Radio traffic about the Howland Island runways - Revision history

Moleski: /* Different methods of measuring runway length */

2011-12-29T07:32:47Z

Different methods of measuring runway length

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:32, 29 December 2011
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	: Development of the runways started on 2 February. These numbers represent a plan, not a reality.		: Development of the runways started on 2 February. These numbers represent a plan, not a reality.

	* N/S: 4000'		:* N/S: 4000'
	* NE/SW: 3000'		:* NE/SW: 3000'
	* E/W: 2400'		:* E/W: 2400'

	; #2450, Campbell to Miller, 4 March		; #2450, Campbell to Miller, 4 March
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	:: "East west runway now complete. ''Two hundred feet of west end is sandy and soft'' though entirely usable."		:: "East west runway now complete. ''Two hundred feet of west end is sandy and soft'' though entirely usable."

	Have been having constant wind average about 16 miles per hour for past month since east wind prevails this time of year have made every effort to make east west runway as long and smooth as possible. Unfortunately have not equipment which can haul gravel to to be used as binder for sand. However balance of runway surface since being rolled is in excellent condition.

	; #2494, Campbell to Miller, 12 March		; #2494, Campbell to Miller, 12 March
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	; #2553, Campbell to Wynne, 13 Mar		; #2553, Campbell to Wynne, 13 Mar

	* N/S: 5200'		:* N/S: 5200'
	* NE/SW: 3000'		:* NE/SW: 3000'
	* E/W: 2400'		:* E/W: 2400'

	; #1672, 24 June, Carey to Associated Press		; #1672, 24 June, Carey to Associated Press

	* N/S: 5300		:* N/S: 5300
	* NE/SW: 3050'		:* NE/SW: 3050'
	* E/W: 2400'		:* E/W: 2400'
	** "Found [ground?] soft west end. 200 feet unavailable landing takeoff." ["Unavailable for landing" fits with the data; I think it had to have been OK for takeoff.]		:: - "Found [ground?] soft west end. 200 feet unavailable landing takeoff." ["Unavailable for landing" fits with the data; I think it had to have been OK for takeoff.]
	** "East end bounded [by a] coral reef [and is] marked off [for] 75 feet [with] flags." [Conjectural interpretation inserted.]		:: - "East end bounded [by a] coral reef [and is] marked off [for] 75 feet [with] flags." [Conjectural interpretation inserted.]

	; 1547, Cooper to Putnam and Earhart, 25 June (second attempt)		; 1547, Cooper to Putnam and Earhart, 25 June (second attempt)
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	:* E/W 2250'		:* E/W 2250'

	: 2250' feet ''between markers,'' plus the narrow 300' addition, plus the flagged off 200', gives a total of 2750' ''for takeoff.''		: 2250' feet ''between markers,'' plus the narrow 300' addition, plus the flagged off 200', gives a total of 2750' available ''for takeoff.''

Moleski: /* Different methods of measuring runway length */

2011-12-29T07:30:27Z

Different methods of measuring runway length

@@ Line 330: / Line 330: @@
 ::"West end main the E/W and NE/SW runway sure sandy and somewhat soft for a distance of about ''two hundred feet'' from the extreme west boundary for beach. Do not believe it advisable to use this area unless we get rain before the flight. Advise if you want the south area flagged off."
-; 1547, Cooper to Putnam and Earhart
+; #2553, Campbell to Wynne, 13 Mar
-::Runway distances ''between markers'' as follows:
+* N/S: 5200'
 :* N/S: 4200'
 :* NE/SW: 2600'
-:* E/W 2250 feet ''between markers,'' plus a narrow 300' addition, plus the flagged off 200', gives a total of 2750' ''for takeoff.''
+:* E/W 2250'

Moleski at 07:28, 29 December 2011

2011-12-29T07:28:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:28, 29 December 2011
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	\|<!-- from -->Hampton		\|<!-- from -->Hampton
	\|<!-- to -->Black		\|<!-- to -->Black
	\|<!-- Content -->[Re your radio] June fifteenth: Please advise immediately if possible to carry out Admiral Waesche's recommendation to combine regular quarterly expedition to three islands with special trip to cover Earhart flight as outlined in radiogram June sixteenth to you from Acting Secretary West. Cannot understand why four colonists on Howland could not keep runways clear and also keep island free of birds. If combined expedition as requested by Admiral Waesche of Coast Guard can be arranged in sufficient time with understanding all obligations incurred to be dated July first or thereafter it is assumed that both ~~cooper~~ and McFarland will desire to visit islands this trip if agreeable to you and Coast Guard. In view of distance and shortage of time you must exercise your best judgement in proceeding.		\|<!-- Content -->[Re your radio] June fifteenth: Please advise immediately if possible to carry out Admiral Waesche's recommendation to combine regular quarterly expedition to three islands with special trip to cover Earhart flight as outlined in radiogram June sixteenth to you from Acting Secretary West. Cannot understand why four colonists on Howland could not keep runways clear and also keep island free of birds. If combined expedition as requested by Admiral Waesche of Coast Guard can be arranged in sufficient time with understanding all obligations incurred to be dated July first or thereafter it is assumed that both Cooper and McFarland will desire to visit islands this trip if agreeable to you and Coast Guard. In view of distance and shortage of time you must exercise your best judgement in proceeding.
	\|-		\|-
	\|<!-- Rec # -->166		\|<!-- Rec # -->166
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	\|<!-- from -->Hanzlik		\|<!-- from -->Hanzlik
	\|<!-- to -->Unipress		\|<!-- to -->Unipress
	\|<!-- Content -->Unipress collect San Francisco; aboard Itasca, Howland Island. Ready for arrival Amelia. First boat Itasca landed ninefortyfive HST morning. Black, interior and Cooper, US Army, survey runways marked [with] red bunting strips. Birds on south end being frightened to north end. Small but noisy shots, TNT, and men chasing. Minute preparations for every emergency: land detail, fire detail, offshore boat. Bath for Amelia readied. Will probably stay ashore. All personnel on toes. Weather clear, visibility unlimited; wind south east, velocity fifteen miles. Black: "Field in same condition as March expedition except pigweed overgrown two thirds area. expect no trouble." Lieut ~~cooper~~: "All preparations for servicing and minor mechanical repairs have been completed. Runways are well marked and wind socks erected. The field is now ready for Mrs Putnam." Colonists in excellent health, morale. Two six weeks old cats put off Howland--first ones. James Kamakaiwi, leader Howland, leaving after nine months. Baker tomorrow, Howland tomorrow night. Standby Amelia.		\|<!-- Content -->Unipress collect San Francisco; aboard Itasca, Howland Island. Ready for arrival Amelia. First boat Itasca landed ninefortyfive HST morning. Black, interior and Cooper, US Army, survey runways marked [with] red bunting strips. Birds on south end being frightened to north end. Small but noisy shots, TNT, and men chasing. Minute preparations for every emergency: land detail, fire detail, offshore boat. Bath for Amelia readied. Will probably stay ashore. All personnel on toes. Weather clear, visibility unlimited; wind south east, velocity fifteen miles. Black: "Field in same condition as March expedition except pigweed overgrown two thirds area. expect no trouble." Lieut Cooper: "All preparations for servicing and minor mechanical repairs have been completed. Runways are well marked and wind socks erected. The field is now ready for Mrs Putnam." Colonists in excellent health, morale. Two six weeks old cats put off Howland--first ones. James Kamakaiwi, leader Howland, leaving after nine months. Baker tomorrow, Howland tomorrow night. Standby Amelia.
	\|-		\|-
	\|<!-- Rec # -->2618		\|<!-- Rec # -->2618

Moleski at 07:11, 29 December 2011

2011-12-29T07:11:48Z

@@ Line 293: / Line 293: @@
 ' soft sand on west end of East/West runway.
-Propagation problems with daytime radio transMissions. Only night traffic working with Howland.
+Propagation problems with daytime radio transmissions. Only night traffic working with Howland.
 consecutive hours at one stretch. Campbell got very little sleep.
-barrels of high-octaine fuel on Howland? FOUR MORE DRUMS RECENTLY RECEIVED STANDARD OIL (of standard oil? Or from Standard Oil?)
+barrels of high-octaine fuel on Howland? "FOUR MORE DRUMS RECENTLY RECEIVED STANDARD OIL" (of standard oil? Or from Standard Oil?).
 Looks like Cooper recommended extending the East/West runway. Not in the plans for the first attempt.
@@ Line 304: / Line 304: @@
 "Cannot understand why four colonists on Howland could not keep runways clear and also keep island free of birds."

Moleski: moved Radio traffic about the Howland Island runways. to Radio traffic about the Howland Island runways

2011-12-29T04:00:47Z

moved Radio traffic about the Howland Island runways. to Radio traffic about the Howland Island runways

← Older revision	Revision as of 04:00, 29 December 2011
(No difference)

Moleski at 04:00, 29 December 2011

2011-12-29T04:00:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:00, 29 December 2011
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	\|<!-- from -->Miller		\|<!-- from -->Miller
	\|<!-- to -->Black		\|<!-- to -->Black
	\|<!-- Content -->Re your radio March 8: Your suggestion for the Shoshone to proceed as soon as possible from Honolulu to Howland appears to be most practicable solution. I will contact the Coast Guard Commander ~~Sanfrancisco~~ Division and request the Shoshone depart Honolulu as soon as possible in accordance with your request. If possible ascertain after Campbell the time necessary to complete runway construction after arrival of Shoshone at Howland as this information is necessary in order to advise relative to sailing date of Ontario from Samoa as this ship has a limited time for cruising.		\|<!-- Content -->Re your radio March 8: Your suggestion for the Shoshone to proceed as soon as possible from Honolulu to Howland appears to be most practicable solution. I will contact the Coast Guard Commander San Francisco Division and request the Shoshone depart Honolulu as soon as possible in accordance with your request. If possible ascertain after Campbell the time necessary to complete runway construction after arrival of Shoshone at Howland as this information is necessary in order to advise relative to sailing date of Ontario from Samoa as this ship has a limited time for cruising.
	\|-		\|-
	\|<!-- Rec # -->2475		\|<!-- Rec # -->2475
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	\|<!-- from -->Campbell		\|<!-- from -->Campbell
	\|<!-- to -->Wynne		\|<!-- to -->Wynne
	\|<!-- Content -->Airport and runway construction inspected and work commended by Black, Captain Meyer, Lieutenant Cooper. Consensus that facilities provided are entirely adequate. I will be in Honolulu about March thirtyone. Plan on leaving for ~~Sanfrancisco~~ as near fifteenth of April as is possible to obtain transportation. Will make final inspection of work and complete reports and assemble data. Respectfully submit I come direct to Washington to make report in person.		\|<!-- Content -->Airport and runway construction inspected and work commended by Black, Captain Meyer, Lieutenant Cooper. Consensus that facilities provided are entirely adequate. I will be in Honolulu about March thirtyone. Plan on leaving for San Francisco as near fifteenth of April as is possible to obtain transportation. Will make final inspection of work and complete reports and assemble data. Respectfully submit I come direct to Washington to make report in person.
	\|-		\|-
	\|<!-- Rec # -->1474		\|<!-- Rec # -->1474
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	\|<!-- from -->Carey		\|<!-- from -->Carey
	\|<!-- to -->Associated Press		\|<!-- to -->Associated Press
	\|<!-- Content -->Associated Press ~~Sanfrancisco~~; USCGC Itasca off Howland. Survey flag marking three runways Howland. Combined preliminary attempts scare thousands gooneys, terns, frigates north made this afternoon [by] personnel assisting Earhart world flight. Runways pronounced good shape, though covered growth "pigweeds." Landing first boat 845 am, supplies, gasoline, equipment Earhart, and island colonists. 2400 feet east west runway most probably used because prevailing easterly winds. Found [ground?] soft west end. 200 feet unavailable landing takeoff. East end bounded coral reef marked off 75 feet flags. 3050 feet northeast southwest runway smooth, hard, though line cross winds. Best runway 5300 feet northsouth available provided winds shift line away direct cross. Complete protection plans Earhart arrival departure include details covering crashing, repairing, servicing, fire fighting, medical aid, beach offshore patrols radiotelephone to ship. Two colonists replacements made. Jacob Haili, Joseph Anakalea relieve veteran leader James Kamakaiwi, William Tavares. Remaining William Kaina, new leader; You Fai Lum, radioman, student aerologist. Query Earhart whereabouts. Itasca not informed. Using Howland time one hour earlier Honolulu.		\|<!-- Content -->Associated Press San Francisco; USCGC Itasca off Howland. Survey flag marking three runways Howland. Combined preliminary attempts scare thousands gooneys, terns, frigates north made this afternoon [by] personnel assisting Earhart world flight. Runways pronounced good shape, though covered growth "pigweeds." Landing first boat 845 am, supplies, gasoline, equipment Earhart, and island colonists. 2400 feet east west runway most probably used because prevailing easterly winds. Found [ground?] soft west end. 200 feet unavailable landing takeoff. East end bounded coral reef marked off 75 feet flags. 3050 feet northeast southwest runway smooth, hard, though line cross winds. Best runway 5300 feet northsouth available provided winds shift line away direct cross. Complete protection plans Earhart arrival departure include details covering crashing, repairing, servicing, fire fighting, medical aid, beach offshore patrols radiotelephone to ship. Two colonists replacements made. Jacob Haili, Joseph Anakalea relieve veteran leader James Kamakaiwi, William Tavares. Remaining William Kaina, new leader; You Fai Lum, radioman, student aerologist. Query Earhart whereabouts. Itasca not informed. Using Howland time one hour earlier Honolulu.
	\|-		\|-
	\|<!-- Rec # -->1671		\|<!-- Rec # -->1671
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	\|<!-- from -->Hanzlik		\|<!-- from -->Hanzlik
	\|<!-- to -->Unipress		\|<!-- to -->Unipress
	\|<!-- Content -->Unipress collect ~~Sanfrancisco~~; aboard Itasca, Howland Island. Ready for arrival Amelia. First boat Itasca landed ninefortyfive HST morning. Black, interior and Cooper, US Army, survey runways marked [with] red bunting strips. Birds on south end being frightened to north end. Small but noisy shots, TNT, and men chasing. Minute preparations for every emergency: land detail, fire detail, offshore boat. Bath for Amelia readied. Will probably stay ashore. All personnel on toes. Weather clear, visibility unlimited; wind south east, velocity fifteen miles. Black: "Field in same condition as March expedition except pigweed overgrown two thirds area. expect no trouble." Lieut cooper: "All preparations for servicing and minor mechanical repairs have been completed. Runways are well marked and wind socks erected. The field is now ready for Mrs Putnam." Colonists in excellent health, morale. Two six weeks old cats put off Howland--first ones. James Kamakaiwi, leader Howland, leaving after nine months. Baker tomorrow, Howland tomorrow night. Standby Amelia.		\|<!-- Content -->Unipress collect San Francisco; aboard Itasca, Howland Island. Ready for arrival Amelia. First boat Itasca landed ninefortyfive HST morning. Black, interior and Cooper, US Army, survey runways marked [with] red bunting strips. Birds on south end being frightened to north end. Small but noisy shots, TNT, and men chasing. Minute preparations for every emergency: land detail, fire detail, offshore boat. Bath for Amelia readied. Will probably stay ashore. All personnel on toes. Weather clear, visibility unlimited; wind south east, velocity fifteen miles. Black: "Field in same condition as March expedition except pigweed overgrown two thirds area. expect no trouble." Lieut cooper: "All preparations for servicing and minor mechanical repairs have been completed. Runways are well marked and wind socks erected. The field is now ready for Mrs Putnam." Colonists in excellent health, morale. Two six weeks old cats put off Howland--first ones. James Kamakaiwi, leader Howland, leaving after nine months. Baker tomorrow, Howland tomorrow night. Standby Amelia.
	\|-		\|-
	\|<!-- Rec # -->2618		\|<!-- Rec # -->2618
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	\|<!-- from -->Hanzlik		\|<!-- from -->Hanzlik
	\|<!-- to -->Unipress		\|<!-- to -->Unipress
	\|<!-- Content -->Unipress collect ~~Sanfrancisco~~; aboard Itasca. Shark infested waters reality. Crews caught two eight foot maneaters, boats report numerous following into landings. Four drums special high octane gas for Amelia takeoff; plane has special tank. East west runway shortest [to be?] used. Prevailing wind, slopes each end toward lower center--added impetus take off. High frequency radio directional finder installed Howland yesterday. Coast Guard, low frequency finder on itasca. Both locate Amelia's course from her signals. Personnel fishing, but sharks take fish off. Swimming in tank on deck, studying birds on island, movies every night, suntanned men enjoying standby.		\|<!-- Content -->Unipress collect San Francisco; aboard Itasca. Shark infested waters reality. Crews caught two eight foot maneaters, boats report numerous following into landings. Four drums special high octane gas for Amelia takeoff; plane has special tank. East west runway shortest [to be?] used. Prevailing wind, slopes each end toward lower center--added impetus take off. High frequency radio directional finder installed Howland yesterday. Coast Guard, low frequency finder on itasca. Both locate Amelia's course from her signals. Personnel fishing, but sharks take fish off. Swimming in tank on deck, studying birds on island, movies every night, suntanned men enjoying standby.
	\|-		\|-
	\|<!-- Rec # -->1677		\|<!-- Rec # -->1677
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	\|<!-- from -->Carey?		\|<!-- from -->Carey?
	\|<!-- to -->Associated		\|<!-- to -->Associated
	\|<!-- Content -->RDO press collect USCGC Itasca ... ; via Mackay Radio; Press Associated collect ~~Sanfrancisco~~; from Lae Earhart radioed Itasca tonight: "Plan start July first one thirty PM Lae time if weather OK." Takeoff coincide four PM Howland time tomorrow. Opinion officials Itasca estimated eighteen twenty hour flight; put arrival here ten twelve AM Thursday. 2570 statute mile nonstop hop, longest single jump equatorial earth circling trip. Officials estimate average speed 140 miles per hour. Weather forecast Howland: surrounding area easterly headwinds probable, local rain squalls slight. Runways ready. Birds, excepting small terns, migrate northern end island off runways. Plan final clearing tomorrow late dusk. Late this afternoon Earhart radioed, "plan takeoff Lae. Please send forecast Lae Howland soon possible. If reaches me will try leave otherwise July first. Will broadcast hourly." No sig.		\|<!-- Content -->RDO press collect USCGC Itasca ... ; via Mackay Radio; Press Associated collect San Francisco; from Lae Earhart radioed Itasca tonight: "Plan start July first one thirty PM Lae time if weather OK." Takeoff coincide four PM Howland time tomorrow. Opinion officials Itasca estimated eighteen twenty hour flight; put arrival here ten twelve AM Thursday. 2570 statute mile nonstop hop, longest single jump equatorial earth circling trip. Officials estimate average speed 140 miles per hour. Weather forecast Howland: surrounding area easterly headwinds probable, local rain squalls slight. Runways ready. Birds, excepting small terns, migrate northern end island off runways. Plan final clearing tomorrow late dusk. Late this afternoon Earhart radioed, "plan takeoff Lae. Please send forecast Lae Howland soon possible. If reaches me will try leave otherwise July first. Will broadcast hourly." No sig.
	\|}		\|}

Moleski at 03:59, 29 December 2011

2011-12-29T03:59:28Z

Show changes

Moleski at 03:34, 29 December 2011

2011-12-29T03:34:03Z

Show changes

Moleski at 02:56, 29 December 2011

2011-12-29T02:56:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:56, 29 December 2011
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	\|-		\|-
	!Rec #		!Rec #
	!Date		!scope="col" width="50"\|Date
	!From		!From
	!To		!To
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	\|-		\|-
	\|<!-- Rec # -->1673		\|<!-- Rec # -->1673
	\|<!-- date --> June		\|<!-- date -->27 June
	\|<!-- from -->Hanzlik		\|<!-- from -->Hanzlik
	\|<!-- to -->Unipress		\|<!-- to -->Unipress

Moleski at 02:51, 29 December 2011

2011-12-29T02:51:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:51, 29 December 2011
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	!Content		!Content
	\|-		\|-
	!colspan="5"\| MSG3.~~pdf~~		!colspan="5"\| [http://tighar.org/Projects/Earhart/Archives/Research/JacobsonDatabase/RADIOMES/MSG3.PDF Jacobson Database, Radio Messages, Group 3.]
	\|-		\|-
	\|<!-- Rec # -->2429		\|<!-- Rec # -->2429
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	\|<!-- Content -->YOUR RADIOS OF FEBRUARY TWENTYFOUR RECEIVED. PROGRESS OF WORK SATISFACTORY YOUR REPORT INCLUDES SUFFICIENT INFORMATION. WHEN WORK ON PRESENT RUNWAYS IS COMPLETED ADVISE AND IF YOU HAVE ANY SPARE TIME IT SUGGESTED YOU MAKE FILL AND EXTEND NORTH AND SOUTH RUNWAY IF POSSIBLE.		\|<!-- Content -->YOUR RADIOS OF FEBRUARY TWENTYFOUR RECEIVED. PROGRESS OF WORK SATISFACTORY YOUR REPORT INCLUDES SUFFICIENT INFORMATION. WHEN WORK ON PRESENT RUNWAYS IS COMPLETED ADVISE AND IF YOU HAVE ANY SPARE TIME IT SUGGESTED YOU MAKE FILL AND EXTEND NORTH AND SOUTH RUNWAY IF POSSIBLE.
	\|-		\|-
	!colspan="5"\| MSG4.~~pdf~~		!colspan="5"\| [http://tighar.org/Projects/Earhart/Archives/Research/JacobsonDatabase/RADIOMES/MSG4.PDF Jacobson Database, Radio Messages, Group 4.]
	\|-		\|-
	\|<!-- Rec # -->2450		\|<!-- Rec # -->2450
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	\|<!-- Content -->INTERIOR PERSONNEL COMPETENT NOW TO OPERATE EQUIPMENT. IT WAS ORIGINALLY PLANNED TO LEAVE EQUIPMENT AND HAVE RESIDENTS CONTINUE WORK OF FILLING AND ROLLING AS MAINTENANCE. HOWEVER ONLY 2 DRUMS TRACTOR GAS REMAIN WHICH IS SUFFICIENT TO OPERATE 1 TRACTOR 4 DAYS. CONSENSUS OF OPINION RUNWAYS ARE ADEQUATE NOW. FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS WOULD REQUIRE ADDITONAL EQUIPMENT TO GRADE AND LENGTHEN E-W RUNWAY AND SURFACE ALL USABLE AREA. FUEL AND PUMP WILL BE STORED AS SUGGESTED. ADVISE TIME ESTIMATED FOR NECESSARY REPAIRS.		\|<!-- Content -->INTERIOR PERSONNEL COMPETENT NOW TO OPERATE EQUIPMENT. IT WAS ORIGINALLY PLANNED TO LEAVE EQUIPMENT AND HAVE RESIDENTS CONTINUE WORK OF FILLING AND ROLLING AS MAINTENANCE. HOWEVER ONLY 2 DRUMS TRACTOR GAS REMAIN WHICH IS SUFFICIENT TO OPERATE 1 TRACTOR 4 DAYS. CONSENSUS OF OPINION RUNWAYS ARE ADEQUATE NOW. FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS WOULD REQUIRE ADDITONAL EQUIPMENT TO GRADE AND LENGTHEN E-W RUNWAY AND SURFACE ALL USABLE AREA. FUEL AND PUMP WILL BE STORED AS SUGGESTED. ADVISE TIME ESTIMATED FOR NECESSARY REPAIRS.
	\|-		\|-
	!colspan="5"\| MSG7.~~pdf~~		!colspan="5"\| [http://tighar.org/Projects/Earhart/Archives/Research/JacobsonDatabase/RADIOMES/MSG7.PDF Jacobson Database, Radio Messages, Group 7.]
	\|-		\|-
	\|<!-- Rec # -->2727		\|<!-- Rec # -->2727