Comments on: Sikorsky S-42

By: Vanuel G. Baker, USN (Ret)

Vanuel G. Baker, USN (Ret) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:56:13 +0000

While writing my memoir for my grandchildren, I wrote about my brother, sister and myself leaving Dinner Key, bound for San Juan in 1941, aboard an S-42 Clipper. My brother and I were but nine years old, but we were so impressed that we can still remember the trip, as though it were a couple of days ago. A FABULOUS airplane!!!! If you would care for a copy of our trip, please advise. Respectfully, V.G.B.

By: DON BARKER

DON BARKER — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:05:39 +0000

Gret reading. I have an original photograph taken, believe, in Cuba, of NC14716, the beautiful Sweet-sixteen. If you care for a copy of the b/w photograph write to me or mail request to; Don Barker, 304-3rd St SE, CONOVER NC 28613.

By: Jim Schultejans

Jim Schultejans — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:29:52 +0000

Guys,
I am new to researching flying boats, but another great book, “Night Over Water”, by Ken Follett has got me going. Flying boats are definitely cool! Do you think there is any chance at all that someone will build a couple to be used as high-end vacation travel?

Picture it. Leave Boston, or some other east coast city, and land in some lagoon in the caribean, taxing up to the beach, yards away from your palm frond cabin! I’d pay for it.

Thanks for setting up a great site! Mr. McClay, your books are next on my list!

By: Jill Luckey

Jill Luckey — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:25:41 +0000

I have a photo (actually two) signed and dated (11/20/31). One signature is definitely Lindbergh’s and the other one apparently is by the other pilot which I can’t make out although I think his first initial is “Y”. On the back is written “American Clipper at ______ Fuegos, Cuba. _______ Chas. Lindbergh Chief Pilot Nov. 20 1931 enroute Miami to Jamaica – Maiden Voyage. Passengers E.D. Rea (from Fort Myers, FL) and Alice Davenport.” I can’t make out the words in two places. Since the photos pre-date the above info, can you give me any more information. The photos were given to my mother-in-law (who was a private duty nurse) by Mrs. Rea.

By: randy gibb

randy gibb — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:09:51 +0000

I am writing a book on ‘aviation visual perception’ and would like to use the photo on this webpage of the S-42…I discuss a mishap in the san juan harbor from 1941 involving a flying clipper. May I use the photo? I will reference this webpage.
many thanks
rg

By: Jamie Dodson

Jamie Dodson — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:07:06 +0000

David “Mac” McLay,

Thank you for your interest. Please visit my website at http://www.nickgrantadventures.com for ordering information. If you order from me, vice the other retail websites, I can sign and dedicate the copy to whomever you wish.

Can you tell me a bit about your career with Pan Am? I’m just back from Oshkosh, and met many retired and former Pan Am employees. I was no more that a passenger and rode in the back… ;o). However, I am a member of the Pan Am Historical Foundation and American Aviation Historical Society.

Cheers! Jamie

By: David "Mac" McLay

David "Mac" McLay — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:35:40 +0000

Good Day, Jamie —
Please let me know when your new PAA novel is published, and I can relay the info to our Clipper Pioneers (retired PAA cockpit crewmember) site. Many thanks. Where can I find “Flying Boats and Spies”?

By: Jamie Dodson

Jamie Dodson — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:11:52 +0000

What a great airplane! It was a co-star in my first Pan Am novel, ‘Flying Boats & Spies’. Captain Ed Musick was quoted as saying, “It’s my favorite Clipper. She got the stuff and handles as sweet as you please.” It’s a shame the S-42 fuel dump system was so treacherous. We may never know what happened to the Samoan Clipper but we do know it happened during fuel dumping off Samoa and killed all aboard. My next Pan Am Clipper novel is due for release in September. It’s called the “CHINA CLIPPER.” More about the M-130 but still an accurate historical fiction novel. Thanks for sharing your website and you expertise.

Cheers! Jamie