WHIRLYBIRDS

WHIRLYBIRDS FAN CLUB PRESIDENT JEFF JANKOVICS AND VICE PRESIDENT KERRY EISENHAUR WITH JOEY

HERE IS JAN PRACTICING HER HOVER IN A BRAND X HELICOPTER. SOMEDAY CHUCK OR P.T. WILL RESCUE HER TO FLY THE 47.

JAN WILL BE LOOKING FOR YOUR INPUT TO MAKE THE NWB FAN CLUB A PLACE THAT WILL HONOR THE MEMORIES OF THE WHIRLYBIRDS WHILE PROMOTING THE MISSION OF THE NEW WHIRLYBIRDS TO INTRODUCE A NEW GENERATION TO THE BELL 47.

Joey

In 1957, our class at John Robert Powers School of Modeling (Dallas) was invited to a promotional with a helicopter ride as payment for our appearance.

But I noticed Desi Arnez waiting for the girls and patting them on the fanny as they boarded. I decided it was time for me to go home. (Both Tobey and Hill were embarrassed by Arnez's behavior.)

Now I'm 76 years old, and a true platinum blond at long last! But would still like to collect my pay, if you ever set down at historic Avenger Field, near Sweetwater, Texas!

Chuck Martin (Kenneth Tobey) and Pete "P.T." Moore (Craig Hill) were great guys. Craig Hill was particularly friendly.

Blessings on all you do...

Abiding in the One True Living God
...under the shadow of His Wings,
Bettye

Joey,

I just stumbled upon your New Whirlybirds web site. I remember the show when I was a little kid, and it was my favorite.

Now, you are keeping that spirit alive.

Thanks! It brings a tear to my eyes.

- John

Special Note: John is now a Huey Pilot! PS. We see lots of tears of joy from our fans. Last week in Philly I was doing a show and a little boy grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go. No words can explain the silence that followed as his parents looked on. For he had found what John and I found growing up in the fifties - a vision of what he could be. Congratulations John, a man is measured by his ambition, drive, and vision and I am sure that you can attest to the show's amazing way of instilling that in future pilots. I just hope I can live to hear some of the thousands of kids we have mentored share their story of victory to fulfill their vision............Joey

Joey,

I found your website today and what a joy it was. The bell 47 has been a favorite since my childhood. I was born in 1946 in XXXXXX, WA. and in 1952 a polio epidemic hit and the hospitals and clinics filled up with hurting boys and girls. My sister and I came down with high fevers of which mine broke and hers didn't. The results were polio for her and calcium deposits in my hips for me from the scaring. I could not touch my toes so gave up all hope of being a pilot. Whirlybirds was my favorite TV show and I faithfully watched it as long as it aired.

I was drafted into the Army and sent to flight school. Fortunately they didn't ask me to touch my toes in the physical. I have had 42 years of helicopter flying. I started out in the Army training in the Bell 47 (OH 13) and then went into Huey's. After flying medivac in Vietnam I got out of the service. I have been a missionary pilot in Indonesia and done everything in the world with a helo except spray. Purposely didn't want anything to do with that end of the industry. I have been a successful flight instructor, and an FAA Examiner for a while and now am an EMS Medical Services pilot in XXXXXX, WA.

I owe a very rewarding occupation to the love of helicopters that I aquired watching Whirlybirds as a small boy. God has been very good to me. Only 3 engine failures in my lifetime and each time ended in perfect autorotations, fixed the situation and took off again. Oh did I mention I am a certified aircraft mechanic?

I thank you for your work and dedication to this Whirlybird series.

A Fan, Jim Harris

Hi, Joey and Danny:

Add me to the list of your many fans.

I was born in 1960 in Chicago and fell in love with the tv series when I was 4. In the summer on '64 my folks and I took a trip to Yellowstone Park, and on the way we stopped at the Badlands of South Dakota. Just as we got out of the car, I saw my beautiful Bell , just like the one in the show. "Look Mama, a whirleybird!" I almost melted my Red Ball Jets running towardf the sightseeing helicopter in the north parking lot. The pilot looked at my folks, then at me and said "fifteen bucks for both of you, and the kid gets to ride for free". My dad said, "Deal!" and I was hopelessly hooked.

Those of us who grew up in the '60s and early '70s in Chicago remember the regular sounds of the Bell 47G and J as they crisscrossed the city doing traffic reports for WGN TV; I knew when dinner was ready when I saw them circling Horner Park waiting to land.

Fast forwarding through high school, CAP, and 23 years of flying airplanes and gliders, I now teach single and multi engine airplanes out west. But just last year, our flight school recently got hold of an Enstrom 280fx, a very nice heir apparent to the Bell.

As I write this, I'm getting ready for my private check ride in the "Shark".

My instructor turned me on to your website, and I check it out whenever I need a break from the day job. Although I still enjoy teaching people how to fly airplanes , nothing compares to the flying carpet- like zen I get when I fly a helicopter.

My goal now is to get the CFI in Rotorcraft, and give rides at the next county fair. I hope to be able to tell some young couple, "35 bucks for each of you...and the kid gets to ride for free".

Good R's and generous ETL to you guys and all you great whirleybird fans.

Nick S. Denver, CO.

Dear Joey & Danny,

Wow! What can I say? I was doing some searching with Google and somehow came across the web site of The New Whirlybirds. That Bell-47G is an amazing machine. Besides being a great helicopter, it’s a time machine, as well. I took one look at your home page and was transported back in time to when I was 7-8 years old (I’m 55 now). “Whirlybirds” was my favorite show (Well, almost, but Howdy Doody couldn’t fly!). I was mesmerized by the show and absolutely loved the Bell 47G. I would play wild and crazy games on a chair, using a yardstick as my cyclic and a ruler tied to the side as the collective. I flew all over the world and rescued dozens of people. I also had to help out Ken and Craig on numerous occasions.

At that age, I had planned out my vocation as an adult. I’d be a helicopter pilot during the week and sing in synagogues on the weekend. What more could a guy ask for?

Well, life had a completely different path for me. I did have the opportunity to go to fixed-wing flight school when I was a grad student at the University of Cincinnati in 1976, for just $600. But my wife wasn’t wild about the idea. As it happened, in 1977, I moved to Greensboro NC and joined a volunteer fire department. There, I met a guy who would turn out to be my best friend to this very day. After his stint in the fire service, he moved over to police work in his hometown of Washington, DC. While there, he paid his full ticket to earn his rotary license. When he moved down to Florida, where I had returned in 1990, we’d fly together in an R-22 to build up his PIC hours. When he joined the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, he eventually made it into the Aero Division and transitioned over to both their Bell Long Ranger (Eagle 1) and the Huey (Trauma Hawk). Of course, I did everything I could to fly as often as possible. Today, he is the Chief Pilot for the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (Gainesville). So while I didn’t become a helicopter pilot, I sure got to almost be one!

Well, again thanks for all the work you and the society does. Now that I found the site, I’ll see if I can’t squeeze out a small donation to help things along. It certainly will be worth the golden memories you’ve helped me bring back, again.

Continued success and prayers for always safe flights and landings…

Steve G. FL

Hey, just a sincere Thank You from a almost 57 year old that is brought back to childhood due to your site. Wow, I’m very impressed with the restoration on your bird. I grew up just across the street from the Fullerton Airport in Orange County (still active) and fell in love with anything that operated in all three directions. We had a stagger wing there, more than one aero-coupe (some still without the pedal modification), cubs, tri-pacers and I’m fairly certain had some type of open frame chopper going out of there but was too young to know models back then (the Cessna’s were a little different since it’s hard to mistake a 150 from a 140 or a 180 or 190 from a 172). I was VERY jealous of a down the street friend who had one of the “AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL” whirlybird models (don’t remember if it was from the back of a cereal box or from the series but I know it came in a mailing tube or box and you put the rotor and canopy on after it arrived). I’ve spent the last five years (during Christmas season) looking for one of those models (Authorized Official only of course) to give to him for the holidays, no joy this end.

Anyway, thanks for the memories – hope to see you at an air show some day. ‘nam introduced me to 53’s, 46’s and slicks but no bubblegum cockpit like you guys have.

Kermit C

Ever since I first watched the Whirlybirds, I was taken with the helicopter and the show. I always made sure my homework was done so I could watch another episode. The other day my friend and I were discussing our love of old shows and which ones we liked. I told him my favorite show was the "Whirlybirds" with Ken Tobey. I even remembered the number from the first Bell 47 Helicopter, N975B!. He couldn't believe that I'd remember this after 50 years, so we went Internet surfing. Low and behold we found your website. And there it was, the number N975B for the first Bell 47! Boy, was he surprised.

I grew up in Chicago and now live in xxxxxx. with my husband. I want to become a fan member and want to know how to sign up. I would REALLY LOVE to go to a show featuring one of the original Bells. Please let me know how to go about this...I have been and always will be a fan of the "Whirlybirds"!!!!

Thank you for keeping a love going strong. I always vowed I would fly a helicopter. Perhaps one day I will. However, I would like to go for a ride in one!. This is a dream I've had and want to fulfill...

Thanks so much.....

Suzann L

Dear Mr. Rhodes

I dont know if you will get this e-mail or not, but I found your website whilst searching for information on the original Whirlybirds show. I was delighted to see the great work that you are doing to promote the memory of the Bell 47 and the Whirlybirds, a great and worthy idea.

I am currently living in Great Britain, my wife is American and I lived in the states for some time. I attend a lot of airshows over here and it would be great to see the New Whirlybirds on the British airshow circuit in 2006. (I am of course aware of the logistical challenge it would be to get a Bell 47 over here, unless one already here could be found)

Food for thought anyway!

I would be pleased to hear from you either way, keep up the good work, interesting web site about your band and the Corvettes also!!

Safe Flying

Jonathan G England

Hey joey;

I remember the origional series. Guess that makes me an old ....... Of course I was only like 9 or 10 at the time it was shown on tv at Denton, Texas just north of the Dallas area. And Unlucky as well.

Ive always wanted to fly them. But medical reasons kept me from doing it. I did manage to get some flying hours in a Cessna 172. and ready to solo then when the medical time came. I bombed out.

Then I was heartbroken. A love that I had was pulled out from me so quickly. But still

I wanted to fly them. So the only way I knew I could was to make enough money then buy one, then with as a pilot I could fly one.

But as my luck kept going Murphy's law kept me from it. I hate Murphy's law.

I've only flown in a bell 47 2 times. and did my heart pound those times.. now im a old man. at 50

and still in love with the bell 47. the idea of landing almost any where impressed me the most.

I've noticed here lately someone owns a bell 47 in the phoenix,az area. I've seen it flying here at least 3 times now.

and how I wish I knew this person so I could go flying with this person. from time to time.

But as luck has it. Do you know a way to find this person for me. I would love to fly in one again. and as often as I can afford to.

Joel

(Joel, maybe the Phoenix guy will read this and do like we do when we appear and give you a ride.....Joey)

I really enjoyed your vignette. Brought back childhood memories. Keep 'em flying!

Victor

Hello...........

Found your website, re. "Whirlybirds"................what a neat thing !!!!!!!!!

I remember Chuck Martin & P.T. Moore on their show when I was a kid years ago it seems now. I am 54, soon to be & still wish I'd learned to fly a 47. Too old to learn new tricks now, I guess........The warmth of that old show, the theme music & the bird I really miss. What a great show, which brings me to the question: is there another "Whirlybirds" T.V. show via satellite programming? If so, where & when does it air? I see reference to "The Whirlybirds".

Thank you for the inroad website & I'll be watching for the new series.

Take care.....

James......

JOEY & DANNY,

I just wanted to say "Thanks" for a great show at the Mt. Vernon IL Veterans Fly in on Sept. 27, 2003 and a job WELL DONE in promoting the Bell 47 Helicopter.

"Coke" (N24067) was in pristine condition and is a very fine example of the 47's and shows her owners great pride in a fine helicopter. She is a Classy Lady!!!

I was glad to meet you both and when I see you again, hope to have a great number of hours towards my private Helicopter License. And above all, to be well on the way to mastering the Hover. Thanks, Danny, for the tips you gave me!

Anytime you are in our area I will be more than happy to assist you in anyway with your shows, etc. Just let me know!!

The autographed poster from the Whirlybirds is hanging on my office door at work, and has evoked many comments.

God Bless and have Many Safe Flights!

With Regards,
Jan

JOEY

I JUST CAME ACROSS YOUR WEB SITE , AND WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED TO FIND SOMEONE ELSE WHO LIKED, LET ALONE REMEMBERS, THE SHOW .

MY FATHER WORKED FOR NATIONAL DURING THE MAKING OF THE SHOW AND MADE A LOT OF THEIR CLOSE UP SETS. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, NATIONAL ALSO WORKED ON THE THE HIGHWAY PATROL WITH BRODERICK CRAWFORD. HIS NAME WAS WILLIE. HE PASSED AWAY IN 1984 BUT HAD MANY STORIES ABOUT HIS TIME ON THE SHOW.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

PAUL

Dear Joey & Danny,

My name is Jan from Effingham, IL and I am a middle aged whirlybirds groupie from way back. I have been privileged to be able to have flown 3 times in a Bell 47 as I grew up and once recently(6-7 yrs ago) here in Effingham when Neal Toler was here one year giving rides for our local Transportation Days Festival. It was a real treat.

I am currently about to begin flight instruction in Rotorcraft at the tender age of 51! I am starting my instruction in 5 days in a Schweizer 300CB.....sure wish it was a Bell 47!!!!!!!

I am certainly going to try to attend the Mt. Vernon IL Air Show on Sept. 27, 2003. Perhaps I will see you there!

God bless and Keep up the wonderful recreation of a part of history.......Whirlybirds!!!!!

With Regards,
Jan

DEAR DANNY,

JUST WANT TO SAY THANKS FOR THE GREAT DAY AT BRACKETT FIELD,
LA VERNE CA.. GLAD I BECAME A MEMBER. WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO MEET OTHERS THAT APPRECIATE THE BELL 47 AND I ENJOYED THE STORIES PRESENTED BY THE GUEST SPEAKERS.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK -A SUPER NICE EVENT FOR SURE!

DAVE
WHITTIER, CA.

DEAR WHIRLYBIRDS,

I WAS ON YOUR WEBSITE RECENTLY AND HAD READ ABOUT YOUR VISIT TO A HOSPITAL IN THE CHILDREN'S SECTION. I WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE TIME AND DEDICATION YOU SPENT ON YOUR VISIT WITH THE KIDS. WHAT A GREAT FEELING I BET THAT WAS SEEING THE LOOKS ON THEIR FACES, KNOWING SOMEONE OUTSIDE THEIR FAMILIES WAS SHOWING AN INTEREST IN THEM AND HAVING THEM SEE THE HELICOPTER.

I TOO HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE BELL 47 AND GETTING TO VISIT CHILDREN IN EITHER HOSPITALS OR SCHOOLS. I AM JUST STARTING MY FLIGHT TRAINING AT DUTCH COUNTRY HELICOPTERS IN LITITZ, PA. I THINK IT IS T E R R I F I C WHAT YOU GUYS ARE DOING AND I WANTED TO SEND A DONATION. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

SIGNED

SCOTT OF CLEONA, PA.

Hello, Mr. Rhodes

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the event and the chance to meet you, on 5-31-03. The highlight for me, was when the 4-ship gaggle arrived, from Van Nuys. The lowlight for me, was the fact that I was recovering from the stomach flu. On Sunday, 7-20-03, Danny Rodriguez gave me a ride in " Ole Red" and that is something I'll never forget 'til they close my coffin lid. I want you to know that I think what you and Danny do for the hospital children is just

P.T. was the one I would copy as a kid when I would save cans and bottles and pay for a ride in bell 47s here in Seattle back in the late 60,s... I would pretend the pilot was Chuck and when we took off, in my mind, I was flying with my buddy to a new adventure!!! When we landed, the pilot would always let me help roll the 47 into the hanger and eventually, gave me my first job in my life, washing the bell 47,s and (hanging) around sweeping the hanger out so every weekend when the weather permitted, I was back up flying with Chuck again! Ah... the memories of a happy kid!

Now having 4 bell 47s in my backyard that don't fly anymore, is a Dream come true as that kid who always loved that machine with the Bubble, and open tail boom...to want to jump into and (fly into) a new adventure now as a adult with the kid always inside of me. But that is all thanks to PT and Chuck and their Bell 47s to allow a child with little money or anything else back then to make dreams come true!!!

I have trained in a bell 47G3B2A from Cascade Helicopters that my wife videoed just for me and finished up my training days in a R-22 to fulfill the dream of being A Helicopter Pilot just like my Heroes.. Although now, after 5 surgeries on my wrists for carpel tunnel injuries, which 4 of the surgeries were just on my left wrist,, I cannot fly Helicopters anymore due to permanent disability in the left (collective throttle) hand, so now all I have left is dreaming of flying a bell 47 again! So You may send this Email if you wish to Craig hill for me and let him see just 1 more of the little boys he had a (BIG) influence on and helped made a dream come true!!! After all. in the shows, didn't he help young boys from running in the desert, to locked in trunks!!!! I have a growing Bell 47 collection and now that I'm (grounded) have more time to collect and meet new 47 lovers and members !!!!!

My caps off to you and the many other Wonderful Men and Women who brought this Wonderful Association and Whirlybirds Fan Club Alive and Help us all keep the memories of the one thing that brought us all together.... The Bell 47 And THE WHIRLYBIRDS!!!!!

If HAI didn’t officially end on Tuesday at 4pm I’m certain Joey and Danny would still be signing those gorgeous Bell 47 posters. Stating that you guys are hot is an understatement, we must capitalize on their popularity to further promote the Bell 47.

I was thrilled to find your website. I think if viacom was smart they would put you guys to work and revive the old show. There's something about a Bell 47's sleek looks and impressive flying techniques that I like. Too many people have waited too long to honor the show. I can't wait to see you guys fly into LA. I'm sure there will be people like me with tears in their eyes and a lump in their throat when they see you in costume arrive, it will bring back good memories for me....I even get emotional talking about it. Again, thanks thanks and thanks for bringing this treat to us.

Hey, you guys are framed on my wall at my house. I never saw the old show, but I hear it was great, but actually getting to meet someone who will relate to my generation with that bubble whirlybird is something I can tell my kids. My grandpa and I spent almost an hour talking about you. That's a long time for us to talk. I want some more pics of you guys in ole red.

I hope you find a good artist for your comic strip, I liked the story, simple, funny, and it shows what a 47 can do. I wish I could draw, I would enter, but I still enjoy reading the stories. Are you going to do one every week or month? I wish you would visit my school and tell people about helicopters. Maybe, I could sit in old red your helicopter? I would like to see a comic about you guys hunting down Terrorists with old red. I will write again and thanks for the letter you sent me, I have it on my mirror with your picture.

WHOA, I'M AN OLD WHIRLYBIRDS FAN AND ITS GREAT TO FIND YOUR SITE!

KEEP UP THE NICE WORK & EFFORTS TO PRESERVE THE MEMORIES

HELICOPTER 75BRAVO OUT ( SOMETIMES I'M 38BRAVO IN THE RANGER)

DAVE