Top of the Ladder – Room 206

Do you ever wonder what transpires behind the door of Room 206 in FTL’s general office building at Burbank?  

That’s the “top-of-the-ladder” room — the Executive department. Here is success, the dream of youth. Those who reach success are envied by many, respected by most, hated by a few, regarded with awe by all.  

Success—gained by years of unremitting effort, unceasing toil single-minded purpose.  

The story of FTL and its executives is a “success story”. The Flying Tiger Line has captured the imagination of the entire American public and has kept it cheering on the sidelines.  

What goes on in the Executive department as it meets responsibilities which increase with the growth of the company? The Executive department negotiates for, obtains, and executes contracts such as the Tokyo Airlift, the Navy contract, Trans-Atlantic charters, and the like. It sets Company policy, making sure it complies with all phases of labor, management, and practice. It buys and sells aircraft, such as the complicated financial transactions involved in the recent purchase of seven DC-6A planes at a cost of $7 million. It maintains contact with those who influence and shape the aviation world— and incidentally does more than a little shaping and influencing itself.  

Robert W. Prescott, President, has given talks and lectures all over the nation which have been attended and applauded by many of the most influential men in the country. Where Mr. Prescott’s name is known, The Flying Tiger Line is known, and where The Flying Tiger Line is known, it’s in business. 

Financial reins of the Company are held by Fred Benninger, General Manager and Secretary Treasurer. Mr. B’s financial acumen speaks for itself in determining the financial structure of the Company. He is responsible for coordinating and integrating the work of all departments of FTL.  

Staff assistants to Mr. Benninger include Howard Finney and O. R. Burghardt.  

Any mention of the Executive department would be incomplete without including the names of Charlotte Waltz, secretary to Mr. Prescott, and Shelley Green, Mr. Benninger’s secretary.   

So, we can see that what The Flying Tiger Line has been, is now, and will be, is largely dependent upon the ideas and planning by the executive department. But of all things, more than any other, the Executive department recognizes and appreciates the part played by each and every department, each and every employee. The success of one is equally dependent on the other. As we work for Management, so it works for us. So . . . you chart the course, Mr. Prescott and Mr. Benninger—and we’ll keep ’em flying! 

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