By Tommy "Gunslinger" Barrymore, AWN field reporter

It's a fair day in the "City of Angels," as I sit down for rare a face-to-face interview with Johnny Johnson, perhaps the most powerful man at Hughes Aviation other than its illustrious founder.

Johnson—who began his career as a test pilot for Hughes—is obviously comfortable with his high-profile role as front man for one of North America's leading aviation firms. He's famous for his energy and drive, his calm under pressure, and his surprising candor. Today, he's true to form.

"Hollywood is clearly the most civilized and sophisticated nation in North America," he grins. "Our militias are equipped with state-of-the-art aircraft and munitions, and they are trained to handle the kinds of scum that plague the skies.

Can air pirate Nathan Zachary tackle Hollywood? (File Photo.)

"I mean, look at these 'Fortune Hunters' that just attacked Boeing. Nathan Zachary and his crew of sky-rats would never be able to pull off such capers here. Between the hardware that Hughes provides and the skill and daring of the Charlie Steele, her Hollywood Knights, and our own public and private militia forces, these crooks and thugs wouldn't stand a chance in our skies. I mean Zachary is little more than a cowardly cur. What threat could he possibly pose to Hollywood?"

Ironically, Johnson and Zachary are old acquaintances. "Oh, we flew together in the war, but he was better at self-promotion than he was at flying."

Johnson's comments aside, Zachary is widely believed to be the youngest pilot to make ace during the Great War. Both Johnson and Zachary flew in the 94th Pursuit Squadron, under famed war hero Eddie Rickenbacker. According to other surviving members of the squadron, Johnson and Zachary were rivals throughout the Great War...a situation exacerbated when the pair ended up playing the market on Wall Street, a decade later.

So, the question remains: will Nathan Zachary and Johnny Johnson finally settle, once and for all, who is the better pilot?

"For Nathan's sake," Johnson says, "I hope not. The better man would win."