Sales Manager's Page By J. A. M'INANEY, F. A. I., No 6428

J. A. McINANEY Sales Manager

The National Air Tour of 1927      This is written at Niles Airways, Niles, Michigan, two days after the finiish of the Tour and I'm having a lovely time listening to prospects rave while Clevenger is outside demonstrating, while Captain Younge, our Indiana dealer is leaning on my left arm, Kysor our Michigan dealer on my right. Williams on in back and a left-handed

C. P. CLEVENGER Chief Pilot

Corona in front.      The Tour was a success in many ways. I wouldn't have missed if for anything and I know that everyone with the Tour feels the same way. The test man won, after all seemed lost. The ships landed at the Ford airport in a line-squall that blew over buildings and flew through lightning which caused three deaths and numerous fires on the ground. That's flying! And when Eddie Stinson had a little trouble with his landing gear at the last stop, after leading the Tour all of the way, all of the pilots offered their assistance. That's sportsmanship!

 

Our motor threw a rod just out of Pittsburgh and we were delayed three days waiting for another motor. That's a shame! But as Burrell Tibbs said in Oklahoma City, "The sun can't shine on one man all of the time."      It's worth a trip around the United states to see the tremendous interest aroused in the past few months. The pity of it is that all of the buyers cannot be supplied this season. There is a slight danger that some of them may cool off when they have to wait so long for delivery although this is only a remote possibility. What hurts most is that so many of the old timers who have struggled along waiting for this break to come, now that they can make sales and make some real money, cannot get the ships when they do sell them. All of the resources of our company are being used to correct this and our productions are doubling every few weeks. The Lions Club      Long may they live. Our ship was sponsored in every city by the Lions and when I say sponsored, I mean that they met us at every stop and I only wish that I had some of Irvin Cobb's ability as a writer to really express my appreciation of their wonderful hospitality. When I can say truthfully that the other ships were jealous of our sponsoring it should convey something of spirit shown. I have my application in how for membership.      Rules for next year's Tour were discussed and several important changes were agreed upon. Mr. Ray Cooper has been made permanent Tour manager and will work the year round, which is a great improvement and will eliminate the rush and complaints at the last minute.      Ray Collins, referee, surely has a lot of credit coming for his efforts, as has also Lieut. Breen, who assisted him.      It is impossible to mention all of the individuals and cities visited, who were responsible for the success of the Tour. They will receive personal letters.      In closing allow me to extend my thanks to all of you on the Tour and at the different stops, for your friendliness, interest and hospitality and I only hope we may have the opportunity to reciprocate whenever you are in Denver. *** Startling! But True      "Just returned from a little flying trip down to Los Angeles. Had the pleasure of flying one of your new jobs down there and want to write you immediately to tell hou how much I liked it.      It's the greatest little "floater" I ever hopped. She simply won't come down to earth! Engine failure in an Eaglerock would be almost a pleasure as the pilot has such a long, flat glide during which to pick out a safe landing place.      And let me add a good word for your very courteous and efficient representatives, the Aero Corporation of California. They have a good location, a nice field, plenty of good equpment and above all render SERVICE with capital letters.      They're a fine bunch of boys and your interests are in good hands!"

Earle Ovington, Consulting Engineer,           Santa Barbara, California

 

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