Photo by Rick Fendergrass
Maybe it's not a jet, but . . .
Norman Hoecker scratches his head thoughtfully as he recalls his first encounter with the University's official airplane, a Beechcraft C-45.
University bought official airplane purchased at $100
By RICK PENDERGRASS Kansan Staff Writer
It's amazing what can be bought for $100 these days—like an airplane.
The official University of Kansas airplane, a twin-engine Beechcraft C-45, World War II vintage, cost just that when Norman Hoecker, official University of Kansas airplane pilot, bought it in 1961.
Hoecker purchased the plane, along with a second one identical to it, through Bob Arnold, state director of surplus property at Topeka.
Hoecker said he picked up the planes, decked but in full Air Force insignia in Tucson, Arizona.
Second plane for parts
He explained why he bought two identical planes at $100 apiece, saying, "I knew that if I bought one of those planes, as old as they were, they would need a lot of work and extra parts.
"So, for $100 more, I bought a whole spare parts kit," he said.
During the day, Hoecker can be seen in one of two places, Learned Hall, where he is lab director of Aeronautical Engineering, or Lawrence Municipal Airport, where he can be seen painting, repairing, or flying his $100 baby.
Standing in the middle of an empty airplane hangar, partially enveloped in a cloud of blue paint mist, he explained he had just bought some new metal control surfaces to replace the original fabric 'skin' already on the plane. He was painting them to match the rest of the plane, a bright KU blue.
Hoecker said the plane is used strictly for University business, usually only within the Big Eight Conference states.
Use is restricted
Hoecker explained the reason for such strict regulation is that the airplane's two 450 horsepower Pratt and Whitney engines use about 40 gallons per hour of flying time.
Raymond Nichols, vice-chancellor of finance, commented on the use of the plane. "Any time the plane leaves the ground, it has to be cleared through this office. It is mostly used for the chancellor's business trips and other related matters."
"The Board of Regents likes to keep the expenses down on the plane," he said.
"Why, a couple of years ago, when we were thinking of buying a new plane, the Board flat turned it down because of the expense. I can't blame them, though. Even the governor of the state don't have his own plane," he chuckled.
Restricted then from buying a new plane, Hoecker settled for fixing up the surplus Beechcraft.
Interior is plush
The first impression one has when climbing aboard the plane is boarding a luxury airliner. Hoecker has installed five reclining passenger seats, pile carpeting and walnut panelling. The passenger seats are equipped with foldaway work desks, and there is a coffee bar located 'aft' in the passenger compartment.
Hoecker, who is a licensed aircraft engineer, recently installed two new engines in the plane, several new instruments, including a type of automatic course finder, and has slightly modified the wing contours.
The only official pilot KU has ever had, Hoecker has done all the piloting for Chancellor Wescoe, and had some interesting observations to make about the chancellor, saying, "I've been flying Wescoe around for eight years, and in that time, I've come to admire and respect the man."
"Wescoe is such an easy man to get along with—and sharp as a tack Most people don't realize it, but he is a really witty character. He's got a lot on the ball."
Hoecker awaits Chalmers
"I really hate to see him go. I just hope Mr. Chalmer's is as nice a man as Wescoe."
Hoecker began his flying career in 1940 by taking lessons whenever he had the spare money to fly for a few hours.
Mar. 14
1969 KANSAN 9
"I would work at any job I could to get five or six dollars, then run over to the airport and blow it on a couple hours of flying time. Then it would take me another month before I had the money to go up again," he said.
"When I was taking lessons at Kansas City Municipal (airport), we had to land on the dirt strips between the runways—the pavement was reserved for the airlines only.
"If you tried that now, they'd probably shoot you," he added with a grin.
Hoecker came to KU in 1948 as an instructor of Aeronautical Engineering. He became the University pilot in 1961, with the purchase of the Beechcraft.
Used plane for research
He said when the University first had the plane, he followed storms and squall lines around, taking aerial photos of the storm turbulence.
"I flew around got some pictures of that tornado that raised such a ruckus out in west Kansas a few years ago," he said.
"We don't do that kind of thing any more though," he sighed. "The Board of Regents thought it was too dangerous. They didn't realize how safe it was. We only flew along behind the turbulence."
Carol Boney is sporting Bobbie Brooks quaint new look in lederhosen. Peasant charmers to brighten up your spring . . . in fresh provincial prints and solids.
Sizes 5-13. $7 - $9.
1969