Current Issues

Living in Kunming has given me the opportunity to understand the past – not least, my own. In addition, I’m able to try to help others understand Kunming’s unique place in aviation history

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Understanding who is who today

There are many people interested in the history of aviation and the Second World War in China. And what’s more, many of them don’t know about the existence of the other. Sometimes I think many of them are probably even doing almost the same thing.

In China, the most effective group I know is the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation.

Ge Shuya is a local historian that has many years of experience. I would consider him to be one of the top experts on the war here in China. Furthermore, I have rarely seen someone so passionate about the whole subject.

I admire Clayton Kuhles for his efforts at recovering planes.

I wish I had the permission to have a page or link about Arthur Lym, the first Chinese pilot ever. He got his license through the Wright Brothers Flying School...

Any help towards understanding today's players will be deeply appreciated.
Museum and Donations

Many of us (children of CNAC) have been wondering where to donate our parents’ belongings. It is my personal opinion that many of our fathers’ things will be deeply treasured in China.

My family has donated some artifacts to the Chinese people. They are among the Treasures of China, up there with the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors.

There are two museums in Kunming, and one more under construction.
Helping the Kunming City Museum

As you can imagine, Kunming is a growing city. The Kunming City Museum may have the power to stop the demolition of an old building. Because many war records are conflicting and unclear, we may see the destruction of old Flying Tiger, ATC, or other historical buildings.

The only way for the museum to stop it is by providing factual backing and proof that a certain building has an important or interesting history.

I am hoping museums or anyone with information, maps and/or pictures could send them to me or to the Kunming City Museum.
Understanding the Past

One of the saddest things for me is how little is known about CNAC in China. To give an instance, during the ceremony at Pienma, we found that plane CNAC 53 had been repainted with military markings. It is understandable, but sad.

Most of the planes that CNAC flew were second hand, and had their logo painted over the old markings. With the passage of time, the paint of the logo has usually faded away.

Furthermore, the walls of the museum devote a lot of space to the Flying Tigers and the ATC (Air Transport Command). Little if nothing is mentioned of the volunteers of CNAC, or the professional aspects of the organization.

It is not alone. Visit any museum in China and you will see that the Hump operation is explained as being part of the military. Not a word about how the volunteers of CNAC were flying the Hump long before the military joined in the effort. They were helping China and their cousin volunteers the AVG before the US military came in.

There is much more to say about this...

Lady Liao's Cantata: "Green Path and Rainbow: Story of Flying Tigers and Hump Pilots"

Liao Qiyu is an ethnic music researcher at Yunnan Provincial Nationalities Art Research Institute. She is professor of vocal music at the Wenhua College of Yunnan Art University. In addition, she is a professional singer.

She has created a beautiful cantata about the Flying Tigers and the Hump pilots: "Green Path and Rainbow." She has been using the Miao minority because of their unique timbre of their voices. She is currently in the production of a DVD. In the blog I will try to put small video of recording session which I find fascinating (I need to expand and link here...).

Steve Kusak, Pilot in China

My "China National Aviation Corporation" personal page

Current Issues

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