After more than 60 years, Tuskegee Airman Lt.
Col. Alexander Jefferson takes the controls of a
“Red Tail” Mustang. Joe Hass co-pilots.
Photos by Greg Cardillo
Alexander with
his Hangar 9
PTS P-51
retrimmed in
Tuskegee
squadron
colors. The
model was a
gift of
appreciation
and was paid
for by private
donations.
THE HISTORY AND accomplishments
of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War
II serve as an inspiration and an example of
what can be accomplished when
confronted with adversity. These black
pilots, also known as the “Red Tails,”
overcame the prejudices of the era to earn
the coveted reputation of never having lost
a bomber when they flew fighter escort.
Chris Hass proudly presents the “Red Tail” PTS Mustang to Alexander at the conclusion
of his speech during his second visit to the Skymasters.
Alexander kept everyone riveted during his hour-long presentation with great stories
from World War II. He’s using a solid model of his Mustang to illustrate a story.
The Detroit, Michigan, area is home to
several of these veterans. Past AMA Vice
President Pete Waters heard Lieutenant
Colonel Alexander Jefferson speak at a
meeting of the Midwest R/C Club and was
so impressed he called me to say “You have
to have this guy come to one of your
meetings.”
So began an odyssey that took almost a
year to coordinate. It has been one of the
most rewarding encounters our organization
has had.
Pete Waters did not have Alexander’s
telephone number, but he put me in touch
with someone who did. Alexander Jefferson
is an extremely private individual. The
person with the phone number had been
instructed not to pass it out without his
permission.
Since Alexander travels extensively, it
took a long time before direct contact
between us was made. With his travel
schedule it took even longer for a mutually
acceptable date to be arranged for his first
visit to the 160-member Skymasters R/C
Club of Michigan (a Leader Club).
The Skymasters (www.skymasters.org)
differs from many clubs in that there is a
strong board to run the day-to-day
operations. This leaves our “meetings” to be
filled with programs, symposiums, and
guest speakers.
The meeting featuring Alexander
Jefferson had above-average member
attendance. Pilots from the Troy Oakland
Pilots full-scale flying club and students
from local middle schools were also
present. Even Model Aviation Hall of
Famer Art Adamisin drove an hour to spend
the evening with us.
Alexander arrived a few minutes before
the meeting time with a spry walk and
armed with numerous memorabilia from his
military career. Attired in a leather flight
jacket, it was as if he was ready to report for
duty.
I was privileged to make the
introduction. Those present responded with
a standing ovation. The author (Red Tail
Captured, Red Tail Free), public speaker,
and teacher mesmerized the crowd with an
entertaining and informative mix of humor
and history. His presentation was peppered
with the reality of the times.
Racial segregation and indignities were
what Alexander knew as the norm. His
father worked in the sweltering heat of a
foundry. He knew that he wanted to better
himself, so he pursued a college education
but couldn’t find work in his chosen field.
Those events paved the way to his military
career in aviation.
Alexander lit up when the conversation
turned to the aircraft he flew. His stories
were phenomenal. The Tuskegee pilots
were turned loose to fly P-51s with only 80
hours of flight training.
He lost a buddy who tried to do a roll on
the deck before the 80-gallon tank behind
the pilot was empty. His friend hadn’t read
the flight manual; that tank had to be used
before the maneuver.
The Tuskegee Airmen were itching to
prove their combat expertise. However,
their commander made it perfectly clear that
they were not to leave the bombers they
were escorting. That meant even though
they could see the enemy fighters in the
distance, they stayed close to the B-17s and
B-24s they were protecting, sometimes
flying just above stall speed to stay with the
lumbering aircraft.
Alexander related the story of the day
he was shot down. He was on an
assignment to take out a German radar
station. An incendiary shell came up
through the belly of his P-51 during his
attack run. It passed through his legs and
out the top of his canopy. The shell didn’t
Alexander took a moment to meet and talk with Alyssa Cardillo.
He gladly posed for photos with all club members.
In appreciation of his service to the US and his visits to the
Skymasters, club president Joe Hass presents a lifetime
membership to Alexander.
Many of the Skymasters turned out for the first flight with the PTS Mustang. Chris Hass (brown shirt) performed the test-flight duties
and then handed the controls over to the Tuskegee Airman.
start a fire in the oil cooler.
He gained as much altitude as he could.
With the fire burning under him, Alexander
cranked in down-trim, jettisoned the canopy,
and released his seat belt. As the aircraft dove
away, he left it—with no ejection seat! At
that point he became a POW.
What was most interesting was
Alexander’s response when questioned about
specific airplanes. He closed his eyes and
reached out his hands as if to touch the
various controls as he described the flight
characteristics of the aircraft he flew. His
favorite was the P-47 Thunderbolt.
Once while based at Selfridge Air Force
base in the Detroit area, his group was given
a flight assignment to fly across the state of
Michigan—at an altitude of only 50 feet,
except to avoid farmhouses and trees. The
return to Selfridge included flying under the
Ambassador Bridge (the suspension bridge
over the Detroit River that connects the US
and Canada).
Alexander spoke for an uninterrupted
hour. Not a soul moved; I don’t think there
was even a cough.
We took a coffee break, and he was
swarmed with even more one-on-one
questions. Member Jim Held brought in his
1/5-scale P-51 and Alexander autographed it.
He also autographed copies of his book. It
was a memorable evening.
At a subsequent board meeting it was
unanimously decided that Alexander
Jefferson should be an honorary lifetime
member of the Skymasters. Membership
Director Gary Weaks created a beautiful
plaque and a one-of-a-kind Lifetime
Membership Card.
Other members had independently and
privately purchased the Horizon Hobby
Progressive Trainer System (PTS) P-51
because it has proven to be an excellent
trainer for students. They wanted to see this
veteran P-51 jockey fly again!
Skymasters member Jim Held was tapped
to get the Mustang in Tuskegee Airmen
colors. Even the special markings Alexander
had painted on his aircraft were duplicated.
We asked Alexander to visit us again and
share a few more stories. We could have
listened to him the entire evening, but we took
a break. Before the coffee was poured
Alexander was presented with his plaque. He
was then introduced to chief flight instructor
Ron Sokacz; since he had become a
Skymasters member he was going to need
flight instruction.
Alexander commented that all he needed
at that point was a trainer. While he was
facing the crowd, other Skymasters quietly
brought up the PTS P-51 that was to be his
new ride. He was asked to turn around to see
his new airplane.
It was an emotional time as Alexander’s
eyes widened and he said “This is over the
top.” Everyone present shared handshakes,
hugs, and pictures. The new member
promised to get out to the Skymasters field.
Wednesdays from Memorial Day to Labor
Day are designated “Student Nights” at the
Skymasters field. The emphasis is on getting
newcomers as much stick time as possible.
We have a potluck dinner and finish the
evening at a local establishment sharing
stories about how well we used to fly.
Alexander finally found a free evening to
join us. Skymasters members swarmed
around him and his young neighbor to assist
in assembly of the P-51 and the maiden flight.
Preflight pictures were taken.
With all systems go, the Evolution engine
was fired up. Chris Hass did the check flight
and made the necessary adjustments. With a
full tank of fuel, it was time to get this
Tuskegee Airman back into the air.
After a climb to safe altitude Alexander
was positioned in the flight station for some
old-fashioned bear-hug instruction. He
quickly got the aileron timing and motion
down. The elevator required a bit more
attention and ground school. With a few more
flights he was flying again!
After his flights we interrupted the
evening’s activities for more pictures. Ever
the gentleman, Alexander made sure that his
young neighbor was included in the pictures
and got some instruction as well.
It has been a privilege for our members to be
associated with this fine gentleman and World
War II veteran. Your organization should seek
out these aging warriors to get a first-hand
account of their exploits. MA
Joe Hass
[email protected]
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/04
Page Numbers: 35,36,37,38
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/04
Page Numbers: 35,36,37,38
After more than 60 years, Tuskegee Airman Lt.
Col. Alexander Jefferson takes the controls of a
“Red Tail” Mustang. Joe Hass co-pilots.
Photos by Greg Cardillo
Alexander with
his Hangar 9
PTS P-51
retrimmed in
Tuskegee
squadron
colors. The
model was a
gift of
appreciation
and was paid
for by private
donations.
THE HISTORY AND accomplishments
of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War
II serve as an inspiration and an example of
what can be accomplished when
confronted with adversity. These black
pilots, also known as the “Red Tails,”
overcame the prejudices of the era to earn
the coveted reputation of never having lost
a bomber when they flew fighter escort.
Chris Hass proudly presents the “Red Tail” PTS Mustang to Alexander at the conclusion
of his speech during his second visit to the Skymasters.
Alexander kept everyone riveted during his hour-long presentation with great stories
from World War II. He’s using a solid model of his Mustang to illustrate a story.
The Detroit, Michigan, area is home to
several of these veterans. Past AMA Vice
President Pete Waters heard Lieutenant
Colonel Alexander Jefferson speak at a
meeting of the Midwest R/C Club and was
so impressed he called me to say “You have
to have this guy come to one of your
meetings.”
So began an odyssey that took almost a
year to coordinate. It has been one of the
most rewarding encounters our organization
has had.
Pete Waters did not have Alexander’s
telephone number, but he put me in touch
with someone who did. Alexander Jefferson
is an extremely private individual. The
person with the phone number had been
instructed not to pass it out without his
permission.
Since Alexander travels extensively, it
took a long time before direct contact
between us was made. With his travel
schedule it took even longer for a mutually
acceptable date to be arranged for his first
visit to the 160-member Skymasters R/C
Club of Michigan (a Leader Club).
The Skymasters (www.skymasters.org)
differs from many clubs in that there is a
strong board to run the day-to-day
operations. This leaves our “meetings” to be
filled with programs, symposiums, and
guest speakers.
The meeting featuring Alexander
Jefferson had above-average member
attendance. Pilots from the Troy Oakland
Pilots full-scale flying club and students
from local middle schools were also
present. Even Model Aviation Hall of
Famer Art Adamisin drove an hour to spend
the evening with us.
Alexander arrived a few minutes before
the meeting time with a spry walk and
armed with numerous memorabilia from his
military career. Attired in a leather flight
jacket, it was as if he was ready to report for
duty.
I was privileged to make the
introduction. Those present responded with
a standing ovation. The author (Red Tail
Captured, Red Tail Free), public speaker,
and teacher mesmerized the crowd with an
entertaining and informative mix of humor
and history. His presentation was peppered
with the reality of the times.
Racial segregation and indignities were
what Alexander knew as the norm. His
father worked in the sweltering heat of a
foundry. He knew that he wanted to better
himself, so he pursued a college education
but couldn’t find work in his chosen field.
Those events paved the way to his military
career in aviation.
Alexander lit up when the conversation
turned to the aircraft he flew. His stories
were phenomenal. The Tuskegee pilots
were turned loose to fly P-51s with only 80
hours of flight training.
He lost a buddy who tried to do a roll on
the deck before the 80-gallon tank behind
the pilot was empty. His friend hadn’t read
the flight manual; that tank had to be used
before the maneuver.
The Tuskegee Airmen were itching to
prove their combat expertise. However,
their commander made it perfectly clear that
they were not to leave the bombers they
were escorting. That meant even though
they could see the enemy fighters in the
distance, they stayed close to the B-17s and
B-24s they were protecting, sometimes
flying just above stall speed to stay with the
lumbering aircraft.
Alexander related the story of the day
he was shot down. He was on an
assignment to take out a German radar
station. An incendiary shell came up
through the belly of his P-51 during his
attack run. It passed through his legs and
out the top of his canopy. The shell didn’t
Alexander took a moment to meet and talk with Alyssa Cardillo.
He gladly posed for photos with all club members.
In appreciation of his service to the US and his visits to the
Skymasters, club president Joe Hass presents a lifetime
membership to Alexander.
Many of the Skymasters turned out for the first flight with the PTS Mustang. Chris Hass (brown shirt) performed the test-flight duties
and then handed the controls over to the Tuskegee Airman.
start a fire in the oil cooler.
He gained as much altitude as he could.
With the fire burning under him, Alexander
cranked in down-trim, jettisoned the canopy,
and released his seat belt. As the aircraft dove
away, he left it—with no ejection seat! At
that point he became a POW.
What was most interesting was
Alexander’s response when questioned about
specific airplanes. He closed his eyes and
reached out his hands as if to touch the
various controls as he described the flight
characteristics of the aircraft he flew. His
favorite was the P-47 Thunderbolt.
Once while based at Selfridge Air Force
base in the Detroit area, his group was given
a flight assignment to fly across the state of
Michigan—at an altitude of only 50 feet,
except to avoid farmhouses and trees. The
return to Selfridge included flying under the
Ambassador Bridge (the suspension bridge
over the Detroit River that connects the US
and Canada).
Alexander spoke for an uninterrupted
hour. Not a soul moved; I don’t think there
was even a cough.
We took a coffee break, and he was
swarmed with even more one-on-one
questions. Member Jim Held brought in his
1/5-scale P-51 and Alexander autographed it.
He also autographed copies of his book. It
was a memorable evening.
At a subsequent board meeting it was
unanimously decided that Alexander
Jefferson should be an honorary lifetime
member of the Skymasters. Membership
Director Gary Weaks created a beautiful
plaque and a one-of-a-kind Lifetime
Membership Card.
Other members had independently and
privately purchased the Horizon Hobby
Progressive Trainer System (PTS) P-51
because it has proven to be an excellent
trainer for students. They wanted to see this
veteran P-51 jockey fly again!
Skymasters member Jim Held was tapped
to get the Mustang in Tuskegee Airmen
colors. Even the special markings Alexander
had painted on his aircraft were duplicated.
We asked Alexander to visit us again and
share a few more stories. We could have
listened to him the entire evening, but we took
a break. Before the coffee was poured
Alexander was presented with his plaque. He
was then introduced to chief flight instructor
Ron Sokacz; since he had become a
Skymasters member he was going to need
flight instruction.
Alexander commented that all he needed
at that point was a trainer. While he was
facing the crowd, other Skymasters quietly
brought up the PTS P-51 that was to be his
new ride. He was asked to turn around to see
his new airplane.
It was an emotional time as Alexander’s
eyes widened and he said “This is over the
top.” Everyone present shared handshakes,
hugs, and pictures. The new member
promised to get out to the Skymasters field.
Wednesdays from Memorial Day to Labor
Day are designated “Student Nights” at the
Skymasters field. The emphasis is on getting
newcomers as much stick time as possible.
We have a potluck dinner and finish the
evening at a local establishment sharing
stories about how well we used to fly.
Alexander finally found a free evening to
join us. Skymasters members swarmed
around him and his young neighbor to assist
in assembly of the P-51 and the maiden flight.
Preflight pictures were taken.
With all systems go, the Evolution engine
was fired up. Chris Hass did the check flight
and made the necessary adjustments. With a
full tank of fuel, it was time to get this
Tuskegee Airman back into the air.
After a climb to safe altitude Alexander
was positioned in the flight station for some
old-fashioned bear-hug instruction. He
quickly got the aileron timing and motion
down. The elevator required a bit more
attention and ground school. With a few more
flights he was flying again!
After his flights we interrupted the
evening’s activities for more pictures. Ever
the gentleman, Alexander made sure that his
young neighbor was included in the pictures
and got some instruction as well.
It has been a privilege for our members to be
associated with this fine gentleman and World
War II veteran. Your organization should seek
out these aging warriors to get a first-hand
account of their exploits. MA
Joe Hass
[email protected]
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/04
Page Numbers: 35,36,37,38
After more than 60 years, Tuskegee Airman Lt.
Col. Alexander Jefferson takes the controls of a
“Red Tail” Mustang. Joe Hass co-pilots.
Photos by Greg Cardillo
Alexander with
his Hangar 9
PTS P-51
retrimmed in
Tuskegee
squadron
colors. The
model was a
gift of
appreciation
and was paid
for by private
donations.
THE HISTORY AND accomplishments
of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War
II serve as an inspiration and an example of
what can be accomplished when
confronted with adversity. These black
pilots, also known as the “Red Tails,”
overcame the prejudices of the era to earn
the coveted reputation of never having lost
a bomber when they flew fighter escort.
Chris Hass proudly presents the “Red Tail” PTS Mustang to Alexander at the conclusion
of his speech during his second visit to the Skymasters.
Alexander kept everyone riveted during his hour-long presentation with great stories
from World War II. He’s using a solid model of his Mustang to illustrate a story.
The Detroit, Michigan, area is home to
several of these veterans. Past AMA Vice
President Pete Waters heard Lieutenant
Colonel Alexander Jefferson speak at a
meeting of the Midwest R/C Club and was
so impressed he called me to say “You have
to have this guy come to one of your
meetings.”
So began an odyssey that took almost a
year to coordinate. It has been one of the
most rewarding encounters our organization
has had.
Pete Waters did not have Alexander’s
telephone number, but he put me in touch
with someone who did. Alexander Jefferson
is an extremely private individual. The
person with the phone number had been
instructed not to pass it out without his
permission.
Since Alexander travels extensively, it
took a long time before direct contact
between us was made. With his travel
schedule it took even longer for a mutually
acceptable date to be arranged for his first
visit to the 160-member Skymasters R/C
Club of Michigan (a Leader Club).
The Skymasters (www.skymasters.org)
differs from many clubs in that there is a
strong board to run the day-to-day
operations. This leaves our “meetings” to be
filled with programs, symposiums, and
guest speakers.
The meeting featuring Alexander
Jefferson had above-average member
attendance. Pilots from the Troy Oakland
Pilots full-scale flying club and students
from local middle schools were also
present. Even Model Aviation Hall of
Famer Art Adamisin drove an hour to spend
the evening with us.
Alexander arrived a few minutes before
the meeting time with a spry walk and
armed with numerous memorabilia from his
military career. Attired in a leather flight
jacket, it was as if he was ready to report for
duty.
I was privileged to make the
introduction. Those present responded with
a standing ovation. The author (Red Tail
Captured, Red Tail Free), public speaker,
and teacher mesmerized the crowd with an
entertaining and informative mix of humor
and history. His presentation was peppered
with the reality of the times.
Racial segregation and indignities were
what Alexander knew as the norm. His
father worked in the sweltering heat of a
foundry. He knew that he wanted to better
himself, so he pursued a college education
but couldn’t find work in his chosen field.
Those events paved the way to his military
career in aviation.
Alexander lit up when the conversation
turned to the aircraft he flew. His stories
were phenomenal. The Tuskegee pilots
were turned loose to fly P-51s with only 80
hours of flight training.
He lost a buddy who tried to do a roll on
the deck before the 80-gallon tank behind
the pilot was empty. His friend hadn’t read
the flight manual; that tank had to be used
before the maneuver.
The Tuskegee Airmen were itching to
prove their combat expertise. However,
their commander made it perfectly clear that
they were not to leave the bombers they
were escorting. That meant even though
they could see the enemy fighters in the
distance, they stayed close to the B-17s and
B-24s they were protecting, sometimes
flying just above stall speed to stay with the
lumbering aircraft.
Alexander related the story of the day
he was shot down. He was on an
assignment to take out a German radar
station. An incendiary shell came up
through the belly of his P-51 during his
attack run. It passed through his legs and
out the top of his canopy. The shell didn’t
Alexander took a moment to meet and talk with Alyssa Cardillo.
He gladly posed for photos with all club members.
In appreciation of his service to the US and his visits to the
Skymasters, club president Joe Hass presents a lifetime
membership to Alexander.
Many of the Skymasters turned out for the first flight with the PTS Mustang. Chris Hass (brown shirt) performed the test-flight duties
and then handed the controls over to the Tuskegee Airman.
start a fire in the oil cooler.
He gained as much altitude as he could.
With the fire burning under him, Alexander
cranked in down-trim, jettisoned the canopy,
and released his seat belt. As the aircraft dove
away, he left it—with no ejection seat! At
that point he became a POW.
What was most interesting was
Alexander’s response when questioned about
specific airplanes. He closed his eyes and
reached out his hands as if to touch the
various controls as he described the flight
characteristics of the aircraft he flew. His
favorite was the P-47 Thunderbolt.
Once while based at Selfridge Air Force
base in the Detroit area, his group was given
a flight assignment to fly across the state of
Michigan—at an altitude of only 50 feet,
except to avoid farmhouses and trees. The
return to Selfridge included flying under the
Ambassador Bridge (the suspension bridge
over the Detroit River that connects the US
and Canada).
Alexander spoke for an uninterrupted
hour. Not a soul moved; I don’t think there
was even a cough.
We took a coffee break, and he was
swarmed with even more one-on-one
questions. Member Jim Held brought in his
1/5-scale P-51 and Alexander autographed it.
He also autographed copies of his book. It
was a memorable evening.
At a subsequent board meeting it was
unanimously decided that Alexander
Jefferson should be an honorary lifetime
member of the Skymasters. Membership
Director Gary Weaks created a beautiful
plaque and a one-of-a-kind Lifetime
Membership Card.
Other members had independently and
privately purchased the Horizon Hobby
Progressive Trainer System (PTS) P-51
because it has proven to be an excellent
trainer for students. They wanted to see this
veteran P-51 jockey fly again!
Skymasters member Jim Held was tapped
to get the Mustang in Tuskegee Airmen
colors. Even the special markings Alexander
had painted on his aircraft were duplicated.
We asked Alexander to visit us again and
share a few more stories. We could have
listened to him the entire evening, but we took
a break. Before the coffee was poured
Alexander was presented with his plaque. He
was then introduced to chief flight instructor
Ron Sokacz; since he had become a
Skymasters member he was going to need
flight instruction.
Alexander commented that all he needed
at that point was a trainer. While he was
facing the crowd, other Skymasters quietly
brought up the PTS P-51 that was to be his
new ride. He was asked to turn around to see
his new airplane.
It was an emotional time as Alexander’s
eyes widened and he said “This is over the
top.” Everyone present shared handshakes,
hugs, and pictures. The new member
promised to get out to the Skymasters field.
Wednesdays from Memorial Day to Labor
Day are designated “Student Nights” at the
Skymasters field. The emphasis is on getting
newcomers as much stick time as possible.
We have a potluck dinner and finish the
evening at a local establishment sharing
stories about how well we used to fly.
Alexander finally found a free evening to
join us. Skymasters members swarmed
around him and his young neighbor to assist
in assembly of the P-51 and the maiden flight.
Preflight pictures were taken.
With all systems go, the Evolution engine
was fired up. Chris Hass did the check flight
and made the necessary adjustments. With a
full tank of fuel, it was time to get this
Tuskegee Airman back into the air.
After a climb to safe altitude Alexander
was positioned in the flight station for some
old-fashioned bear-hug instruction. He
quickly got the aileron timing and motion
down. The elevator required a bit more
attention and ground school. With a few more
flights he was flying again!
After his flights we interrupted the
evening’s activities for more pictures. Ever
the gentleman, Alexander made sure that his
young neighbor was included in the pictures
and got some instruction as well.
It has been a privilege for our members to be
associated with this fine gentleman and World
War II veteran. Your organization should seek
out these aging warriors to get a first-hand
account of their exploits. MA
Joe Hass
[email protected]
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/04
Page Numbers: 35,36,37,38
After more than 60 years, Tuskegee Airman Lt.
Col. Alexander Jefferson takes the controls of a
“Red Tail” Mustang. Joe Hass co-pilots.
Photos by Greg Cardillo
Alexander with
his Hangar 9
PTS P-51
retrimmed in
Tuskegee
squadron
colors. The
model was a
gift of
appreciation
and was paid
for by private
donations.
THE HISTORY AND accomplishments
of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War
II serve as an inspiration and an example of
what can be accomplished when
confronted with adversity. These black
pilots, also known as the “Red Tails,”
overcame the prejudices of the era to earn
the coveted reputation of never having lost
a bomber when they flew fighter escort.
Chris Hass proudly presents the “Red Tail” PTS Mustang to Alexander at the conclusion
of his speech during his second visit to the Skymasters.
Alexander kept everyone riveted during his hour-long presentation with great stories
from World War II. He’s using a solid model of his Mustang to illustrate a story.
The Detroit, Michigan, area is home to
several of these veterans. Past AMA Vice
President Pete Waters heard Lieutenant
Colonel Alexander Jefferson speak at a
meeting of the Midwest R/C Club and was
so impressed he called me to say “You have
to have this guy come to one of your
meetings.”
So began an odyssey that took almost a
year to coordinate. It has been one of the
most rewarding encounters our organization
has had.
Pete Waters did not have Alexander’s
telephone number, but he put me in touch
with someone who did. Alexander Jefferson
is an extremely private individual. The
person with the phone number had been
instructed not to pass it out without his
permission.
Since Alexander travels extensively, it
took a long time before direct contact
between us was made. With his travel
schedule it took even longer for a mutually
acceptable date to be arranged for his first
visit to the 160-member Skymasters R/C
Club of Michigan (a Leader Club).
The Skymasters (www.skymasters.org)
differs from many clubs in that there is a
strong board to run the day-to-day
operations. This leaves our “meetings” to be
filled with programs, symposiums, and
guest speakers.
The meeting featuring Alexander
Jefferson had above-average member
attendance. Pilots from the Troy Oakland
Pilots full-scale flying club and students
from local middle schools were also
present. Even Model Aviation Hall of
Famer Art Adamisin drove an hour to spend
the evening with us.
Alexander arrived a few minutes before
the meeting time with a spry walk and
armed with numerous memorabilia from his
military career. Attired in a leather flight
jacket, it was as if he was ready to report for
duty.
I was privileged to make the
introduction. Those present responded with
a standing ovation. The author (Red Tail
Captured, Red Tail Free), public speaker,
and teacher mesmerized the crowd with an
entertaining and informative mix of humor
and history. His presentation was peppered
with the reality of the times.
Racial segregation and indignities were
what Alexander knew as the norm. His
father worked in the sweltering heat of a
foundry. He knew that he wanted to better
himself, so he pursued a college education
but couldn’t find work in his chosen field.
Those events paved the way to his military
career in aviation.
Alexander lit up when the conversation
turned to the aircraft he flew. His stories
were phenomenal. The Tuskegee pilots
were turned loose to fly P-51s with only 80
hours of flight training.
He lost a buddy who tried to do a roll on
the deck before the 80-gallon tank behind
the pilot was empty. His friend hadn’t read
the flight manual; that tank had to be used
before the maneuver.
The Tuskegee Airmen were itching to
prove their combat expertise. However,
their commander made it perfectly clear that
they were not to leave the bombers they
were escorting. That meant even though
they could see the enemy fighters in the
distance, they stayed close to the B-17s and
B-24s they were protecting, sometimes
flying just above stall speed to stay with the
lumbering aircraft.
Alexander related the story of the day
he was shot down. He was on an
assignment to take out a German radar
station. An incendiary shell came up
through the belly of his P-51 during his
attack run. It passed through his legs and
out the top of his canopy. The shell didn’t
Alexander took a moment to meet and talk with Alyssa Cardillo.
He gladly posed for photos with all club members.
In appreciation of his service to the US and his visits to the
Skymasters, club president Joe Hass presents a lifetime
membership to Alexander.
Many of the Skymasters turned out for the first flight with the PTS Mustang. Chris Hass (brown shirt) performed the test-flight duties
and then handed the controls over to the Tuskegee Airman.
start a fire in the oil cooler.
He gained as much altitude as he could.
With the fire burning under him, Alexander
cranked in down-trim, jettisoned the canopy,
and released his seat belt. As the aircraft dove
away, he left it—with no ejection seat! At
that point he became a POW.
What was most interesting was
Alexander’s response when questioned about
specific airplanes. He closed his eyes and
reached out his hands as if to touch the
various controls as he described the flight
characteristics of the aircraft he flew. His
favorite was the P-47 Thunderbolt.
Once while based at Selfridge Air Force
base in the Detroit area, his group was given
a flight assignment to fly across the state of
Michigan—at an altitude of only 50 feet,
except to avoid farmhouses and trees. The
return to Selfridge included flying under the
Ambassador Bridge (the suspension bridge
over the Detroit River that connects the US
and Canada).
Alexander spoke for an uninterrupted
hour. Not a soul moved; I don’t think there
was even a cough.
We took a coffee break, and he was
swarmed with even more one-on-one
questions. Member Jim Held brought in his
1/5-scale P-51 and Alexander autographed it.
He also autographed copies of his book. It
was a memorable evening.
At a subsequent board meeting it was
unanimously decided that Alexander
Jefferson should be an honorary lifetime
member of the Skymasters. Membership
Director Gary Weaks created a beautiful
plaque and a one-of-a-kind Lifetime
Membership Card.
Other members had independently and
privately purchased the Horizon Hobby
Progressive Trainer System (PTS) P-51
because it has proven to be an excellent
trainer for students. They wanted to see this
veteran P-51 jockey fly again!
Skymasters member Jim Held was tapped
to get the Mustang in Tuskegee Airmen
colors. Even the special markings Alexander
had painted on his aircraft were duplicated.
We asked Alexander to visit us again and
share a few more stories. We could have
listened to him the entire evening, but we took
a break. Before the coffee was poured
Alexander was presented with his plaque. He
was then introduced to chief flight instructor
Ron Sokacz; since he had become a
Skymasters member he was going to need
flight instruction.
Alexander commented that all he needed
at that point was a trainer. While he was
facing the crowd, other Skymasters quietly
brought up the PTS P-51 that was to be his
new ride. He was asked to turn around to see
his new airplane.
It was an emotional time as Alexander’s
eyes widened and he said “This is over the
top.” Everyone present shared handshakes,
hugs, and pictures. The new member
promised to get out to the Skymasters field.
Wednesdays from Memorial Day to Labor
Day are designated “Student Nights” at the
Skymasters field. The emphasis is on getting
newcomers as much stick time as possible.
We have a potluck dinner and finish the
evening at a local establishment sharing
stories about how well we used to fly.
Alexander finally found a free evening to
join us. Skymasters members swarmed
around him and his young neighbor to assist
in assembly of the P-51 and the maiden flight.
Preflight pictures were taken.
With all systems go, the Evolution engine
was fired up. Chris Hass did the check flight
and made the necessary adjustments. With a
full tank of fuel, it was time to get this
Tuskegee Airman back into the air.
After a climb to safe altitude Alexander
was positioned in the flight station for some
old-fashioned bear-hug instruction. He
quickly got the aileron timing and motion
down. The elevator required a bit more
attention and ground school. With a few more
flights he was flying again!
After his flights we interrupted the
evening’s activities for more pictures. Ever
the gentleman, Alexander made sure that his
young neighbor was included in the pictures
and got some instruction as well.
It has been a privilege for our members to be
associated with this fine gentleman and World
War II veteran. Your organization should seek
out these aging warriors to get a first-hand
account of their exploits. MA
Joe Hass
[email protected]
