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The autumn edition includes highlights from William R. Hearst III receiving the 2022 Achievement in Aviation Award and a memorable movie night with Captain Sully Sullenberger.  Also read about recent museum acquisitions, and plans for the 2023 Gala and the Achievement in Aviation Award.

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Nearly 100 people waited in line inside of the Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum at SFO to meet Capt. Sullenberger and many had their books signed before watching the documentary, “Miracle Landing on the Hudson.”

Shortly before the film started, Sullenberger delivered a moving and informative speech about what happened in the cockpit on January 15, 2009. He described how he managed the ultimate crisis. It may be surprising to some people, but Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles had never met before Flight 1549. “I couldn’t have had a better colleague that day. In a situation where the time pressure and workload were so intense, we couldn’t even talk about what happened and what we should do about it. He and I were able to collaborate wordlessly in this developing crisis, knowing intuitively what we should do to help the other based on our own long experience,” Sullenberger explained.

So, how exactly did Sullenberger safely land the plane? “We had never trained for this on the flight simulators at the airline…it was not possible to practice a water landing. But because I had learned my craft so well, I knew my airplane and my profession so intimately that I could set clear priorities. So I chose to do only the highest priority items. And then I had the discipline to ignore everything I did not have time to do as being only distractions and potential detriment to our performance,” Sullenberger added. “We used gravity to provide the forward motion of the plane.” He described that it then came down to judging altitude, speed and holding the nose of the plane just right before landing on the water. “I knew it was going to be a hard landing; I just didn’t know how hard,” Sullenberger said.

SFAS Board Member Dennis Bouey said “Sully could not have been more accommodating, patient, and informative to our members; not to mention with a constant display of good humor.”

This was indeed a very special event to honor one of our Bay Area heroes – Captain Sully Sullenberger.

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This acquisition includes two model airplanes, a set of first class menus from the 1960s, as well as items that reflect the inflight fashion during these bygone decades of aviation.    The uniform pieces provide a glimpse of TWA’s “couture” with a winter “Cutout” jacket from 1944, a hat from 1955, and dresses from the 1960s.   “We are so happy to donate these collectables to the museum so they can be shared both in person on display at the museum and online, giving everyone a glimpse into the glamour of flying back in the day” commented Eric Starks, President of the SFAS.   Megan Callan, Asst. Director Museum Affairs added “we are grateful to the Society for its dedication to acquire and gift such important pieces to the San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Library and Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum Louis A Turpen Museum and Archives so that together we can preserve and appreciate aviation history.”

Stay tuned for more exciting news of other aviation artifacts being acquired this year!

TWA (Trans World Airlines), flight attendant winter dress (left); 1968; Menu c. 1960s (right)

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Relaunch of the FAM14 Newsletter including exciting museum and acquisition updates, new Board Members and future events.

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John Martin reflects “I had the honor and good fortune to work for Lou for 14 years at SFO. He was an inspirational leader, always thinking outside the box and ten steps ahead of others in the industry. And, as a leader, he always held fast to his values.  Lou created the vision for SFO’s future before he left for Toronto in 1995. He imagined a world class International Terminal built above our main Airport roadway, which seemed almost impossible to imagine at the time.  He implemented a first of its kind inline baggage screening system in 1995–years ahead of the new federal requirements that would be put in place in 2002.  And, he imagined an Aviation Museum in the International Terminal, designed as virtual replica of SFO 1930’s terminal.  I am forever grateful to Lou, for his mentorship, for what he did for SFO, and his creation of the Aviation Museum and Library.  I’m proud to continue on the Board of the Aeronautical Society which continues to support Lou’s vision.”

Angela Gittens recalls “Lou was my mentor, I would never have considered becoming a CEO were it not for him, criticizing me, encouraging me and teaching me, with his characteristic ability to tell memorable stories that made the point. His integrity was total, and he was strategic and tactical enough to win the day. He never missed the opportunity to teach and lead so that to work for him was an exercise in executive development. And he made it fun. You always knew where he was in the airport because you could hear his laughter and that of those around him reveling in his sense of humor. He was a visionary, always seeing where the industry could go and making sure that the airport was prepared to stay apace of change. He managed to keep the same executive team together for ten years and every one of us cherished the experience.”

Catherine Mayer shares “Lou’s personality not only filled the room, but his vision and values were what made him the successful leader that he was. He drove aviation forward and balanced the interests of all stakeholders, something that was never easy to do. But what set him apart from other great leaders was his amazing ability to bring together people from all corners of the world to work in harmony and become ever-lasting friends.   Lou was always available to us as our mentor throughout the decades, and we will forever remember his joy and laughter as he recounted the endless stories of aviation history, politics, life, friends, foes and family.   It is comforting to know that he continues to guide us and share wisdom through the SFO Museum Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum and Library.”

Dennis Bouey adds “Lou was a very special person who possessed remarkable integrity and the courage with which to act. Qualities, always in short supply, but particularly so these days. Now when we could use him most, he’s gone. We know we’ll miss him but there are those who didn’t know Lou whose lives will be diminished because he’ll no longer be there to do the right thing. That’s the thing…..no matter what, Lou could always be depended upon to do what was proper; no matter the consequences.   And, for those of us who worked for Lou, his support can only be described as relentless.”

Eric Starks, SFAS Board President remembers “ I never worked for Lou but for some reason, he took to me, seeing something that I didn’t even recognize in myself. Through his stories of the military, San Francisco politics, and the deregulation years at the airport, I learned so much. Lou had extensive experience over his lifetime and was always willing to share his knowledge.  He had strong values and opinions, and could be very direct; often catching me off guard!  But, his charm, quick wit, bright smile, and delivery made everybody love and respect him.  He was a mentor to me.”

And our fellow Board member, Lou’s son Ken Turpen, lovingly reminds all that “Lou Turpen was an incredible and unbelievably intelligent man and those who worked with him, have only had the highest praises. More importantly to me however, was what a fantastic father, husband, and human being he was. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect role model. I can’t tell you how much I will miss him.

The SFAS Board extends its sincere condolences to Lou’s family and friends around the world.

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