Originally published in 2006
By Cheryl Hill Burrier
Martin & Martin Aviation 50R
In the beginning, there was Ted – or was it Phil – or Tom?
Each man has been at the Lockhart Municipal Airport for well over 20 years, with the exception of Tom who grew up in Lockhart and was one of the first to receive his pilot license there. Ted Jones and Phil Cline admit to being in their 70’s though Tommy Holland states that he surely must be the wisest because he is definitely the oldest. But this is not the reason that they have been coined the Three Wise Men of Lockhart. The men are deemed experts (by aviation enthusiasts) at building experimental aircraft and are considered the local Gurus of Recreational Vehicle building.
Each has owned various types of aircraft and built numerous experimental aircraft. A personal account reveals that Ted is a previous pharmaceutical representative, home builder and builder of his new RV-9. Phil has 20 years as an aerospace engineer, 25 years as a commercial engineer and built his RV-6A. Tom was previously in the Army Air Corps and has a small engine repair business in Lockhart and also built his RV-6A.
Regardless of the day of the week (for they never rest), coffee is generally ready by 5:30 a.m. in Ted’s “Plane Talk” hangar on the north ramp, which is “open” to curious pilots, experimental aircraft builders and aviation sightseers young or old. The ever-growing hangar logbook chronicles names of visitors and reasons for their sojourn. Many of these visitors have traveled from surrounding states seeking answers to questions such as what is the mysterious noise beneath the cowling of a home-built, or how long will it take to build a Recreational Vehicle using the Ouickbuild kit?
The group first began when Ted and Phil built an experimental aircraft together and subsequently assisted others in building similar aircraft. According to Phil, Tom linked up with them as a matter of interest after flying Ted’s RV; and asking the men to assist him in building one as well. The only catch was that the aircraft had to be completed and its maiden flight performed that same year on the anniversary date of his having been shot down in Germany where he spent 10 months as a P.O.W. This may well be considered the first of The Wise Men’s many “aviation miracles.” Another miracle, which occurred “BWM” (Before Wise Men), was in marrying women who have no complaints as to,their husbands’ time spent away from home. In fact, Ted’s wife and Phil’s wife prefer that they not just sit around on the porch or help re-organize the spice shelves. Perhaps these are the Three Wise Women of Lockhart after all, for they not only have their husbands out from under foot but are free to help plan the frequent parties and barbecues at the hangar rather than messing up their homes!
In all, the Three Wise Men of the “Plane Talk” hangar provide a site for something new every day – be it meeting new friends or planning new projects. Drop-ins are also welcome for discussion, advice, assistance and encouragement!