1954 T-37A, 54-2730, c/n 40006

Converted T-37B

In 2009 was at Randolph AFB Airpark, Texas marked as 54-730.

Large Image

Large Image

The following photo of this same aircraft was taken over the Graham Air Base, Marianna FL where my Dad, Harry E. Shumaker, worked for about ten years. This photo is from the book Graham Aviation, A Ten Year Review, 1951-1961

When Graham finally closed, the T-37s did not have a home yet, and had to be flown a few hours each month. Dad knew the pilot in charge of putting time on the T-37s, so he got several flight hours in them including many takeoffs and landings. With all the time accrued, he could have soloed, but that was not allowed.

The reason given for closing Graham Air Base was that the runways was not long enough for the new T-38 trainers.

After Graham closed, Dad was part owner in a flying service there, S & S Air Service. I learned to fly at this field in the mid 60s.