Letters to the Editor: Oops!
Letter: James Theis — El Paso, TX
I am a new AMA member and have enjoyed reading the official publication Model Aviation very much. On page 34 of the January 1980 issue there is an article on the Heinkel 100 that was said to have held the absolute world speed record for a generation before being broken by a special Bearcat — the record being 463.92 mph, set March 31, 1939.
That would make the He 100 a very special airplane indeed. However, when I went to my local library to relive these historic moments for myself, all I got was confusion because the June 1939 edition of Aviation told me the record was to be broken by the so‑called Me 109 a month later. Thirty days is hardly a generation. The new mark was listed as 469.22 mph, set by Fritz Wendel April 26, 1939 in the Me 109R. The World Almanac for 1940 (p. 296) concurs. The New York Times gives April 28, 1939 at 468.9 mph as the nod for the fastest piston/propeller run.
Who did hold the world speed record during the "war" years — the He 100, or is the main thrust of Mr. Sheeks' article in error?
James Theis El Paso, TX
Editor's reply
Mr. Theis is, of course, correct. We had forgotten that the Heinkel record was quickly broken by the Me 109R, piloted by Fritz Wendel, at 469.22 mph — the actual piston/propeller record that stood until it was broken by a special Bearcat a few years ago.
Letter: "Can't Lick 'Em — Join 'Em" — Susan Jarvis, Piscataway, N.J.
My father, Bob Jarvis Sr., and my brother, William C. Jarvis, first started flying last year. I was sick of seeing airplanes, motors, remote controls all over the house. The awful odor of glue and epoxy in the new house was making me sick. It disappeared hours later, after leaving a trail of pins across the step.
I decided the year had been too much — I'd lost my bedroom to the airplane world. People would come to the house and think I'd died and gone to airplane heaven. Time to stop complaining. Since I couldn't beat them, I joined.
Now I am the first girl member of the club. I remember my brother gave me a Square Soar glider; the first experiment stayed up all night. Re‑MonoKoting — I couldn't stop because I was hooked; I felt I could just fly away. Then my father decided to give me a Falcon Sr. I am really just learning to fly. Let me tell you, I would rather be up in the plane all day than behind a hot stove knitting.
Of course I haven't crashed yet because my brother has a trainer cord; if I crash I'll be right back up. Free spirits! So you can't beat joining. You'll never regret it. It's a wonderful feeling being free. So get out of the kitchen and fly the new world.
Susan Jarvis Piscataway, N.J.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
