Brian J. Terwilliger produced and directed “One Six Right.” The Fleet biplane behind him appears in the film.
By Fred “Crash” Blechman
On Dec. 3, at the Hollywood Aviators office and ramp on Van Nuys Airport, Brian J. Terwilliger, producer and director of “One Six Right,” hosted a party for those who contributed to the production. The event also celebrated the DVD release of the 73-minute film. Special features not seen in theaters are included in the DVD.
“One Six Right” is a thrilling documentary celebrating the unsung hero of aviation, the local airport, and its significance to the future of aviation and our communities. Shot in high-definition video, the film takes viewers on a journey of spectacular aerial sequences and tells a romantic story through the accounts of pilots, air traffic controllers, historians and flight enthusiasts. Many pilots were interviewed for the film, including Hollywood director Sydney Pollack, actor Lorenzo Lamas and news anchors Paul Moyer and Hal Fishman.
“One Six Right,” named for the main runway at VNY, explores common misconceptions about general aviation airports, often criticized for noise pollution and viewed as exclusive playgrounds for the rich. In fact, GA airports are the foundation of the entire aviation industry and contribute significantly to local communities. Highlighting the history of Van Nuys Airport (VNY), this film demonstrates the significance of GA airports as critical components of the communities they serve.
Located in the heart of Los Angeles’s San Fernando Valley, VNY is the world’s busiest GA airport, contributing $1.2 billion each year to the Southern California economy. It provides a base for local services that include fire, police and air ambulance departments, search and rescue teams and news media.
The airport has a rich history. Amelia Earhart broke a world speed record over its runways, Marilyn Monroe was discovered while working in its hangars and scenes from the classic film “Casablanca” were filmed on its grounds. Almost every type of aircraft has graced VNY’s runways, from the primitive airplanes of the 1920s to the state-of-the-art aircraft of today.
Brian J. Terwilliger pursued the film’s development for more than five years. Independently financed, the production value is estimated at $2 million. Kevin LaRosa, aerial director and camera pilot, filmed the aerial sequences. Nathan Wang composed the original orchestral score. The film features more than 20 visual effects shots and is mixed in Dolby 5.1 surround sound.
To purchase the DVD, visit [http://www.onesixright.com].
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- Edan Shalev flew this Pitts S2-B in the close-up of an inverted spin, in one of the film’s many exciting air-to-air scenes.
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- Ben Harper began flying in planes like this Piper Cub. Both Harper and the Cub appear in the film.
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- In the face of increased business jet expansion, Elliot Sanders has been a driving force in the Van Nuys Propeller Aircraft Association’s attempt to retain prop planes at Van Nuys Airport.
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- Brian J. Terwilliger produced and directed “One Six Right.” The Fleet biplane behind him appears in the film.
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- Rod Rodriguez, a former naval aviator, was a Beechcraft distributor for many years.
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- World-renowned aviator Clay Lacy flew his restored Douglas DC-3 airliner in the documentary. The former air race pilot and 747 captain has flown more than 50,000 pilot hours.