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Posted: 12/31/1969 Name: Joe Mattison Message: As a final note on this incident that happened here in Buffalo, allow me to also say, that the Buffalo Airport and the crews that fly into this airport are some of the best in the country. Buffalo very often, gets what is known as the "lake effect" weather, and what would normally shut down an airport anywhere else in New England, the Buffalo airport remains open. Very rarely, do you ever hear of the Buffalo airport being closed due to weather. It's almost like hearing about the Super Bowl being cancelled, it's about that often. Over the many years, including my 25+ in the Army, I have flown in and out of the Buffalo Airport many times, and never gave it a thought or concern because of the quality of the flight crews who are especially trained for this airport and the performance of the airport personnel in keeping the airport open. The Buffalo airport is very often, flight instrument landing only, and as I said before, the aircrews who fly here are regulars with this airport and spend a lot of time in "simulation" training for the winter effects. As a case in point, the weather was so bad on the night that we arrived, I went out into the parking lot, got our Jeep, and picked up Jan at the baggage terminal. We then drove our 90 miles back home to Wellsville, and all of it was in 4 wheel drive High and Low depending on the road conditions. It's always been amazing to me that the Buffalo airport stays open during weather like that. The initial thinking about the crash that happened is "ice buildup". The plane originated in Newark, NJ and flew through the bad winter weather all of the way to Buffalo. By the time it got to the Buffalo airport, it was probably all iced up. The aircraft was a smaller, twin engine, propeller aircraft that's used quite a lot up here in New England between major cities and short distances. If you ever have to fly into or out of Buffalo, NY, please be assured that you really are in the hands of the very best commercial airline crews for winter, instrument landings and takeoff. For us who live here, we don't even think about it, for many who aren't used to it, I can understand the disbelief. As a final note on all of this, the crash is the only one that anyone can remember with regards to commercial aviation in and out of Buffalo. Given the many decades of commercial flight, and all of the "lake effect" weather that I can think of in my 54 years of life in and area, and those memories of my more senior family members who are in their late 80s, I'd say it's a pretty remarkable achievement. Just an interesting postscript collection of notes that I thought some of you may find interesting while I ramble on at this time of the day, watching our 5 year old, eating dry cereal and watching the "smurfs". Stay safe Rangers, where ever you are. Take care Joe |
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Posted: 12/31/1969 Name: ~C Message: Well, geez....if Cathy's going to Open House this year, I guess I need to! What time are you planning on being there, Cathy? |
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Posted: 12/31/1969 Name: Runyon Message: Mr. Singletary, I am glad that this will get out and may help someone. I'll surely post any info that I come across. I've been researching my retirement and had some retired friends here in Afghanistan pass along good stuff such as this to me. Hope it helps someone. Thanks for your help in passing the info. |
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Posted: 12/31/1969 Name: Joe Mattison Message: Steve: I know that you know about Bob M, and "Digger" Lee. Doug has to know about Ranger Parrish. I also understand that you are the point of contact for anyone wishing to send a "get well card" to Doc Donovan. Congratulations on being the overwhelming response...by the "originals" of 1/75 in creating a coin for the "originals" and most importantly, thanks for what you do. Snow.....? Someone mention snow? Does anyone want me to pick them up at the Buffalo Airport, where I can show you some of that doggone...snow? If I were a member of Rogers Rangers and it was 1756....I'd have to terminate my Jump Status just to get the heck out of that outfit. Colder then all get out, winds howling out of the north and snow up to my armpits....welcome back to upstate New York....Joe. Dumber then a box of rocks when I think that I could have retired to southern Florida. |
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Posted: 12/31/1969 Name: Bob Suchke Message: Last night a program aired on TV about Ranger School. It was called "Surviving the Cut" and it was a very good program. Col Flohr was in it as well a some other notable instructors. All phases were covered in the hour long feature and I believe it was an accurate representation of what today's Ranger student goes through. I say well done! As for me, I am doing much better and offer thanks to all who have called or were concerned about me. My strength is returning and I hope to be fully functional soon. All the best. Rangers Lead the Way! |
