Avalon,Avalon Air Transport,California,Catalina Channel,Catalina Seaplanes,first flight,flying boat,Grumman Goose,Long Beach,Mother Goose,seaplane,Sikorsky VS-44A
First Flights, First Love
By Ellis M. Chernoff
Everyone remembers their first kiss, first date, and other special occasions. For most World Airline Historical Society members, we recall our first flight in an airplane. And so it is for me. In 1960, when I was seven years old, my parents planned a week of summer vacation on Catalina Island off the coast of Southern California. At that time, you could either take the SS Catalina ship or you could fly on an amphibious Grumman Goose seaplane.
There were actually three airlines providing Grumman service from the mainland, but only Avalon Air Transport actually docked in the heart of Avalon at the Green Pleasure Pier. The two other airlines, Catalina Channel and Catalina Seaplanes, used the Pebbly Beach ramp south of Avalon. Those airlines made water landings but came up on land to disembark.
For my first trip, we drove from the San Fernando Valley down to Long Beach Airport. Interestingly, the terminal building is much the same today as it was in 1960. We checked in at the ticket counter and deposited our baggage before heading upstairs to the outdoor observation deck to watch the planes arrive and depart. In the distance was the Douglas Aircraft factory and a line of DC-8 tails on the pre-delivery ramp.
While Avalon Air Transport may have had a schedule, being peak tourist season, the Grumman Gooses seemed to depart as soon as they had a load of passengers.
It was eventually our turn. I seem to recall that my father got the co-pilot seat, my mother and younger brother (he was a babe-in-arms) sat in the next row, and I was closer to the rear. Passengers’ baggage was loaded into the nose, as well as into another compartment behind the passengers.
Finally, the door was closed, engines started, and we waddled out to the runway. This was all so exciting! Soon, with lots of noise, we took off and headed south. I loved the view of not only what was below, but also the view of the wing and pontoon. That pontoon was supported by struts and cables.
The entire flight was only about 15 minutes. When we reached Catalina, I watched the wing flaps extend as we descended to the water. I was somewhat shocked at the sound of the water on the keel as we gently skimmed the surface of the ocean. Settling onto the water after a few skips on wavetops, my view was completely obscured by water, just like riding in a car through a car wash! But within moments, that all cleared, and we water-taxied to the dock.
I was mesmerized by not only how blue and clear the water near the island was, but also by the dual wakes of the Grumman’s hull and the pontoon. When the Goose alights in the water, it’s with one pontoon in and the other out of the water. In fact, the pilots plan the fuel balance so that arriving at the dock, the left pontoon will be up and out of the water so it can pass over the floating dock. The dock boys quickly lashed the plane (as you would a boat) so the passengers could deplane, and the baggage was unloaded onto a cart.
From the water level ramp, you proceeded up some inclines toward the end of the pier and the Avalon Air Transport ticket booth to retrieve your luggage before heading on to your hotel. That one quick flight had me hooked!
While the week was full of beach time, glass bottom boat and flying fish tours, food and salt water taffy made before your eyes, my main fascination remained with the activities of the seaplanes arriving and departing.
In addition to the Gooses, Avalon Air Transport also operated a single Sikorsky VS-44A flying boat. That plane was the sole survivor of only three built. It was brought to California from the Amazon in 1957 by Dick Probert, the airline’s owner. With a high wing and four engines, it was a grand flying boat reminiscent of the Golden Age. Watching it come and go was even more exciting than the little Gooses. The big Sikorsky was fondly nicknamed “Mother Goose,” but she was a true seaplane. To ride on her, you had to drive down to Long Beach Harbor, which we did not choose to do..
The return flight at the end of the week was even more thrilling than my first ride! However, being the smallest passenger (in my own seat), I had to wait until everyone else had boarded. Getting into the Goose from the floating dock was a bit tricky for a landlubber. The dock and the plane both bobbed in the swells. There was a step inside the hatch at the left rear, and once everyone was boarded, the seat back was raised, and I could sit down there and fasten my seat belt as the hatch was closed. It wasn’t unusual for a little water to come through the gaps.
As the engines started and we cast off from the dock, I again enjoyed the view of the water and the wake. As soon as the captain applied takeoff power, I could again see nothing but water out my window. It was a combination of being in a car wash and a submarine. I could both feel and hear the slapping of the water on the hull even over the din of the Pratt & Whitney R-985 engines. But all was instantly smooth as we rose into the air and headed back to Long Beach Airport.
Original photographer unknown.
Just 15 minutes later, we made a smooth landing and waddled to the ramp. I was first off and marveled at the plane on the ramp. The next summer, our family would take another trip to Catalina with some added experiences. I could hardly wait!
With this trip, my love and fascination with Grumman amphibious airplanes had begun. It’s a love that has lasted throughout my life.
If you’re interested in learning more, about the Grumman Goose, check out Grumman G-21 Goose (June 2021) in The Captain’s Log and this YouTube posted by Ken Butz with excellent footage of a Goose flight from Long Beach to Catalina.
