No project can take wing without the help of a talented flight crew. My copilots on this adventure were:
Ric Gillespie, executive director of The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR), who patiently answered my endless questions; generously allowed me unlimited access to his organization’s remarkable collection of primary documents, scientific articles and historic photographs; and meticulously fact-checked the completed manuscript. I could never have uncovered the truth about the search for Amelia Earhart or reconstructed the day-to-day events without his boundless knowledge and expertise.
James O’Donnell at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, who burrowed through the archives to uncover a rare 1937 signed Amelia Earhart stamp cover.
Alan Sponheimer and the Ames Historical Society, whose admiration for Neta Snook and her place in aviation history translated to the pages of this book.
Diana Carey, reference librarian at the Schlesinger Library, who time and again found exactly what I was looking for.
Carl Snow, librarian, who guided me through the vast holdings of Purdue University’s Special Collections, answering questions and hunting down photos.
Scott Fleming for his technical savvy.
And last but not least, my amazing editor, Ann Kelley, and my equally amazing book designer, Rachael Cole. I’m blessed to have flown with you!