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Vintage 1966-1969 Northwest Airlines Pilot Application 4pc Lot Ephemera Envelope: $39.99
Up for sale is a unique historical 4-piece lot of commercial aviation ephemera from Northwest Airlines, dated February 6, 1969.This remarkable archive tells a complete, compelling story of the highly competitive airline industry of the late 1960s. It traces a hopeful pilot’s journey from his initial application letters and employment history at Boeing and Ford, culminating in his official rejection due to the immense pool of applicants with elite jet and heavy multi-engine experience at the time.This lot offers a fascinating look into the strict hiring standards and corporate culture of the airline industry during the late 1960s.The lot includes three items: - An official Northwest Airlines pilot requirements sheet. This document details the era's fascinating and rigid criteria, such as strict physical limitations (height 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet 4 inches), uncorrected 20/20 vision, and gender-exclusive language referencing applications from men. It also lists the historical starting pilot salary of $550 per month.
- Original Application Letter & Employment History Addendum (2 pages): A two-page typed letter dated May 7, 1966, from applicant Clarence T. Dahl to Northwest Orient Airlines. Page one details his background, military draft classification (III-A), and flight training. Page two is his attached employment history listing positions at Ford Motor Company and The Boeing Company between 1959 and 1962.
- A typed employment response/rejection letter addressed to an applicant in Mountain View, California. It is printed on crisp corporate letterhead featuring the vintage Northwest Airlines logo and is signed by C. Randall Briese, the Manager of Flight Employment.
- The original official window envelope used to mail the letter, complete with a red Saint Paul, Minnesota postmark dated Feb 6, 1969.
Condition:The items are in good, authentic vintage condition and have been well-preserved. - The letterhead and requirement sheet show standard, clean folding creases from being mailed and stored in the envelope.
- The paper remains sturdy with sharp, legible typewritten text throughout.
- The back and edges of the documents shows some natural age-toning. and very light consistent with paper from this era.
- The envelope shows some light handling wear, a minor corner crease, and slight age-discoloration on the reverse flap. It showsminor foxing/spots near the back edge.
- There are no major tears, heavy stains, or ink fading. The requirement sheet features standard three-hole punches on the margin.
This is an excellent addition for any collector of vintage airline memorabilia, Northwest Airlines history, or aviation hiring ephemera. Please review the photos carefully to verify the exact condition details before offerding. Items will be packaged securely to prevent bending during transit.
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