Community deserves an aviation museum

As printed in the Burbank Leader, June 1-2, 2002. J. Ron Dickson

Re: Aviation history's best bargain might just be Lockheed, " May 15.

Mr. Mullins' account of the early days of the Lockheed Company was very interesting and informative. While the article focuses only on the first decade of the company's history here in Burbank, already there is sufficient history to warrant a museum depicting how great aviation was accomplished in the Golden Age of aviation, by mind and eyes and talented hands; no computers required.

When you consider the P-38, the Constellation and the Electra series, you add another large segment of aviation history that occurred here in Burbank and is worthy of recognition. Acknowledge the tremendous wave of patriotic support during World War II, when more that 90,000 people came to the Lockheed Company in Burbank to make the aircraft that allowed us to eventually defeat the Axis in Europe and the Pacific. Add to that the hundreds of other aviation-related businesses along San Fernando Road making every aircraft part imaginable, from landing gear to engines and gun turrets, and you have another example of our local contribution to our country's history.

The Lockheed "Skunk Works" was born here in Burbank in 1943. A totally unique organization dedicated to aviation science and innovation, its birthplace is now covered over by a fast-food parking lot. (Don't even mention the "blue" Blackbird or the yellow-orange P-38 signs by the freeway;: how could they do that to our great aircraft?) Revelations about the amazing work accomplished here in extreme secrecy, in aging beige buildings along Empire Avenue and Hollywood Way, are inspiring, and they teach us about who we are as a society.

Production of the U-2, SR-71 and F-117 Stealth fighters and their delivery by C-5 from Burbank Airport to parts unknown is another example of aviation excellence worthy of preservation and presentation in a museum dedicated to aviation.

It amazes me that between the city of Burbank, the Lockheed Company , the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority and the Burbank Aviation Museum nonprofit group, nothing of this great physical plant was preserved and no land has been dedicated to the men and women who made it all happen. How can a company or a community toss away great history like that? It happened here, and we should respect and honor that fact.

As a community, we should "own" that collective history. There is a Web site dedicated to the preservation of the aviation history of the San Fernando Valley. Please visit http://www.GoDickson.com/ahsfv.htm and help to preserve that history by offering information or photos, or call 845-3300

J. Ron Dickson

Burbank

As printed in the Burbank Leader, June 1-2, 2002. By J. Ron Dickson