Page 28 - Volume 10 Number 10

The Racer’s EdgePart One
Walter H. Beech possessed a highly competitive spirit that drove him to win, and never was that passion expressed more fully than during his early days competing in air races and aerial exhibitions.
by Edward H. Phillips
Suddenly, the starter’s flag dropped and the race began. One after another the pilots shoved throttles all the way forward. In just seconds, the closely-packed swarm of flying machines was airborne and headed for the first turn pylon one mile away. As the large crowd of spectators cheered for their favorite aviator, to their amazement they saw one airplane still sitting at the starting line. It was the Travel Air Special. The biplane’s pilot, a young aviator from Wichita, Kansas, named Walter Beech, had asked race officials if he could takeoff last. Despite being puzzled at such a bizarre request, they granted his wish.
As the flock of airplanes rounded the pylon, Beech gave the engine of his eager steed full throttle, and 160 horsepower quickly thrust the biplane into the air. His competitors had a large lead over Beech, but that is exactly what he wanted. With a 100 mph wind whipping his cheeks as he rounded the first pylon alone, Walter kept his eyes on the scattered formation of ships far in front of him. In keeping with his race strategy, Beech eased back on the throttle so the Special would hold its position in last place.
The first lap of the 50-mile event passed quickly, then the fifth and then the tenth. By the 15th lap, Beech had
caught up with the slower airplanes and, despite having throttled back a little more on the previous lap, was slowly gaining on the race leaders. With only a few laps remaining, Walter eased the throttle forward as the black and gold Travel Air quickly passed one competitor and then another. By now the excited crowds were on their feet as they watched Beech close in on the front runners. He eyed the next victim, added a little more power, and took over third place. None of his competitors thought the Travel Air would be so fast! As the final lap began, Beech decided the time had come to demonstrate the Special’s superiority over the other entrants. He gave the Curtiss C6A engine full throttle and the biplane easily overtook the leader and soon left the pack in its wake. Just as he had planned it, Walter flew the final lap all alone and took the checkered flag after completing the race in 29:26.
When the Tulsa Air meet ended on September 6, 1925, Beech and other pilots from the Travel Air Manufacturing Company including Clyde Cessna, Lloyd Stearman and Mac Short, had collected five highly polished trophies – three for first place victories and two for second place. The six-day event was sponsored by the Tulsa Daily World newspaper and was well attended by the local population. Although Beech did the majority of flying,
A young Walter H. Beech posed with his ever-present pipe beside a Laird Swallow. E.M. Laird described Beech as a “pilot of limited experience” when he went to work for Laird and Jake Moellendick in 1920. Beech, however, soon proved himself a worthy employee as his flying skills improved. By 1923, he was well known throughout the Midwest as a competent pilot and air racing competitor.
(EDWARD H. PHILLIPS COLLECTION)
26 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
OCTOBER 2016