THIS 'COMEBACK KID' IS AN OM
PAUL: What's more satifying as making radio contact with a ham from the
North Cook Islands? How about...helping him get on the air in the first
place! Amateur Radio Newsline's Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF, tells us that story.
JIM: There's a voice back on the HF bands, and the sound of some
well-practiced Code, coming from the North Cook Islands that some longtime
hams haven't heard in about 30 years. Pia Taraeka, E51PT, also known as
Papa Pia, has had his license, but until recently, little else to get on
the air.
That all changed recently, thanks to two hams from the Western Washington
DX Club, W7DX. Papa Pia received a donation of radio gear from Bob
Nielsen, N7XY. Another club member, Bengt-Erik Norum K7ADD/E51AMF, who has
been active from the region on a DXpedition, helped get the shack up and running
again. The DX Club is one of the West Coast's largest, most active radio clubs
on the West Coast.
Now Papa Pia can resume a radio career that began in 1962, when he was
employed as a radio operator for the Cook Island and New Zealand
governments. His amateur radio activity ended in 1984, he says in his QRZ
profile.
He's back now, so be listening for him and please note - if you contact
him, he only accepts QSL cards mailed directly to him.
For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF.
(THE DAILY DX, COOK ISLANDS NEWS)
**
HONORING A HEROIC HAM AND HIS CREW
PAUL: There is a movement to honor the heroic and quick-thinking actions
of one amateur radio operator and three other crew members on board a
military aircraft nearly 43 years ago. We hear more from Amateur Radio
Newsline's Don Wilbanks, AE5DW.
DON's REPORT: On September 15th, 1974 Staff Sergeant Homer Perry, K4YZJ,
and three other crewmen on board a C-7A aircraft, serving with the 94th Tactical
Airlift Wing at Dobbins Air Force Base in Georgia, were on a
local training mission with 13 Aeromedical personnel on board.
During the takeoff roll, the number-2 engine exploded, and erupted into
flames. Unable to abort the takeoff, they continued and attempted a
go-around and began shut down procedures on the number-2 engine and to
extinguish the fire.
Due to a magnesium fire in the engine nacelle, practically impossible to
put out, the first attempt to extinguish the fire failed. Witnesses
testified seeing flames trailing as much as 100 feet behind the number-2 engine.
With an unsuccessful first attempt, the crew discharged the remaining
engine fire extinguisher, also unsuccessful. The aircraft commander was
able to turn the aircraft around and lined up with the opposite runway as
the fire eventually self-extinguished.
The crew made a successful emergency landing, and safely evacuated all personnel
on the aircraft. Investigators say that had the fire not been extinguished, the
aircraft would have likely exploded in mid-flight
resulting in wing separation. The rapid and decisive actions of the crew
resulted in the saving of 17 lives, and a multi-million-dollar aircraft
from total destruction.
There is a petition to award the crew the Distinguished Flying Cross for
their heroism. If you would like to add your name to honor Homer Perry,
K4YZJ, and the rest of this brave crew, please visit
www.thepetitionsite.com, click browse and search for Heroism after 43
years. The detailed link can be found in the printed edition of this
week's Newsline report. You can also visit the Facebook page.
Facebook.com/DFCfortheC7crew.
Let's see these heroes get the recognition they deserve.
For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Don Wilbanks, AE5DW.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/812/048/032/
**
SHORTWAVE FEST LONG ON AMBITION
PAUL: Listen up! There's still time to register for the 30th anniversary
of the Shortwave Listeners' Fest in Pennsylvania. Amateur Radio Newsline's
Stephen Kinford, N8WB, has those details.
STEPHEN: The North American Shortwave Association is looking for a few
good listeners. Well, more than a few, actually. Radio hobbyists are
gathering in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, just north of Philadelphia,
from March 2nd through March 4th for the Winter SWL-Fest. They will
explore scanning, satellite TV, shortwave, mediumwave and even take a
look at pirate broadcasting. Attendees in the past have typically included
broadcasters from Voice of America, Trans World Radio, Swiss Radio
International, and China Radio International, among others. There will
also be a late-night listening session on Friday, which will include a
celebration of the 30th anniversary of the SWL-Fest.
Yes, there's still time to register, and you can do that online. Visit
swlfest.com for details.
For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Stephen Kinford, N8WB.
(NORTH AMERICAN SHORTWAVE ASSOCIATION)
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