4/4/40
Brooks Field, Tx.
Dear Martha:
Another cloudy day, but it will probably clear up in time for flying this afternoon.
We got two bad jobs out of the way last night and yesterday. I got a break on one of them. The instructors are required to ride with each man on one cross country flight to see his reactions and methods. We had our flight yesterday so I can now do all my cross-country solo whereas the others in the flight have a dual ride looking them in the face. Our first one was to Pawnee, San Marcos, and back to Brooks. Pawnee, is just an airport 10 miles from nowhere and about the size of a dime. You have to fly within 100 yards of it to ever see it, but it isn’t bad. I’ve flown down there on instruments and hit it on the head. Sketch shows approximate route. Since there are beams on two legs and excellent check points on the 80 mile leg, there was no excuse for getting lost if you could find Pawnee.
Last night we put in 2 hours of local night flying. The radio equipment stunk and I flew off about it. I may have the “privilege” of spending next week-end on it, but it will be a feather in my cap if I can improve it.
In addition to the above, we’re also scheduled for our night cross-country tomorrow. Boy, it may not have helped much up to this point, but knowing radio fundamentals sure is the nuts on radio navigation. It makes it possible for concentrate on something else.
Honey, I hope this arrangement is ok. I don’t get into town but Saturdays, and then not soon enough to do any shopping. So I’m sending you a money order for our birthday. Please don’t send me anything—just get something you need—and tell ‘em I sent it to you.
The folks came out night before last to watch the night flying. They hadn’t seen any for some time (about 10 years) and they were quite impressed. A.C.* got a big kick out of the planes. She and Cousin Arthur came out and looked one over.
That’s about all now, Angel. Gee, I wish I could be with you.
Lots of love, Cy.
P.S. Tell Bill I made 1 out of 25 on my skeet shooting! What a man.
*Annie Claire