Elaine Jensen of Edina helped fly blood from New Ulm Airport

Three planes piloted by women flew blood out of New Ulm this week for a special project of the American Red Cross.

Elaine Jensen, 37, of Edina, took the last blood run from New Ulm Municipal Airport about 7:30 p.m.

“You’ve got a great airport here,” she said. “There’s even shag carpeting in the ladies’ rest room.”

ELAINE ARRIVED at 6 p.m. accompanied by her husband,Dean, who served as navigator. Two previous flights had been made at 3 and 5 p.m.

All delivered boxes of blood to the St. Paul downtown airport, where it was picked up and taken to the blood bank for immediate processing.

“Eyes all across the country are on this project because of the enormous potential of supplying the blood needs of our nation,” stated Linda Haedge, a pilot and chairman of the project, in a note to Ms. Jensen.

IN ST. PAUL, the blood was separated into its components for special use in hospitals. That’s why speed was essential. Also the blood had to be refrigerated enroute.

All the women flyers are members of the International Association of Women Pilots. The state chapter is called the Minnesota 99s, and has 70 members.

The gasoline was paid for by the Red Cross.

First plane in was piloted by Rita Orr of Faribault, who was the second backup on that run. Two women had to be excused. Rita was accompanied by her two teen-aged children.

The second plane was piloted by Mary Griffith, who was alone.

Together they took 175 pints of the total of 205 donated on Thursday. The balance went up by truck.

All the pilots carried a copy of standard operating procedure for the flight, including what to do if the weather prevented delivery to St. Paul. It stated to take the blood to refrigeration at a hospital.

“If this is not possible,” said the S.O.P., “go to the local bar (for ice) putting ice on bottom and top of blood.”

New Ulm Daily Journal

Sept. 14, 1975