Dear Mother & Dad,
I’m writing from the flight line now-waiting to go up. I think I go up last today. By that time I’m a nervous wreck. (This table is very rough, so writing isn’t so hot) we are shooting landings now. You should see me bounce. I’m the only one in our group that hasn’t had a pink slip yet (knock on wood) so I guess I’m average anyway.
I received a letter from you, Thelma, Bobby Collard, and Ed Schneider today. Haven’t had time to open them yet. It really makes me feel swell when I get so many letters. I have been trying to answer everyone-it really is quite a job.
I don’t think I’ve told you the names of the fellows in my group. Jack Holker, Harry Hill, John Grahm, and Fred Frederick. Our instructor’s name is Helflinger M. E.-he isn’t much of a physical specimen-but, he can fly like a bird. He told me if I keep up the work I may solo soon.
Before they let you go up for a solo the instructor usually says, “Let’s see how you fly without the added weight!” I think I’ll follow him right out of that cockpit. Oh, well, I just hope and pray I make this darn thing-six of my friends have washed out already. It gets tougher day by day.
How is the ragweed affecting you darling, you should have stayed up North for a few more days. Well, my darlings up I go next period-Hope I have a good day. Work hard in school Jocie and tell me your marks-if you get good marks-I’ll send you a little something.
Love,
Jim