Flying The Aggie Football Team
John Tapley '52 February 25, 2015 2:02 PM
By John Tapley '52, Captain U.S. Navy – Retired
July 14, 2014
Several years ago, I was named to be a member of A&M’s Legacy Society. I was in the class of ’52, a Junior and Senior Yell Leader.
After graduation, I became a pilot in the Air Force Flying Fighters -- The F-86.
After Active Duty, I was hired to be a pilot for Braniff Airways. Braniff had a contract to fly the A&M Football Team (and t.u.) on their charter flights. I flew the A&M Football Team in 1979, ’80, and ’81. As a former yell leader, on one flight I wore my ‘letter sweater’ and impressed no one! I invited them to visit the cockpit one at a time.
Easterwood’s runway was only 5000 feet long. I was used to 8000 feet. It was like making a landing on an aircraft carrier! I did that flying F-8 Crusaders in the Navy. I enjoyed flying the A&M Football Team. They were very well mannered and respectful!
July 14, 2014
Several years ago, I was named to be a member of A&M’s Legacy Society. I was in the class of ’52, a Junior and Senior Yell Leader.
After graduation, I became a pilot in the Air Force Flying Fighters -- The F-86.
After Active Duty, I was hired to be a pilot for Braniff Airways. Braniff had a contract to fly the A&M Football Team (and t.u.) on their charter flights. I flew the A&M Football Team in 1979, ’80, and ’81. As a former yell leader, on one flight I wore my ‘letter sweater’ and impressed no one! I invited them to visit the cockpit one at a time.
Easterwood’s runway was only 5000 feet long. I was used to 8000 feet. It was like making a landing on an aircraft carrier! I did that flying F-8 Crusaders in the Navy. I enjoyed flying the A&M Football Team. They were very well mannered and respectful!
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