2. My first airplane ride in 1942

Stories from my love of airplanes

By Fred Burlingame, Jr.

Herman Alexander lived in Smethport. He had a Stinson Reliant Junior based at Kane and later at Mt. Jewett. He had a son my age and I cultivated that kid all I could. One evening

Donald invited me to his home and as we sat on the floor, Herman was seated in his favorite chair reading the newspaper. It was almost like being in the presence of a God for me. I really had the bug to fly.

My first airplane ride came after I had graduated from High School in 1942 at Ted Guinnep’s Airport at Olean, NY. I had a hard time getting anyone to talk to me, but at last I got my ride. $2.00 to go around the pattern. At that time Ted was conducting a Civilian Pilot Training Program and I could have probably got enrolled, but I thought it was only for students at St. Bonaventure College at Allegany, NY.

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