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     In 1932, he and an assistant conducted many hours of instrument practice required for the line pilots in preparation for an instrument rating which became mandatory January 1, 1933.  This work resulted in the system of orientation from an unknown position in the vicinity of a four-course radio range.  Addems took the first rating check ride from CAA inspector Ernest Cutrell at Cleveland in order to demonstrate this system which became standard for airlines in the United States.
     As the airline grew ,the number of flight crews and aircraft increased rapidly.  This was especially true following our entrance into World War II when not only domestic operation had to be sustained but, in addition, military contract work was established to Alaska and across the Pacific to Australia.
     On April 1, 1942, Addems was promoted to Director of Flight Operations for United Airlines. He continued in this position until September, 1951, when he returned to line flying as a Captain on a military airlift contract to Tokyo during the Korean War.
     In the spring of 1923 he bid on a run in the commercial operation to Honolulu and flew that run until his mandatory retirement at age 60, on February 1, 1959.
     Following retirement from airline employment, Addems worked with Mr. Joe Pfeifer in the making of two reproductions of the Nieuport type-XI World War I aircraft, one for himself and the other for Mr. Pfeifer. These turned out to be very good flying and highly maneuverable airplanes. Addems continued flying his frequently, usually going through an aerobatic routine. He was also actively interested in flying a copy of Spad VII that was built near his home.
     Early Bird Walter J. Addems contributions as an aviation pioneer have earned him a rightful place in America's aviation history.