R. V. Carleton

Captain R. V. Carleton standing next to a Braniff Airway's Inc., Lockheed Vega aircraft in 1931.

R. V. Carleton (September 4, 1905 – February 10, 1987) who worked for Braniff International, the Dallas, Texas, based airline, for nearly 40 years, began as a line captain and retired as executive vice president. As an aviator he pioneered South American airline routes and chaired the first worldwide symposium on supersonic transport aircraft. He was a celebrated figure in the field of aviation with an impressive list of accomplishments and contributions to the industry that he cherished.

Early years

Carleton was born on September 4, 1905, at Elk City in Beckham County, Oklahoma, West of Oklahoma City. His parents were Virgil Frances Carleton born February 5, 1875, in Russellville, Missouri, and Olga Mae Smallwood Carleton of Hardin, Ray County, Missouri, born on January 12, 1878. The family moved to nearby Clinton, Custer County, Oklahoma, in 1920, when R. V. was 14 years old. Throughout his life, Carleton used his initials R. V. as his nickname and stated that they stood for nothing.

Young Carleton found a love for airplanes during his pre-school years when he would build model airplanes and dream about flying them one day. Far from a passing interest, Carleton's love for aviation was well known among his high school classmates and his class yearbook stated that he would be "up in the air."

On September 2, 1970, Carleton announced his retirement from Braniff International after 39 years of service. Braniff Chairman Harding L. Lawrence announced Captain Carleton's retirement with the statement, "Regrettably, we must announce the retirement of R. V. Carleton who is one of the aviation industry's most respected leaders and one of its true pioneers." Lawrence noted that Captain Carleton's retirement would become officially effective on October 1, 1970. Lawrence went on to state: "It is the vision and expertise of men like R. V. Carleton, who have brought aviation to the forefront of the transportation industry and positioned the airlines to take advantage of rapid technological advancement."

At the time of his retirement, Carleton was filling the positions of executive vice president and assistant to the chairman of the board. Carleton served in all areas of operations at Braniff throughout his 39-year career. His most recent duties included heading advance planning for the new aircraft generation including the Boeing 747 which would come on line in January, 1971. Carleton also played a pivotal role in planning for the supersonic passenger aircraft that were planned to be introduced at Braniff in the mid-1970s.

Upon his retirement the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a statement heralding the contributions that Carleton made to the industry: "Throughout your career you have been looked to for guidance and counseling both by government and industry in all areas of air carrier operations." The FAA plaque went on to say, "To R. V. Carleton on retirement from Braniff International Airways. The Federal Aviation Administration with best wishes and warmest regards in recognition of 40 years of significant contributions to the advancement of air carrier management and pioneering efforts in operational safety."

Joins Mach 2 Club

Carleton joined the celebrated Mach 2 Club in 1964, when he became one of the first civilian pilots to fly a jet at twice the speed of sound at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Mr. Carleton piloted an F-104 Starfighter at twice the speed of sound which landed him in the exclusive high speed club. The purpose of the flight was to duplicate the operational characteristics of the proposed SST airliner from takeoff to Mach 2 or 1400 miles per hour, to landing.

Returns to Braniff to host 747 tour

Retirement would not keep Captain Carleton from returning to Braniff for a special occasion. On January 9, 1971, Braniff International operated the second segment of a 17 city tour to introduce the airline's new Boeing 747-127 registered as N601BN and dubbed 747 Braniff Place. With the new plane Braniff would fly the original route between Oklahoma City and Tulsa that it first flew on June 20, 1928, and then continue on to record turnout at Memphis International Airport later in the day.

A Braniff official was on board each tour flight to host guests on the flight as well as dignitaries and press at each stop. Former Braniff Director Carleton hosted the flight from Dallas Love Field to Oklahoma City, Tulsa and finally Memphis on January 9. Captain Carleton flew for Braniff out of Oklahoma City in the early 1930s and was the perfect host for the monumental flight between the first two Braniff cities.