Collins and Munson, together on the USS Carl Vinson – their last assignment together.
Memories are stored like snapshots in a shoebox. Moments frozen in time. Dick Collins was hunched over his typewriter tapping away that day in the fall of 1964 when I first saw him. He politely said hello, but kept working against a deadline as his father, Leighton Collins, showed me around the Air Facts office in Princeton, New Jersey.
As a devoted subscriber to the magazine, I had stopped by to meet the father and son journalists whose words were gospel to serious pilots. I was in awe of them because they were oracles of the aviation world whose vast experience and talent in examining a subject, cutting through all the wrappings to its essence, and telling us what they discovered in an entertaining, straight forward, no punches pulled way was unmatched. I could not have guessed then that I would later be working closely with Richard for more than thirty years photographing and writing for FLYING magazine.
As I learned of his death, snapshot memories of Richard began flying through my mind like leaves in a wind. The long flights we had together in his Cherokee Six, 172, Cardinal RG, and P210 during which the hours passed like minutes as we discussed life and flying. The “Continued VFR” photo story we did in his 172 showing what the insidious trap of pushing too far actually looked like from the cockpit. And that night over Oklahoma when the devil suddenly flung an ungodly amount of ice on that innocent little Cardinal RG. Richard calmly amended our clearance to land at the nearest airport. I noticed that our approach was at a higher speed and power setting than usual. In fact, not much below those of cruise it seemed. No matter. There was so much drag from the slush on the runway we didn’t need the brakes. Richard did everything right. Like always.
Collins and Munson flew a 172 for a fascinating FLYING magazine article on VFR-into-IMC.
Above all, Richard was a kind and generous man, quick to laugh, and an excellent flight instructor happy to share his vast knowledge without ego. He nurtured new talent, and gave many their start in aviation.
When his wife, Ann died a few years ago a big part of Richard died, too. They were very close, and I believe he was ready to go any time after that.
Another memory. Must have been fifteen years ago at Oshkosh. Richard, former FLYING colleague and Collins mentee Patrick Bradley, and I were having dinner at the Pioneer Inn. Out of the blue, Richard turned to me and said, “Russell, when I go I want you to write my memorial. Pat, you’re my witness.”
Well, Richard, that’s easy. You were the best in the world at what you did. But most important, you were a truly good man who lived your life with honor, heart, humor and kindness.
- The best in the world, and a truly good man - May 2, 2018
- Transcendental reactions – how aviation and photography work together - February 10, 2016
- Are we our brother’s keeper? - February 7, 2012
Thank you, Russell.
Yes, thank you Russel, for honoring Richard’s wishes with your well written tribute. You were indeed fortunate to have him as a colleague and friend.
Thank you for sharing your memories of Mr. Collins. I appreciate all that he has taught me, and will continue to teach through his books, about weather and small aircraft.
R I P Richard. I am old enough to have read your Father’s articles in AIR FACTS and yours too. Great stuff, early IFR in a Pacer, etc.
You were a great teacher. R I P!
Pete Schoeninger
RIP, may you find the great peace of That Big Hangar in the sky!