It isn’t very often that authors and photographers step away from their keyboards and lenses into the spotlight. Typically, these professionals are focused on conveying the stories and accomplishments of others. Yet scribes and photographers don’t necessarily just live vicariously through their subjects — they can and do lead interesting lives of their own.
Take, for example, American aircraft historian and author John Swick.
The day dawns bright and sunny in eastern Colorado, so John hops in his restored 1979 Ford pickup and drives a short distance to Kit Carson County Airport (KITR) in Burlington. Eagerly pushing open the T-hangar doors, a light zephyr ruffles his hair as he casts an admiring gaze at his 1946 BC12-D Taylorcraft (N96290).
After a thorough preflight, John hand props the Continental A-65-8 and removes the tiedown and chocks. The two seniors, whose combined ages total 161 years, taxi onto the runway and rise into the sky for an ephemeral refreshing respite.
Born in 1932, John grew up on a small ranch (a cow-calf operation) in the hill country of central Nebraska. He attended a one-room school through eighth grade, and was about 9 when he first became enthused about aviation.
“My mother gave me a cardboard book of cut-out aircraft, and as time went on, she saw the error of her ways and started to give me civil engineering books!” he recalls.
“My first ride was in a 1946 Aeronca 7AC Champion, for about $5,” reminisces John. “In the summer of 1946, my cousin, Oscar Swick, purchased a shiny new Luscombe Model 8A. I was really fascinated with that Luscombe, and Oscar ultimately became a Luscombe dealer. My family was quite poor, so I worked for his father and uncle during the summers. I rode in several different airplanes with them.”
Three Chapters
John was 23 when he soloed a 1940 Aeronca Chief in 1955, and continued flying for just five years.
“My flying is divided into three chapters for numerous reasons — career opportunities, lack of financial resources, and sometimes the unavailability of an aircraft. Plus, I decided that raising a family, being an entrepreneur and starting my own business, as well as pursuing other career opportunities, came first in my life adventure,” he says. “My wife, Joan, and I were married 61 years. She was an equity actor and traveled and performed in a theater group, so from 1960 to 1978, I didn’t fly. Then I flew for 10 years until 1988. I didn’t fly for the next 28 years.”
At various times throughout the years, he’s owned two 1946 Luscombe 8As, a 1948 Luscombe 8F Deluxe, a 1942 Aeronca Chief, and a Cessna 172N.
In 2016, John picked up flying again when he bought the Taylorcraft he now owns.
“A fellow I knew had decided to sell his Taylorcraft because he didn’t fly it very much,” he says. “It was in excellent condition, so I talked to my daughter Cheryl, who used to fly with me, and she said she didn’t care if I bought an airplane, but she’d have a fit if I bought a motorcycle!”
Since he hadn’t flown for nearly three decades, and there wasn’t an airplane he could rent at his local airport, John went over to Renner Field (KGLD) in Goodland, Kansas, and had his flight review in a Cessna 172.
Then he went to Jim Kelly Field Airport (KLXN) in Lexington, Nebraska, to fetch the BC12-D.
“I found a flight instructor who checked me out in the Taylorcraft, and I flew it back to Burlington,” he recalls. “It was really exciting to be flying again.”
“I didn’t use a GPS. It was a 148 nm cross country and I navigated by drawing lines on my sectional chart and looking for checkpoints,” he continues.
“But suddenly my life got really busy, so I didn’t fly it very much for a couple of years. Then I was a little sketchy, so I went over to Shalz Field Airport (KCBK) in Colby, Kansas, and had my flight review and we did crosswind landings in a Cessna 150.”
“I fly my Taylorcraft about every week, and it costs me $20 a year to have bragging rights that I belong to the United Flying Octogenarian club,” he says with a smile. “My logbooks show 764 hours total time, and I have flown 22 different aircraft as pilot in command. The most interesting aircraft I’ve ever flown was Chuck Doyle’s 1931 Stinson Jr. S (NC443G).”
John describes the most fulfilling aspect of having his BC12-D as being “the pride of ownership.”
“I’ll be 88 this year, and I really get a lot of pleasure out of owning an airplane and being able to fly it,” he says. “I can still go and push it out of the hangar, and start it and fly it, and put it back in the hangar all by myself. Nobody has to help me. When I can’t do that, I’ll quit flying it.”
Aviation History
John revels in aviation history. In the mid-1960s, he discovered there wasn’t a book about Luscombe aircraft history, so he started doing some informal research on the topic.
His mother, no doubt, wielded a bit of influence on his research and writing endeavors. She was a writer whose stories appeared in magazines and newspapers.
“In 1968, I was visiting my mother in Nebraska and researching cousin Oscar’s Luscombe dealership. My mother said, ‘I’ve been saving this for you for all these years,’ as she went to a closet and produced several boxes containing aircraft brochures that I’d collected in 1946. One of those was the original Luscombe factory brochure and about 15 magazines from 1946 to 1948. That started my serious research — and research is fun. I really enjoy it,” smiles John.
“But writing is the albatross around my neck, and I must have had at least 20 rejections from publishers before Every Cloud has a Silvaire Lining was published in 1987. At that time, we didn’t have computer-assisted drawings. A young lady, Raylene Canada, drew them by hand on large Mylar sheets, and then they were shrunk down for the book. Her drawings served as a springboard for her entry into a successful career, and that was the best thing about that book.”
In 2005, he expanded that book into Luscombe’s Golden Age. The culmination of an additional seven years of research and writing yielded Stinson’s Golden Age (Volume 1, Stinson Aircraft 1938-1947, and Volume 2, Stinson Aircraft 1948-1950 and Beyond) as part of Wind Canyon Books’ “The Golden Age of Aviation” series. John’s forthcoming book, Stinson’s Early Years: 1920 to 1943, may be published by fall 2020.
While the research is fun, there’s another element of writing that John says he enjoys as well: “Overall, the thing I value most about writing is making good friends and meeting interesting, creative people in the field of aviation.”
Wing Ribs
One of those aviator friends gave John a Piper PA-18 wing rib about 20 years ago. That launched John into a rather eclectic hobby — collecting wing ribs. His collection includes ribs from a Myers OTW, Fleet Model 9, Steen Skybolt, Ryan PT-22, Taylorcrafts, Stinsons, Luscombes, Aeroncas, and a de Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth.
“It’s cheaper than collecting entire airplanes,” chuckles John with his ever-present humor, “so each aircraft event that I attend, I just ask if anyone has wing ribs lying around that they would contribute to my collection. It’s amazing to me the number of people who find a wing rib in their hangar or basement!”
An Optimist’s Outlook
“I was baptized in a river as a young man and my faith has sustained me through the years. I’ve always been an optimist, even in bad times. That’s how I survived. As an entrepreneur, I owned a Ben Franklin Variety store and a Ben Franklin Crafts store,” elaborates John. “I was told if you go broke in business it creates character. I went broke once and I do not need any more character. We could not compete with the big box discount stores and went out of business. I lost everything except my house, and just picked up the pieces and started over.”
Though John’s lifelong interest in aviation is near and dear to his heart, it’s not only aviation that tickles his fancy. Just prior to the coronavirus pandemic, he took dance lessons and learned how to do the two-step, country swing, and waltz. He’s still working on perfecting his polka.
But that’s not all … he also plays competitive bridge and occasionally is called to work as a substitute teacher at a middle school and high school. Among other endeavors, he serves on his local hospital board, and has nearly completed his research for a book about Ben Franklin Five and Dime stores.
Ever optimistic and hoping the pandemic will soon subside, John is also planning to help celebrate the centennial of Stinson aircraft this summer by attending and speaking at various gatherings, including the Stinson gathering at the Antique Airplane Association’s fly-in at Blakesburg, Iowa, and the Stinson fly-in at Beaumont, Kansas.
Hello Bruce MacRitchie,
My father, Mike Sr., rebuilt Fleet Canuck CF-DQY some years ago.
I would like to discuss a different Fleet Canuck, CF-EAS.
Would you e-mail me at [email protected]?
Thanks, Mike Vasil
Hi Nice article about John and his may years of flying . I am a Canadian citizen and like John *& big ones . I hold an Airline Transport lic and AME Canadian maintenance lic . I owned and operated a flight school and charter operations for many years , at a small Canadian airport 25 miles from Buffalo NY . Today I enjoy regular flights in my Stinson 108-2 . Stinson L5 . I also own a C421 Piper PA30 , and a T28C which is up for sale . At my home on a airpark in N Ft Myers i have a PA23-250 and a Fairchild 24R which I restored . With the COVID situation my toys in Florida , are sitting . I would like to talk to other old fools , and compare lies . Bruce
I was just looking for a picture of someone standing next to a light aircraft as I am trying to make a small model plane from cardboard. Why? I don’t know. But now,after seeing this article, perhaps I do. John’s story and the responses ffrom other flyers are quite humbling but inspiring too. The times lived through and optimism of people are reflected in these small aircraft which seem to offer a freedom, an otherworldlyness, which many of us seek. When I eventually get my model built and painted up, it will remind me of John and the fact that even at a certain age, we can still do and dream. Many thanks to all.
Hi My name is Bruce MacRitchie and I will be 87 Feb 10 2021, and I would, like to be able to contact John . I am a Canadian citizen and have been flying for over 65 years . At one time held an airline transport rating , and still own an 108-2 , L5 , PA30 , PA24 , C421 ,F24R Pa23-250 and have a home in an airpark in Florida called Pine Shadows . Would like to be there now , but Covid does not allow . I also own a T28C which is for sale , Please tell me if I can contact John
You may email me at jrangerjohn (at) centurytel.net
Note: substitute @ for (at) in the above email address – typed it that way to avoid spam!
I can be reached at [email protected] I speak Luscombe Stinson and Taylorcraft and I will gladly reply to all inquiries.
Can you tell me how to contact John Swick?
Johnn,
My first plane was a 1940 Chief after a windstorm destroyed it I got a 1946 chief and on and more.
I’m only 85.
Press onward through the fog!
Norm
Mr. John,
Your story reinforces my desire to continue to fly, at 78 years and, 7 months in my life’s journey. I too went to a one room school-house. My first encounter with flying was in 1956 or 1957 over the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky, in a 108 HP, Stinson Station Wagon. I knew at that time, this is something that I want to do. My first flying lesson was in 1962, in 1963 I began taking flying lesson on a regular basis, in 1966, I earned my PPL. I too have had long periods of time out in my flying activity, however the desire to fly never goes away. I learned to fly in a Piper Colt, $10.00 per hour wet, and $2.00 for the instructor. I spoke with my instructor a few days ago, he is ninety five years old, and still active, as he is growing a large vegetable garden. I am currently restoraing a 1984 Teratorn Tierra II, and hope to have her flying by mid-October this year. I too have encountered some objection, regarding my continuing to fly at my age. My thought is that I too will know when it is time to hang it up, when I can no longer perform the chores of preparing my airplane for flight, having difficulties in getting in, and out of the airplane. You are an inspiration to many of us old guys, who still desire to dream, and pursue the great joy of taking flight.
Thank you for the nice comment – John
I enjoy every line
Congratulations
Thank you and thanks to Sparky for writing the article.
John
I enjoyed reading this article just as much as I enjoyed reading John’s books. Just last week I was greeted with a phone call and a personal letter from John. He sent me records and information he gathered about my Stinson 108 when he was researching at Univair for one of his books. His letter and the information he sent me will help me during restoration and will be a part of my aircraft records. Thanks for bringing aviation history to us John, your are doing your part to keep aviation history alive for the younger generation! Many blessings to you and your family and many more years of writing and flying!
Thank you for your comments. Writing history is challenge and rewarding.
John
I’ve been a member of the UFO’s for eight years and I built my Onex at age 82. I have 1600 hours in a C-150 and 300 in the Onex. Maybe one more year.
In a few days my hangar neighbor at KSEE (Gillespie Field) is at his hangar every day with his Pietenpol and KR-2. He still flies at 89 and is an inspiration to all of us in our 70’s. These guys who stay active into their 80’s are important to recognize, as General Aviation News is doing with this article. We were born during WWII or immediately after when everyone was crazy about airplanes and I suspect there are a lot of us born in that era who are out there prowling the skies.
Meant to say he’ll be 89 in a few days. I hope my flying skills are better than my editing.
Thank you for your comment. Flying after 80 has been very rewarding.
John
Love guys like this. Unfortunately, they are a dying breed. They are from the “old stock” and they will not be replaced by today’s young people.
John,
I will be 80 Dec 30th of this year, and look forward to joining the Octogenarians as soon as I have that first flight in Jan! Your careers are inspirational, I spent 25 yrs as a Navy Carrier Pilot, then 25 as a Corporate Pilot, and am still a Flight Instructor in a Flying Club. Flying is a highlight of my life, and I tell my wife I plan to give her a ride in my plane when I am 90!!
George,
We at the UFO will be anxiously awaiting your application on December 30. It is heartwarming to realize that publications like this publish articles that mention ou beloved organization. FYI, as of December 31, 2019 there were 1662 membes in the UFO six of whom are over 100 years of age! ‘See you in December. Jim Cavender UFO President
Thank you for your kind comments. Look forward to see you in the sky!
John
John: You are a great testament to what it means to live the good life. Being a pilot and a writer are gifts that let you share your passions with others. I wish you continued good health and joy!
Thank you.
John
I am only 76 and enjoying some of the best flying years of my life which started over 40 years ago – with some similar interruptions as yours. “Keep Flying John” When I grow up I want to be like you.
Hang in there. You’ll make it!
John
Way to go John I admire a person that has reached
the golden age and still flys
I am at that age and still fly my c-150
Lets keep it up John
Thank you and may you always have a tailwind.
John
As the proud owner/pilot of a Taylorcraft, I began reading this article about John Swick. I was so surprised that he is the author of a book on Luscombes that I’ve had from when he first published. I hope that someone will write about the interesting pilots who have owned Taylorcrafts. Of course, their histories of ownership were usually at the beginning of their flying careers.
Do you know Forrest Barber of Alliance, Ohio; the guru of everything Taylorcraft?
HI Jim,
I am Toni Jaquith, wife of George Jaquith, who founded Wind Canyon Books. George died in October 2019 and I am now running the business. John Swick is an amazing person and I have so enjoyed talking with him. Hopefully, his new book will be out at the end of summer (fingers crossed).
George bought many books from Chet Peek, author of The Taylorcraft Story, but then had not been able to reach him for several years. Many folks still ask about the book and others by Chet Peek. I do not know if he has died, if someone still has his books or if a family member has the books and/or copyright. Reading your post, I wonder if you might know?
Thank you for any help you can give. You can reach me through the Wind Canyon Books website.
Toni Jaquith
Chet Peek requested that I reply for him; he is doing very well and is looking forward to becoming a centenarian this fall! His books are no longer available.
Taylorcraft is a fine airplane and I like the wheel controls. Happy flying!
John