J. Kim Vandiver ’68
I was in the 4th Bates class in 1965, She and Critch gave me the gift of flight, done the Bates way.
Iris and Howard Critchell and the Bates experience had life changing on hundreds of us. This was what Isabelle Bates had in mind when she provided the initial funding. My first flight was November 30th, 1965 in my sophomore year. It was 18 minutes with Critch and two others from El Monte AP to Brackett in N8396Xray. The thrill of doing the takeoff with Critch talking me through it was incredible. Six months later I was the sacrificial lamb sent to the FAA for my flight test. Looking back on it, I marvel at their ability to see into the heart and mind of each of us. They knew when to push and when to handle with care. They made us special and kept us humble at the same time. Being roasted at the annual Herman Glutz gathering was funny and embarrassing. Iris flew P-51s during WWII. Critch was a music major turned B-24 pilot. Iris was this incredible fount of aviation knowledge. She lived it constantly. I recall one evening returning from a training flight at Brackett. Iris was at the wheel driving and explaining something aeronautical. I realized that she was unconsciously driving with the dashed lane divider markings centered on her virtual nose wheel.
We stayed in touch over the years. During a visit to their home in 1984 I found old Olympics memorabilia spread out on a coffee table. What’s this I asked, to which Iris said, “Oh, that’s something you don’t know about me. I was in the 1936 Olympics” as I looked at a program autographed by Jesse Owens. At 19 and 20 years old, we had no idea how truly special these people were, nor did we realize at the time that we were being imprinted for life by these talented, humble people who took us into their home and spent precious time with us. All of the Bates alumni eventually realized that the Critchells were so special that we would not be able to replace them, when it came time for them to step back from actively running the full flight program.
I am grateful that Iris was able to write “The Privilege of flight”, which gives us more insight to her life. Late in his time, I enjoyed visiting with Critch, of failing eyesight, as he repaired violins in his backyard workshop. I do miss Iris and Critch and will be forever grateful for their gifts.
Kim Vandiver ’68, CFI-Gliders.
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