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JHNA57
2009-07-31, 11:23 AM
If anyone has access to old copies of "Flying" magazine, I recall reading an article in the late 70's or early 80's titled "June 21st at JFK" The article had to do with a day in the life of the JFK tower and how the juggled a day of nasty weather with thunderstorms, wind shear and wind shifts. I have not been able to find a copy of this article, but I know it would be of great interest to this group.

Another series of articles was in a magazine called "Airpower" and its sister publication "Wings" The article described life at ZAHNS airport which was located only about 1/4 mile south of Republic.

The two part article was written by "Mike Machat" the aviation artist. Apparently he worked summers there driving the fuel truck.

Zahns was closed in the early 80's and is now an industrial park, but Machat really captures the "small town airport" feel of Zahns. I know this because I spent quite alot of time there in the very early 70's taking flying lessons. I spent a lot of my hours in a Cessna 150 (N6711S), but I was also treated to a ride in a beautiful yellow Piper Cub.

The airports main runway was north/south and about 4000 ft long with high tension wires on the north end. the was also an even shorter East/West runway with hanger at the east end.

There was a small airport diner with model airplanes hanging from the ceiling and the BEST greasy French Fries on LI. And across the street from the diner there was a NIKE missile site, part of NYs Cold War defense system. I don't recall if it was still active at that time.

As you can see, it would be a great read for anyone on this net, and Machat does a great job of describing it.

I do have a PDF copy of this article, but I cannot figure out how to post it here!!

Maybe one of you more savy posters can give your E-mail address and I will send you the article for posting.

nightbeacons
2009-07-31, 02:13 PM
Hi --

I believe you can contact Mike Machat through http://www.airartnw.com/machat.htm

On a related note, I have been researching Zahns Airport for several years. I am building a freeware "Zahns" scenery package for the X-Plane Flight Simulator. (You can use the runways, taxi, and see all the old buildings.)

The description of the project (including some videos) is at http://research.sun.com/zahns/

I've also posted many of my reference photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/nightbeaco ... 53/detail/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nightbeacons/sets/72157601599141953/detail/)
(These are used to position the buildings, as well as to "paint" them.)

As this is an ongoing project, I would love to hear any stories or see any old photos or maps you'd care to share.

Thanks!

Charlie
(learned to fly at Zahns in the late 70s)