Originally published in TigeReview September 1952
SOMETHING ABOUT AIR-PACK CORPORATION
(straight from Air-Pack themselves)
After the article about Air-Pack Corporation appeared in the July issue of TigeReview, we found that many employees knew nothing about the company, so here is a description of its activities. Air-Pack is a subsidiary of The Flying Tiger Line and was formed to engage in packaging and processing airplanes for shipment to NATO countries. This processing consists of inserting dehydrating chemicals in various parts of the plane, taping openings, etc., and spraying the entire plane with a strippable compound, all designed to protect the plane against salt spray.
Operations were begun last November at Newark in FTL Hangar 6, alongside FTL maintenance work. After the airport was closed and FTL moved to Idlewild, Air-Pack remained in Hangar 6 and later moved to Hangar 12 across the field. As indicated in our July issue, accounting is done at Burbank.
When the company was formed, Tigermen J. P. Goldsmith was elected President, H. W. Finney was elected Secretary-Treasurer, and Ted Chikowski moved over from FTL as Superintendent of Production. At this same time Louis Ferkin, a newcomer to the FTL family, but the one who conceived the Air-Pack operation, was elected Vice President.
Afterwards, several FTL men came over to Air-Pack Henry Haszko as Assistant Superintendent of Production, Ronald G„ Denk and John F. Fenyak as Mechanics, and John F. Markiewicz as Leadman. Also with Air-Pack for a brief period and now back with FTL was Tigerman Thomas Catalano as Junior Mechanic.
In the near future we hope to tell you something about the people who were introduced to FTL by becoming employees of Air-Pack.
Originally published in TigeReview November 1952
Views and News from Air-Pack Corner
In order -to get the rest of The Flying Tiger family familiar with the work that is being done by Air-Pack in Newark, we have managed to secure a photo of an F-84G as it was being towed thru the streets of Copenhagen, Denmark, after our work here had been accomplished. The plane does not look like much with its PLASTIC ENVELOPE, but once its cover is off, the jet fighter is ready in short order to take to the skies as part of our NATO defense force.
F-84 PACKAGED BY AIR-PACK
The work our boys are doing on the F-84 is done with precision and efficiency. Mechanic Leadman John Markiewicz, assisted by a fine crew of mechanics, does a wonderful job. They are like ants around the plane until their work is completed. After the mechanical work is completed, the tapers are on the job taping up all the seams and openings. Then comes the sprayers who spray on the compound which leaves the plastic envelope on the F-84 as it is seen in the photo. The tapers and sprayers are under the supervision of our jolly but strict Leadman, J.A. Cavanaugh.
All removable parts are wrapped in waterproof or greaseproof paper and made completely moisture proof. They are then stamped “SHIP AIR FREIGHT VIA THE FLYING TIGER LINE INC.” The removable tanks, batteries, etc., are crated for overseas shipment. This is done to prevent corrosion during the trip. After each plane is completed, it is inspected by the Air Force to that it meets all contract specifications, and is then towed to a nearby port for overseas shipment. Our boys are called upon to load the planes aboard ships that will transport them to their destination.
This whole operation is under the supervision of Theodore Chikowski, our Superintendent of Production, and his very capable assistant, Henry Haszko. This entire operation was initiated by our Vice President, Louis Ferkin, who gives it his daily attention. As you may know, this office is managed by the writer, assisted by Mary Sweeney, a very capable secretary. We must not forget our Burbank Section: Howard W. Finney, G. Carlton Sevy, and Grace Johnson, for without them our operation here would not run as smoothly as it does. Thanks are in order to Robert Prescott, Fred Benninger and John Goldsmith for the help and interest which they are giving to Air-Pack. If I were to give you a detailed description of our operation here at Newark it would take up the space of the whole paper. However, I believe that the foregoing will give you a fair idea of what goes on here. The boys are doing a good job, one of which we can be proud. In an operation of this type, you must have the cooperation of all, and it is cheerfully given.
We would like to thank the Air Force and Esso Air World for making it possible for us to present the photo of the F-84 for publication in the TigeReview.