Sierra Treasures #5 Jim Flannigan at Auburn Airport and Bonnie Palmer about Lyman Gilmore

In the first section, an interviewer talks with Jim Flanagan, a mechanic at the Auburn Airport, about a plane he's been working on for ten years. Flanagan discusses the plane's history, including a crash that required an engine replacement. He explains that the current engine is powerful and reliable, but also expensive to maintain. Flanagan expresses confidence in the plane's safety, though he admits he would need a refresher course before flying it himself. The conversation also touches on the history of aviation, with Flanagan recalling the affordability of surplus planes after World War II. He contrasts this with the high cost of modern aircraft parts, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining older planes.
In the second section, the interviewer speaks with Bonnie Palmer about her fascination with Lyman Gilmore, a pioneer aviator from Grass Valley. Palmer, a former teacher, describes her extensive research on Gilmore, driven by a desire to document his accomplishments and contributions to aviation. She shares newspaper clippings and other historical records that highlight Gilmore's early flights and his innovative ideas. Palmer emphasizes Gilmore's passion for aviation and his concern for the environment, portraying him as a visionary ahead of his time. The conversation also touches on the challenges Gilmore faced, including setbacks with his early aircraft and the theft of his gyroscopic equipment. Palmer's dedication to preserving Gilmore's legacy is evident throughout the interview.