News reports released last week announced that "U.S airlines' performance in 2007 was the worst in almost 20 years." I can't recall specific flights I took in the 1980s, but based on several recent less-than-enjoyable trips I won't argue with that.

Northwest Airlines was listed among the three worst big carriers for flight delays. That may be true, but, in fairness, every so often I suppose some things happen that are out of anyone's control. Such was clearly the case on Nov. 24, 1971. On that day, I understand Northwest went above and beyond to accommodate passengers — one in particular.

On a flight from Portland, Oregon to Seattle, Wash., a man named D.B. Cooper handed a flight attendant a note stating he had a bomb. He demanded $200,000 and several parachutes upon landing. Northwest President Donald Nyrop ordered full compliance so as not to tarnish the airline's reputation. To buy time to fulfill Cooper's wishes the flight was required to circle. It arrived one-half hour late.

Once on the ground the passengers were released while the plane refueled and the money and parachutes delivered. The flight then took off allegedly for Mexico. Cooper, however, had different plans. He ordered the crew to fly no higher than 10,000 feet at a slow speed. A short time later, above an isolated area, he lowered the aft-hatch stairs and parachuted into the freezing, rainy night replete with 21 pounds of $20 bills in a bag strapped to his body.

Just where D.B. Cooper landed remains a mystery to this day. He fully confounded the FBI with his disappearance. Several extensive search parties turned up no trace of his body or brightly colored parachute. Cooper and the 10,000 $20 bills he exited the plane with vanished into the darkness only to reappear by conjecture in stories, books and even a Hollywood movie.

It wasn't until nine years later in 1980, when 8-year-old Brian Ingram went camping with his uncle along the Columbia River near Vancouver, Wash., that something turned up.

Young Brian was trying to help his uncle smooth the sand on the banks to build a fire. While doing so he uncovered three bundles of $20 bills — all badly weathered from exposure. The bills were so deteriorated his uncle suggested they use them to help start the fire. Brian opted to keep them. Later, natural suspicion caused Brian's family to turn the notes over to authorities.

Although Cooper specified the bills have random serial numbers, the FBI had hurriedly photographed each one. Brian's notes matched those on the FBI list. In all, he had found $5,800 of the $200,000 ransom. When no other leads surfaced the FBI returned a small portion to the family.

Two weeks ago, I wrote about how coins, stamps and currency in pristine condition regularly bring a premium price. I also mentioned that some which show substantial wear might still be very valuable if they have a historic connection. I'm guessing these definitely qualify.

Of the authenticated "Cooper" notes Brian found — the only ransom ever recovered — Heritage Auction Galleries of Dallas will place 15 for sale on June 13 and 14.

Each of the certified bills is housed in a protective and labeled holder along with the FBI's artist's sketch of Cooper. Just what price they will bring is also a mystery. My guess is that, again, they're going to fly. For more information contact Heritage at www.HA.com or call toll-free: 800-872-6467.

Editor's Note: A JPEG visual of one of the D.B. Cooper $20 ransom bills to be auctioned is being sent for your use with this column.)

To find out more about Peter Rexford and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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