Hello Friends,

I cannot begin to describe the overwhelming sense of pleasure it gives me to learn that plans to mark Comet's 50th Anniversary are getting on so well, thanks to Bryn and company for having taken matters in hand. I am gratified too that, in the "Spirit of Dan-Air" and goodwill, politics may be set aside that all things Comet may be the order of the day.

It seems like only yesterday that a number of fellow Comet enthusiasts, historians and especially, Comet notables--those having a direct connection, including John Cunningham--met at the deHavilland Heritage Museum near London-Colney in July, 1999 out of interest in marking a series of historic events that ushered in the so-called "jet age." And while the early collective efforts of that particular group may not have exactly born the immediate fruits of the hopes and dreams that were envisioned at that time, there were in attendance those, including DASA members Capt. Bryn Wayt, Capt. Keith Moody and Graham Simons, for whom the difference between the dream and the reality is the willingness to make it succeed. But if anything at all came from that gathering, it was to demonstrate the diversity of interest in and devotion to deHavilland Comet, that any effort to preserve and promote the historical significance of this noble aircraft would indeed always find a willing and appreciative following.

As I look upon the photographs of the Cosford facilities in Bryn's report, the rows of chairs in the auditorium, the tables neatly set for dining in the display hangar, I see all filled to capacity on 2 May 2002. May Comet's 50th Anniversary Celebration be an historic occasion in its own right !

With Best Wishes and Kindest Regards,

Marshall H. Massengale
Suwanee, GA USA

Greeting!

Last night, I watched on television a particularly
good special program on seventies pop rock legends
Richard and Karen Carpenter. One segment covering
their exhausting tour schedule featured some black and white
footage of the group deplaning from a rather obvious
BAC 111 jet. Only when the camera zoomed out did it
become apparent that the aircraft was one of Dan-Air's
ships. I would think that any members' first-hand
stories or comments and observations regarding their
experiences serving with specialty, celebrity or
royalty charter trips would make fascinating reading.
I'd especially love to read about the Carpenters as
even today I still love their timeless music, though
Karen passed away suddenly in 1983 at age 33.

Kind Regards,

Marshall H. Massengale
Atlanta, GA USA