Tallmantz Aviation Guestbook

Submitted by
Name: Richard A Flach
From: "Bonita Springs, Florida"
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
"I am writing this because my relative, Thomas Gleason Mooney, was a chief pilot for Tallmantz from about 1968 to 1977. He died in 1978 while flying a small plane near St Thomas in the Carribean. He lost both engines and had to ditch with 7 passengers aboard. He ditched in such a way that the passengers survived, but he died.
I have several pictures of him and would like to sent the best one to this site so it could be shown next to his info."

Added: 29-Aug-09

Submitted by
Name: Greg Jenkins
From: Riverside CA
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
"My Dad, Ken Jenkins worked for Paul Mantz in 1953 doing air shows for the Eastern Airlines "Span of Flight" tour. I am looking for information from this time peroid. Specifically info about Bill Boon, Dave Hawkins and any history of aircraft belonging to Paul, N8Y pusher, N95W Pitcairn and a Spad. Also a truck used to transport these aircraft. Any pictures, info or just talk would be helpfull for an ongoing project. I will trade pictures. Please call 951 687-3706 or 951 283-1211. Thanks Greg"

Added: 10-Aug-09

Submitted by
Name: Wayne Berg
From: "Carson City, NV"
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
Where is Mike McDonald?

Added: 6-Aug-09

Submitted by
Name: Tony W. Roca
From: "Franklin, Wi"
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
"I own Stionson 108-3 N4111C. I have FAA registration and ownership documents that show my airplane was owned by Daryl Zanuck of 20th Century Fox and Frank Tallman (Talmantz Aviation) for a short time in 1964. I also have original aircraft records that include aircraft modification (form 337)and drawings that show a camera mounted on the nose of the aircraft. I have been trying for years to find out how the aircraft might have been used and if it was for a movie, which one. I very recently, and quite unexpectedly, came across a picture and several columns of print explanation of Frank Tallman putting a Stinson 108-3 up on it's nose in what was described as a river bed. The book was an old Petersen Publishing soft cover "Fun Flying Guide" with a publish date of 1971. Could this be my airplane? N numbers are small on the tail, but not really readable because of the grainyness of the picture, probably a blow up of a motion picture cell. I don't see a Stinson 108-3, or Station Wagon, anywhere on the lists, yet all the details would suggest that it was used as a camera ship and maybe even eventually crashed. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated."

Added: 30-Jul-09

Submitted by
Name: David Robison
From: "Redding, CA"
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
"My father's name is Richard Robison, known as Robbie (or some called him Dick). He worked from 1960-1968 in the little bamboo hut at the museum and various other jobs. I still have the sign from the museum and have original brochure, MANY photos, including autographed "to Paul" from various actors (Amelia, etc). Have excellent photo of FRANK PINE, NOT in grubbies. Also PONCHO BARNES MYSTERY SHIP being started.
I remember going many summers to the museum running around in the BONEYARD, the 25 cent gate, sitting in the old Flying Tiger. I remember STEVE CARUSO quite well, liked him very much and still have a photo of a B29 that he took. I enjoyed flying in the old orange barnstorming plane. I remember the secret bookcase door to the office. I HAVE PAUL MANTZ'S WINGS. I have drawings of the original MOTA hanger layout plans. If any of the mechanics remember, as I child I was dared to pull the line on a parachute, so I did. Cost my father said he paid $10 to have it re-packed. I also went on several movie shoots. My sister, Paula learned to fly there with a female flight instructor. There weren't many of those.
My father always said how much he enjoyed working there, and he worked on Catch 22 in Guaymas, Mexico.
I remember Boots, went to the fair with her and her daughter or niece one day. I remember Reed (money taker) and some fellow workers out in the parking lot would make their way to the men's room, as there was a hole in the wall to the adjoining ladies room... I know, funny now.
My father died Sept. 9, 2006 a very loved and grateful man. I will be at the Reno Air Races. Took photo books last year and shared with others who enjoyed very much. (go, DagoRed!! P51)"

Added: 11-Jun-09

Submitted by
Name: kerry wallum
From: lampasas texas
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
"I am also doing a family faith based movie,called "The Last Mission" A WWII Film honoring our vets and the B17. We want as many people behind us as possible.Is it possible you can add our website? If so you have my contact info..

Thank You"

Added: 10-Jun-09

Submitted by
Name: Michael McMurtrey
From: "Carrollton, TX"
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
"I have photocopies of pages from the log book of N67832, the Cessna UC-78 Bobcat owned by Mantz and used for the early episodes of "Sky King." The names of the pilots from this period (1950-54), as recorded in the log, are: Mantz, S. Reaver, L. J. Bissell, J. Thompson, Ferris, and Boone. Anyone know the whereabouts of these gentlemen?

I'm working on a book about the making of "Sky King" and would love to hear from any former Mantz employees who have photos of N67832 as the "Songbird.""

Added: 6-Jun-09

Submitted by
Name: Mark Sublette
From: "Falls Church, Virginia"
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
"Tallman flew a Stearman in Charlie Varrick. Also, the liason plane in Catch-22 was an L-5 Sentinel, not an L-1."

Added: 23-Mar-09

Submitted by
Name: Mike Dieterich
From: "Irvine, Ca."
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
"Here's a little bit more info on the Pine family that worked for Tallmantz Corp. F.Y.I. the "Smoking Pine tree" seen on the B25 Film plane refers to My Uncle Frank's love of cigars,
(Pine tree-cigar) I will never forget his brother "buzzing" the memorial service at the Pacific View cemetary, he flew so low you could see the "smoking pin tree" from the ground. Not a dry eye there at that moment, including Uncle Walt, flying his brother B25 over his service*
*Don't tell anyone, but the flight plan was unaproved...."

Added: 24-Feb-09

Submitted by
Name: Simon Beck
From: "Christchurch, New Zealand"
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
Does anyone know which Tallmantz Stearman was
used in Capricorn One (1978)?
Also the ID's / owners of the two Hughes choppers
and Clay Lacey Learjet.
Fantastic website.

Added: 6-Feb-09