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ix FOREWORD When Vince told me he was going to write a book about Louisiana aviation, the first thing that came to mind was, What took you so long? What a great subject! I have been flying since I was a teenager, beginning over south Louisiana, and now all over the world for the motion picture and TV industry. Some of the most exciting aerial scenes I developed for the James Bond films were inspired by my Louisiana experiences. For instance, the seaplane sequence in 007’s License to Kill comes from my early flying adventures above and along our bayous. I have filmed many other major motion pictures and TV commercials here. Yes, I am a Louisiana boy through and through! Wherever I fly, I am often asked about our Louisiana aviation pioneers . From Patterson’s one-of-a-kind Wedell-Williams aircraft that dominated the “Golden Age of Air Racing” in the 1930s to the founding of Delta Air Lines out of an innovative crop-dusting operation in Tallulah and Monroe, our legends span the state. This book tells their story. I love to fly! And when I taxi my aircraft to the active runway for takeo≠, I love the look in the eyes of the youngsters, and the youngsters at heart, who honor us all by coming to see our performances at air shows. And here’s a little secret. To tell you the truth, I have as much fun speaking with armchair pilots as I do with my professional associates . I am energized by that passion to be a part of aviation. Louisiana is still home to some great pilots—just ask a few, and they’ll be happy to tell you how great they are! I have no doubt that once you begin to glance through these stories and photographs, you will want to know more about Louisiana aviation, from the earliest flights, through the war years and heroes, to the aircraft and people that built and support major industries— and then, of course, there are guys like me, the privileged who get to fly for the movies, Louisiana style! Welcome to the world of flying! You will certainly enjoy the ride. I’m looking forward to seeing you at the next air show. And remember to check your six o’clock position! I love and thank you, Louisiana. J. W. “Corkey” Fornof Shushan Airport, south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans, 1934. (Photo courtesy of the Shushan Collection, Earl K. Long Library, University of New Orleans) ...

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