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Lockheed
- 12A - NC18137
The aircraft was owned by TWA in the 1940s, when
Richter-Holden’s father was Executive Vice President,
and was used for high-altitude research and executive
transport. In 2005, through a twist of fate, Ruth
Richter-Holden was introduced to the plane when the
owner contacted her looking for historic details in
order to sell it. Driven by a faint memory and gut
feeling, Richter-Holden purchased the 12A sight unseen
and as she exclaims, “brought her back to TWA.”
“No one can own history. We are only the guardians of
NC18137,” Richter-Holden said. Her father’s log books
confirmed wha t she had suspected: Richter-Holden had
flown in the plane as a child with her dad, Paul Richter
and his lifelong business partner Jack Frye. “This
airplane represents the accomplishments of the entire
U.S. airline industry; the birth and progress of
commercial aviation; the safety innovations for which
the industry is known today. The Lockheed 12A is the
first all-metal, all-electric twin engine.
Richter-Holden’s 12A, NC18137, was instrumental in high
altitude research, deicing equipment and static
discharge. This Lockheed is a tribute to the aviation
pioneers of aircraft and airlines. Our dedication is to
share this American aviation heritage icon of ingenuity,
innovations and ideals with the public.”
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