This Independence Day, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is encouraging everyone who already knows the freedom of the skies to share the experience with someone who doesn’t. “We want you to celebrate your freedom to fly by introducing it to others,” said AOPA President and CEO Craig L. Fuller on June 29. “Leonardo da […]
News
GA fees threaten Angel Flight
Legislation proposed by the Obama administration could ground life-changing non-profit Angel Flight, reported Springfield, Missouri television station KSPR on June 27. Angel Flight is a group of volunteer pilots who fly people with serious injuries and illnesses, “many of them children right here in the Ozarks, to hospitals that offer the treatment they need,” the […]
WASP Annie Lawrence dead at 84
Annie “Belle” Lawrence, who died June 24 at the age of 84, was 17 when she earned her pilot license before she had a driver’s license. As a youngster, she saw airplanes buzz over her grandparents’ farm near Lakewood, Georgia, as they landed on a nearby dirt strip. They inspired a passion for aviation in […]
Backcountry mail pilot helps preserve way of life
In the small airport lounge at the River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho, Ray Arnold fulfills the wish lists of those who live and work along the only backcountry air mail route left in the lower 48 states, wrote Associated Press reporter Jessie Bonner on June 28. Arnold Aviation employees wheel cardboard boxes into […]
Most-decorated Marine pilot dies at 89
Retired Marine Corps Col. Kenneth L. Reusser, the most decorated Marine aviator in history, who had the dubious distinction of having been shot down in three wars, died June 20 at age 89. According to newspaper reports, Reusser flew a total of 253 combat missions in World War II, Korea and Vietnam and was shot […]
Ed McMahon, fighter pilot
Ed McMahon, best known as a foil to Johnny Carson – a gig that lasted 30 years – died June 23 at the age of 86. Barely mentioned in his obituaries was the fact that during World War II McMahon was a Marine Corps fighter pilot, flight instructor and test pilot. He was sent to […]
Lervold named CubCrafters GM
CubCrafters has named Randy Lervold as its new General Manager. He will lead daily operations and drive long term planning for the company, which manufactures the Sport Cub S2, the Sport Cub, the Super Sport Cub, and the Top Cub. For more information: CubCrafters.com
Disabled veterans contribute to Veterans Airlift Command
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust recently awarded a $35,000 grant to the Veterans Airlift Command, itself a charity which coordinates a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots to provide air transportation for medical and other compassionate purposes to wounded service members and their families. It was the second grant awarded […]
Museum exhibit honors World War II aces
Seattle’s Museum of Flight is the home of the American Fighter Aces Association and holds their collections and archives. Opening June 27, a new exhibit draws from that resource to portray the World War II military experience of fighter ace Maj. James C. Stewart and fellow pilots in the famous 56th Fighter Group, acclaimed for […]