anything but sit and watch TV programs.

“When I was in college, World War II broke out,” said Gramp. “At that time I wanted to learn to fly more than anything. Because of the war and the great need for pilots, I earned my wings and went on to fly the B-24 bomber in the China, Burma, India Theater of operation. My crew and I flew 127 missions against the Japanese.

“After the war I spent 33 years flying as an airline pilot. I’m licensed to fly 13 different air craft.” Gramp pulled out his wallet and displayed fold-up plastic pockets that held all his licenses. “Flying was the love of my life. Oh, how I loved to fly,” he said. He looked wistful as his eyes reflected a lifetime of memories.

“Gee,” said Jack, “I wish you could teach me how to fly.”

Gramp looked surprised. “You really want to fly?”

“Oh yes,” said Jack. “My dad flies for an airline, just as you did. I’ve asked him if he could teach me, but he’s always so busy he doesn’t have time.”

Gramp looked closely at the boy. He was a handsome lad. Well built with dark hair and large dark brown eyes. “So you want to learn to fly. Well, for starters why don’t we take a ride in the truck. I have something to show you that I think you’ll like.”

Gramp got out of his chair slowly. He had been inactive lately and moved stiffly. They went outside and got into the truck.

“Where are we going?” asked Jack.

“Just down the road a little,” answered Gramp.

Jack thought he was being awfully mysterious.

Shortly, they came to another farm. Gramp pulled in alongside a large barn. They got out of the truck and went inside. Jack was not prepared for what he saw. His jaw dropped at the sight of an airplane. “Gosh,” he said, “it’s a beauty, Gramp. Who does it belong to?”

“It’s mine,” said Gramp. “When I had to retire from the airline because I was sixty years old, I bought this and equipped it exactly as I wanted it.”

Jack asked, “What’s the lettering on the side Tail Dragger mean?”

“That’s what I named my plane,” said Gramp.

“Why that?” asked Jack.

“Because when I was first learning to fly, my instructor said that if you can fly a tail dragger, you can fly anything. Instead of having a nose wheel, a tail dragger has a tail wheel and sits with a nose-up attitude. I learned to fly one and it’s been my favorite ever since.”

“Do you ever fly it?” Jack asked.

“Haven’t in years,” said Gramp.

“Could we take it out and fly for just a little?” asked Jack.

“I’d have to check it over and take care of some things,” said Gramp. “I’ll get busy with it. May take a few days.”

“Oh, please, Gramp, let me help! Just imagine your having this beautiful airplane stashed away here in the barn and no one even knows you can fly!”

They spent the next week working on the plane making it airworthy. “Weather permitting, tomorrow will be our day to take her up,” said Gramp. Jack was on pins and needles. Gramp had suggested they not say anything to the family about their flight.

In the morning everyone gathered around for breakfast. The others were busy making plans for the day and no one seemed to notice that Jack and Gramp were exchanging knowing glances.

Everyone expected that Gramp would spend the day in front of the TV set and that Jack would go fishing. Gramp thought it was funny how people take you for granted. But then what had he done recently to make anyone think differently?

As soon as breakfast was finished the others went out to the barn to see to the horses. “Well,” said Gramp. “Here’s our chance young fellow.” They had everything ready to go so they went out to the truck. Perhaps if they had known what was ahead of them they would have changed their minds, but they were both urged on by their excitement.

“Golly,” said Jack, “I’m going to fly at last. Yes!”

When they got to the storage barn, together they lifted the tail of the plane and, pushing against the stabilizer, rolled it outside onto the grass. “Awesome!” said Jack. “I can hardly wait!”

What a beauty she was outside in the sunshine, a shiny silver with a blue stripe from the prop spinner to the tail. The name Tail Dragger was painted in black letters along the side. Under the lift cockpit window was the name Captain Smiling Jack. “Who’s Captain Smiling Jack?” asked Jack.

“Why, that’s what they called me when I flew for the airline,” said Gramp. He had a smile on his face as he remembered those days.

Suddenly Gramp was all business. “Okay, Jack. First thing we do is the walk-around. We have to walk around the outside of the plane and check everything that’s important to the flight. Then we get into the cockpit and do the same thing. You have to inspect everything before you take off. Once airborne, if you’ve missed something, it’s too late.”

Jack was getting more and more impatient to get in the air. Finally Gramp started the engine, taxied into position on the runway, and they sped along the grass strip.

Suddenly the feeling in the pit of his stomach told Jack they had left the ground. As the plane climbed, he marveled at what he saw. There was the great expanse of Lake Michigan on one side and Green Bay on the other. So much water!

Jack had been to the beach many times to swim and out on boats to fish but looking down from above it seemed there was more water than land. There were many fishing boats both commercial and charter. Huge ore ships were going in both directions.

“I had no idea there were so many boats on the water,” said Jack. “Just look at all of them.”

Gramp began a banking turn toward the Green Bay area. “We’ll fly along the coastline and you can look for familiar landmarks,” said Gramp.

Jack excitedly called out, “There’s Ephraim Harbor and Eagle Bluff tower. Man! Look at all the boats and paddle boats. People are water skiing and wind sailing. Hey look, Gramp, there’s someone hang gliding! This is really cool!” They spent half an hour sight seeing. Jack was really enjoying himself and Gramp was relaxed and getting a kick out of his grandson’s excitement and pleasure.

“When can I learn to fly?” asked Jack.

“Now seems as good a time as any,” said Gramp.

At that moment the radio crackled and Jack jumped as another voice entered the cockpit. “This is Washington Island Unicom. I have an emergency. If you are in the area and can respond, do so immediately. Over”.

“Hold on a minute, Jack, I have to answer this radio call. Yes, Washington Island Unicom. This is Cessna triple four niner, Captain Smiling Jack Reeves. What do you need? Over.”

Unicom responded, “We have an emergency and need help. You know Doc Hansen, the surgeon? He is staying at his summer home here on the island this weekend. He’s urgently needed in Green Bay to perform surgery on a young boy who’s been in an accident and is in critical condition. Due to the time element involved he needs to reach Green Bay by air. Could you assist? Over.”

Affirmative,” said Gramp. “We’re over Ephraim heading north and can make the island in a few minutes. There seems to be a nasty storm front approaching from the west. We’ll try to beat it in before the airport closes. Over and out.”

Gramp turned to Jack and said, “This may get a bit hairy but hang on and we’ll give it a shot.” Jack’s big brown eyes seemed to fill his whole face as he looked out into the approaching storm. He sure hoped Gramp knew what he was doing.

As the airport came into view the wind picked up rapidly. Lightning streaked through the clouds. The plane soared up and up and then dropped down like a roller coaster. It slipped from side to side as the wings dipped. It was wild! Jack clung to his seat. He wished he didn’t have a fluttering feeling in his stomach. Gramp circled the airport to land into the wind. The wheels touched the ground and suddenly they were taxiing along the ground headed for the hanger.

The storm was bearing down on them fast. “Why don’t we wait here on the ground until the storm passes?” asked Jack.

“We’re racing against time,” said Gramp. “We’ll get off and flying just in time.”

Dr. Hansen, a tall thin man with glasses, came running out of the hanger. Gramp left the engine running and as soon as the doctor was in the cabin they were on their way.

“I appreciate the transport,” Dr. Hansen said.

“My pleasure,” Gramp replied.

“Weather looks a little uncertain,” the doctor said.

“We’ll be okay,” Gramp answered.

Once more they took off into the approaching storm. With the help of his radar Gramp sorted his way through the storm cells of the cold front and after what seemed like an eternity, they came out into clear weather again.

When they were south of Sturgeon Bay, Gramp picked up the mike. “Green Bay Control, this is Cessna triple four niner. I’m running low on fuel and request immediate clearance to land. Over.”

“That’s a go,” said the tower. “You’re cleared to land on runway two four.”

“Lucky they cleared us right in,” Gramp said, “the gas tank’s almost dry.”

As they were coming down their final leg into the airport, the radio snapped on. “Triple four niner, pull up and go around! The Beachcraft that just landed has blown a tire. Over.”

Jack could feel the hair on the back of his neck stand straight out. What would his Gramp do now? Without missing a beat Gramp pulled back on the yoke and the plane began to climb. He called the tower. “This is triple four niner. I’m coming in on north south runway one eight. Over.”

“Roger,” said the tower. “Over.”

Gramp maneuvered the plane into a tight turn and lined up on one eight just as the engine sputtered and died. All at once the cockpit was silent except for the sound of the wind.

Jack sat frozen while Gramp made a dead stick landing and the plane rolled to a stop. At once an airport car came racing onto the runway and sped toward the Tail Dragger. Jack, Gramp and Dr. Hansen were outside the plane waiting as the car pulled up.

“Well done!” Dr. Hansen said, shaking Gramp’s hand. He pushed up his glasses. “Thanks!”

“My pleasure,” Gramp said, nodding.

“Nice landing,” said the airport manager, who was the driver of the car. “Dr. Hansen, if you’ll hop in I’ll take you right over to the hospital. They’re waiting for you.” He turned to Gramp and said, “They’ll be out with a tug to pull you in for gas.” As he turned to get back into the car he looked up and said, “Here it comes now.”

“Many thanks, Captain Jack,” said Dr. Hansen as he climbed into the car.

Back at the farm around the dinner table that evening, Jack could hardly believe all that he’d been through during the day. Looking over at Gramp he marveled at the old man’s composure. Gramp looked at Jack, smiled, and winked.

Jack heaved a big sigh. He knew that it was going to be quite an experience, being taught to fly by Gramp.

Gramp excused himself from the table. “Don’t think I’ll watch TV tonight. Some of those silly programs get awfully boring.”

June Reeves operated the Birchwood Farm riding stable at Gills Rock from 1972 to 1986. Over the years she has written fiction that includes her family and neighbors as characters and the farm as a setting. She is now editing the stories for a collection.