Daredevil Aviator Roscoe Turner Writes to Herbert Fisher of Beechcraft, King Air

ROSECOE TURNER (September 29, 1895 – June 23, 1970) was, arguably, the most notable and, certainly, the most colorful air racer during the 1930s.  Born in Corinth, MA, his name became synonymous with speed.

After serving as a balloon pilot during World War I, Turner found his future in the 1920s as a stuntman, creator of his own flying circus, and a pilot in Howard Hughes’ World War I feature, “Hell’s Angels.” Turner glided smoothly into movie society, becoming good friends with fellow pilot and actor Wallace Beery and taking movie stars Clark Gable and Fred MacMurray for their first airplane rides.

His place in flight history rested on his skill as a racing pilot. He is the only person ever to win the Thompson Trophy three times and, along with Jimmy Doolittle, to win both the Thompson and Bendix trophies. In 1934, he and his two-man crew were the only Americans to finish the grueling London-to-Melbourne race.

After his retirement from racing in 1939, he stayed close to aviation technology as a pilot, founder of a regional airline, director of a school for pilots and mechanics, operator of an aircraft servicing company, and as a persuasive voice for public support of military and commercial aviation.

HERBERT O. FISHER (March 6, 1909 – July 29, 1990) was an American test pilot an aviation executive who oversaw aviation projects at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He flew as a pilot for more than 50 years.  President Franklin Roosevelt awarded him the Air Medal for the combat missions he flew during World War II.

One page, 7 ¼” x 10” TLS to Herb Fisher, The Port of New York Authority, November 5, 1963 on his letterhead with his family crest.

“Thank you, pal, for sending me the Pratt & Whitney ‘Powerplant’ with the article on the new Beechcraft. I went to the factory last Thursday to take delivery of an 80, and they are coming along pretty good with getting the King Air ready to fly. I would say that she ought to be in the air within the next 30 to 60 days. That will give us the story. Of course, as you know, they are flying the Army version now, but it is a non-pressurized job.

“I am attaching some of my propaganda (not present) you might like to read.

“Donna joins me in sending our best. However, she is not so good herself. She has a terrible cold and hasn’t been sleeping well.”

“Sincerely,

“Roscoe”

Folds with a file notation in red at the top. Otherwise excellent condition and a great piece of aviation Americana with a very nice family coat of arms.

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