An interview with Tony Dedal

Wednesday, November 5th, 2008

Tony Dedal is the author of recently launched WINGS OVER THE PHILIPPINES, dubbed as a Philippine aviation history book. Tony was a Philippine fighter pilot during the 1950s and editor-publisher of a Sydney-based Philippine community newspaper in the early 1980s. During the early years of this website, Tony also wrote about his observations on community and political affairs in his column “From My Cockpit“.

In this interview, Tony talks about aviation and flying, his book and his life.

Question: What inspired you to write WINGS OVER THE PHILIPPINES? What is it like writing about an old love, aviation?
Tony Dedal: Narrating something personal came as no challenge because before I came to Australia, Philippine aviation was my life. So, it was not difficult to recall events. My memory was good and accurate. A few cross checking and a lot of friends to narrate their own experiences were all I needed for inspiration.

Q: WINGS OVER THE PHILIPPINES is a very catchy title. Any source of inspiration for this title?
TD: WINGS OVER THE PHILIPPINES was not yet used beforehand according to Google. So I claimed it.

Q: How long did it take you to finish writing the book?
TD: About four years all together because I got sick with cancer of the brain which almost aborted the project. Luckily I finished the manuscript before my sickness occurred although final editing had to be done afterwards.

Q: How would you describe WINGS OVER THE PHILIPPINES to someone who has not read anything about aviation?
TD: Just read it for the exciting stories, for example, I mentioned also my stint with the CIA which added adventure to the contents of the book. Other contributors like Mike Mendiola of the Blue Diamonds tells his story with candor from inside the team. It shows the strength and weakness of every individual team member. Another contributor is Mario Aldeguer who flew with 15th Strike Wing who tells the readers how it was behind scene with people who are supposed to lead but somehow get mixed up by the changing minds of politicians. There is also the case of General Relova and his problems in Zamboanga while in command of that base. There is the story of Archie Matias a member of Blue Diamonds team in 1986 and flew a general to observe for himself the situation on the ground at Camp Crame and why the option to disrupt the rally by aircraft was avoided. There is also a chapter about pilots being exported to other airlines which goes to show the marketability of our pilots.

Q: What do you think is the most important single factor that has influenced today’s Philippine aviation?
TD: The Philippines, especially the airlines compared with other airlines in Asia, is abreast in technology. They practice for many hours every year in flight simulators to acquaint themselves with simulated emergencies and other procedures they might encounter in the air. They are graded in these exercises and have to prove themselves to be capable of handling any emergency while on flight.

Q: We understand that aircraft design is one of your passions, and we read somewhere that some time in your younger days, you ventured into aircraft design where you “designed a flying boat to fly on ground-effect”. Can you tell our readers more about that episode?
TD: Ground-effect flying is flying above the water with the boat hull never touching the water. I designed my own craft using previous flying experience with small airplanes. With some calculations and to prove my design would work, I took a course in TIG (Tungsten) welding at Brookvale Technical College as a senior citizen, and had a plan to make my own flying boat. The only drawback was my instructor in the school doubted my decision and recommended try using plywood, instead of going directly to metal. I took note of the suggestion and decided to follow his advice. While working at home I befriended another fellow by the name of Bill Morton who was instructing at a local college, and he happened to be another builder, he offered to give me a hand with the landing gear assembly design. The project proceeded as planned except I was diagnosed with cancer of the brain which proved to be my nemesis. By the time I was released from the hospital four months later I was completely disoriented and the project was abandoned.

Until today I still have problems with the right side of the body that requires walking stick for balance. I also forgot how to touch type, and use the computer even the basics and lastly my speech had been affected that I slur when trying to speak. Although now, I have regained the use of the computer except I type with my left hand only.

Q: If readers would like to read more about history of Philippine aviation, which book or books would you recommend?
TD: Stanley Karnow’s “In Our Image, America’s Empire in the Philippines” is still very interesting to me.

Q: Lastly, can you tell our readers three “Good to Know” facts about you. Tell us about what your plans are for the future. About your family. About anything that would attract our readers to buy a copy of your book.
TD: I have no plans for the future except to stay alive as long as I can! I am married with four adult children and ten grandchildren. I feel proud having had the opportunity to write this book because it means our history will be remembered.

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