News : Welchel shares his love of flying with Vinton Lions Club

Leon Welchel shares stories and experiences of his time as a pilot with the Vinton Lions Club

Vinton Lions Club was entertained by guest speaker Leon Welchel sharing his life-long love of flying. Leon stated he is a country boy from Oklahoma. His first plane had no hydraulics and a wooden propeller bolted to the engine. Humorously, Leon commented when he got his license, he realized he couldn't afford to fly.

Leon was a pilot for Continental Airlines in the International Division, doing Pacific routes. He has been all over the world flying in and out of New Zealand, Japan, Europe, Africa, Middle East and more. Many people like to question him on disasters and accidents. Happily, he has avoided disasters and still living to tell his story.

Leon shared numerous stories of unusual and exciting encounters. Once in Amarillo, TX, when getting ready to board his plane, the mechanic was quite excited about a situation. There was a rattlesnake looking to hijack a ride. The rattlesnake had become quite agitated. Luckily, the flight attendant joining the flight had first-hand experience in handling such a creature. She got the mechanic out of the way and after several attempts was able snatch the rattler by the back of its head and disposed of it in the brush to search for another ride. Another interesting experience occurred when coming into Dallas, TX. The flight attendant stated we have a situation, a lady on the plane was having contractions. Leon inquired, "How far apart?" Response back was, "2 minutes." Leon stated he had experience with birthing cows, but not pregnant women. He contacted air traffic control, saying he needed a straight shot for landing, no holding pattern, in fast and hot. Once landed, the ambulance met the plane and baby delivered within 5 minutes of landing.

Leon was contacted by the draft board in early 1966 to pilot during Vietnam. Leon flew 113 trips with the Military Aircraft Command from Feb. 1966 to 1970. He hauled anything that was requested, sometimes explosives. Difficult times would be hauling a plane stacked with coffins of our fallen soldiers. Often flying in and out of Da Nang and Okinawa. We are grateful for Leon's service. Leon also worked for Royal Jordanian Airlines and as a corporate pilot for CRST.

Shelley Mossman joined Leon at the Lions Club Meeting, both Shelley and Leon are board members of the Vinton Airport Commission. The Vinton Airport is an integral part of the Vinton economy as a General Service Airport. Businesses included at the airport are aircraft maintenance, aerial photography and agricultural spraying. Last year aerial photography was in high demand due to the derecho damage. The airport is a gateway for visitors providing 24 hour self-serve fuel pumps (over 35,000 gallons supplied last year) and a complimentary car to access local businesses. Go to www.cityofvinton.org to find out more of the benefits and activities of the Vinton Veterans Memorial Airport.