It's about 0720; June 12, 1950. A full load of pax is boarding at Billings, Montana... some are bound for the end of the trip at Denver, but the low-time DC-3 with its spanking new paint job will be making all stops along the way this morning, to pick up and/or drop off pax and bags of mail.
The passengers are greeted by a charming stewardess, who directs them into the spacious cabin with leather-clad seats. An anxious smoker is assured he will be allowed to light up once the ship is on its way. The copilot, having just finished the walkaround, is now helping the ground crew with the baggage and mail. He's not looking forward to some of the other stops, where he'll have no help at all... just his luck to finally get an airline job when male "pursers" are being replaced by members of the "weaker sex"...
The captain peruses his route: should be easy today; good weather and a light SW wind. Few clouds at about 8000; don't need to climb quite that high anyway, as long as he keeps that mountain in sight. Following the NDB at Powell will make it even easier... the only tricky part will be getting to Powell and completing the turnaround in time to leave the gate there by 0800.
The engines come to life even as the stew struggles to close the stairway door... the captain doesn't want to lose a minute.
Next: Powell, Wyoming... and beyond...
