Suitcase Simpson standing with the LA International Airport Manager after his first flight in a jet. The jet is one of two TF-86F's built for the USAF by North American. The first one was lost on takeoff for an acrobatic exhibition by a North American test pilot who was killed as the aircraft stalled during a short lived roll. The T (for trainer) F-86F exploded as it hit the runway!

A view of 52-955, the 1st YF-104A, that was destroyed during a simulated flame out landing! The experimental pilot, the author, was the only pilot on record to survive a crash landing in an F-104! The official accident stated:

"Physical examination revealed the pilot to be fairly calm and coherent, and capable of relating a factual account of his experiences. There was no evidence of any sensory or physiological depression, nor was he overly active. However, he did exhibit concern at having lost the aircraft. This accident is the first crash landing of an F-104 in which the  pilot survived. The pilot's skill in handling the aircraft after  two of the gear had been damaged significantly contributed to his survival. "

Suitcase Simpson standing (leaning) on the wing of an F-86D, North American's entry into the all weather fighter competition. Lockheed's entry was the 2 man F-94 and Northrop's was the 2 man F-89.  The F-86D was a single seat fighter.

North American production test pilots' would fly the first flight and test for "operational suitability" and it was the author's responsibility to test fly the E-4, Hughes Aircraft "lead collision" fire control system, plus any "write ups" from the first flight.

North American was building 60 F-86D's per month. The author was also test flying F-86F's, T-28B's (the Navy's advanced trainer with the performance of a Marine Corsair) and the F-100A's and C's, the first supersonic fighter.

K-13, my home base   Suwon, Korea
No women; except for an older WWII pilot.

He told me, "Suitcase, I know she's old and
not too good lookin', but she does my laundry,
makes me a clean bed, scrubs the floor, and--
she sure is easy to "French kiss"! 

"OK, you guys! Whose your squad leader? Let's get these men outta' the hot sun!"

"Just because I was at the bottom of the test pilot class, it's pretty chicken of General Peet to stick me in this "piece of crap" so-called airplane. What the hell am I going to do if the rubberbands break??"

"I think I'll stick to the tough rollercoasters in DISNEYLAND! This is not what you consider a free ride home from the office!"

A graduate of the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, University of Pennsylvania, is no dummy. "DAWG", as I call him, is a great friend and a master of quick wit and resourcefulness. He designed, manufactures and plays what he calls the "BOOMSCHTICK".  When he lambastes the bejabbers out of it, percussive pandemonium prevails. His avocation is leadership of CUSTER'S LAST BAND which is an institution at many Championship Chili Cook-offs, Red Onion Saloon, Aspen, London Bridge Days, Lake Havasu, and more than a dozen TV appearances.  AND, he and I both won on "The Dating Game".

First person: "Who the hell is that jerk. Is he trying to kill himself?" 

Second person: "OH no! He's a little tipsy---a WWI aircraft mechanic. Thinks he's ready to prop a NIEUPORT 17. Wants us to watch!"
 

As I said above, an example of Dawg, master of quick wit and resourcefulness.