Revisiting Airline History

Author John Underwood signed books and reminisced about the glory of the flying days of Glendale at Once Upon A Time book store in Montrose on Sunday afternoon.

His new book, Grand Central Air Terminal, introduces readers to a Glendale that was an airport hub of California beginning in the 1920s. Grand Central became the first official terminal for the Los Angeles area.

“I lived near Grand Central as a teen,” Underwood remembers.

He got his first full time job there, crating engines that had been overhauled by the U.S. Air Force.

Grand Central has a rich aviation history. Amelia Earhart bought one of her first airplanes at the Glendale airport. The first commercial west to east transcontinental flight was flown by Charles Lindbergh from Grand Central.

The site also played an important part in World War II.

“The runway was extended,” explained Underwood. This allowed larger planes to take off and land. After WWII, the runway was shortened, denying access by the larger aircraft.

The facility was eventually closed in 1959.

It may be closed but not forgotten. Underwood has been working on the book, on and off, for 30 years. He has filled it with rare photos that really take the reader into the Grand Central world. A pilot himself for many years, Underwood brings the airport to life through the photos and first person accounts.

“I was always crazy about flying,” he said. “This book really gives an idea of how important Southern California was, and is, to the aerospace industry.”

The book can be found at Once Upon A Time.