Jack & Helen Frye Story – the Camelot Years of TWA
Frye Aviation Legacy
Transcontinental & Western Air, Inc. Trans World Airlines TWA
By Randall Reynolds
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Winslow Airport TWA Hub & Cross-Country Service
Winslow Arizona TWA Mainline Terminal shown above late 40’s this per dating truck in middle of image. Winslow was a service refueling stop for Transcontinental & Western Air this remote location served little passenger destination or arrival, however, lodging could be found at the local Fred Harvey House La Posada Hotel. This hotel served as a stop on the mainline east-west Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. Now for an important notation, Jack and Helen Frye with guests flew in and out of Winslow on Jack’s executive planes Lockheed Electra 12A (1940-1945) and the Lodestar 18 (1945-1947) this in access of the Frye Smoke Trail Ranch (Sedona). Winslow Clemenceau airport at Cottonwood and Prescott offered the only additional nearby service-refueling locations for Jack’s planes. When no service was needed landing and departure was from the Frye private airstrip near Sedona. At times Helen flew out alone to the ranch when Jack was tied up on business and on occasionally would overnight at the nearby La Posada Hotel. As well this is where pilots of these TWA planes and TWA airliners were lodged on layovers
TWA Chief Test pilot Tommy Tomlinson with unidentified lady at Winslow Arizona. This lady is either a V.I.P. passenger or Jack Frye’s private secretary
As indicated (above) I am unable at to identify this mystery lady, at one point I felt this lady may be Tommy Tomlinson’s wife, however, after research I feel this is not the case. Also, in view of her briefcase, etc., I feel she is a secretary or business woman
It appears this young passenger is the daughter of the V.I.P. passenger (seen above) regarding her obvious resemblance. Images (below) are TWA publicity photos of Winslow Airport (1944)
President of Transcontinental & Western Air, Inc. Jack Frye photographed at Winslow Arizona airport (1944). Frye often stopped here on business trips with his Lockheed Electra 12A Jr. NC 18137 TWA Fleet Number 240 (1940-1945). Winslow was a frequent stop for the Lockheed 12 and Lodestar 18 executive planes (and also TWA airliners). This windswept terminal allowed Frye access to his Sedona ranch with wife Helen and occasionally guests. As pilot Jack always wore flight glasses, dress shirts, and a windbreaker, he never wore a TWA uniform. Jack served as captain of his Lockheed’s, however, when conducting business in the cabin his co-pilot piloted the planes solo (this was not typical on TWA craft but was allowed per Jack Frye)
Winslow Station Manager (August of 1944)
TWA ground crew at Winslow Arizona drinking Coca Cola on a hot Arizona day. As stated earlier the purpose of the this page serves to highlight Jack and Helen Frye’s association with Winslow TWA airfield (August 1944)
Winslow TWA ticket counter (August 1944)
TWA DC3 loading passengers at Winslow terminal (August 1944)
Sedona TWA Online Presentations:
Standard Airlines – Aero Corporation 1920’s
Transcontinental & Western Air TWA 1930’s
TWA President Jack Frye Northrop Gamma 2D
Transcontinental & Western Air TWA 1940’s
A-Broad With Eleven Yanks – A Memorial to Boeing Superfortress 42-24698
TWA President Jack Frye Executive Plane Lockheed Electra 12A
TWA President Jack Frye Executive Plane Lockheed Electra 12A Robinson
TWA President Jack Frye Executive Plane Lockheed Lodestar 18
TWA Executive Mansion Doubleday Washington D.C.
Winslow Airport TWA Hub & Cross-Country Service
Mr. & Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr. (Helen and Neil)
Sedona Frye Tumblr Blog
The Sedona Legend Web Site is a copyrighted historic photo enhanced narrative presented for educational and entertainment purposes. Images are displayed in regard to the United States Fair Use Act and private archives. Sedona Legend was envisioned and created to provide Red Rock State Park visitors with a comprehensive historic overview of Jack and Helen Frye’s Sedona ranches and Jack Frye’s involvement with Standard Airlines and TWA. Sedona TWA is totally non-profit and generates no income, nor does it seek, or has it ever accepted a single donation, it is independently funded by Sedona Legend Publishing. This online presentation is encouraged by the many friends of Jack and Helen Frye and was launched at Sedona’s Red Rock State Park as result of volunteering for (two) 6-month sojourns. A gracious thank you to Red Rock State Park staff and volunteers for their enthusiasm and the Frye and Varner families for their invaluable support
23-years of Research & Presentation
Created By Randall D. Reynolds (Sedona Legend Publishing)
Copyright © 2003/2026 All Rights Reserved