United Flying
Octogenarians
The Slip Stream
V o l u m e
June
2 4
2013
From The Flight Deck
Special Points of
Interest:
Plan for the UFO Annual
Meeting
Inside This
Issue
Message
From the
President,
Secretary,
Publisher
1
Charlie
Lopez
Message /
Annual
Meeting
2,
UFO GetTogethers
3,
4,
5
New UFO
Members
6,
7,
8
The High
Flyers
9,
10,
11,
12,
13,
14,
15,
16,
17
Area Reps
18
The Left Seat
Since being your President these last 1½ years, I am reaching
my experience limits. We have grown so fast through the efforts of the UFO Board Members (especially Bart Bratko, Bob Barker, Charlie
Lopez, Bill Webber, and others) that I need help in reviewing our tax-exempt
status, our accounting procedures, and our financial structure. If any member
has experience in these fields and would consider helping me, please contact me
at [email protected]. Thank you.
Don Newman • President
Email: [email protected]
The Right Seat
When I became your Sec/Treas in 2007, there were 600 members. This was the 24th year of the UFO. Now in 6 years, our
membership has grown to over 1400 members with promise of
even higher numbers. One thing that many members, both old
and new, do not realize is that our membership dues (renewal
payment) are to be paid in January and have no bearing on which month you
may have joined. You will be given an invoice clarifying this and I appeal to
those last 100 who have not yet paid for 2013 to do so right away. If you have
any question whether or not you are current, please do not hesitate to either
email or call me at (508)651-8287.
Bart Bratko • Secretary/Treasurer: Email: [email protected]
The Jump Seat
I want to thank all of the new members who have joined in the
last 3 months. I have asked for a picture of them and their airplane. The response has been unbelievable. We have been doing a 12 page Slipstream for the last 5 years. This one is 18
pages because of the contributions you have made. In fact,
there are still some whom I could not show because I ran out of room. Please be
assured the issue in September will have more of you.
Bill Webber • Vice President, Publisher: Email: [email protected]
Page 2
UFO
ANNOUNCEMENTS and INFORMATION
Public Relations Is Everyone’s Job
A common opinion of us is one of general apprehension upon learning that a group
of doddering oldsters are still flitting around in the sky. Dangerous, right?? Of
course; got to be! There should be a law prohibiting such activity. It is incumbent
on each and every one of us to correct that perception by clarifying at every opportunity that obligatory medical and flight exams, recurrent training and vast years of
experience keep us both safe and legal. Charlie Lopez, VP of PR, [email protected]
Put the Annual UFO Meeting on your Calendar
October 10 Fort Worth, Texas
Make sure you plan to attend the UFO Annual Meeting
in Fort Worth, Texas on October 10th. As usual, it is at
the same location as the AOPA Aviation Summit. You
get two great events in one location. More details will
be coming in the next issue.
List of Up and Coming UFO Meetings
Illinois UFO Drive & Fly-In Get-Together: July 09, 2013 11:00am Rockford, IL
UFOs at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome: July 13, 2013 (All day) Red Hook, NY
Spokane, WA Fly-In: July 24, 2013 11:00am Spokane, WA
Crystal River (CGC) 35th Anniversary Party & Fly-In: Aug 03, 2013 (All day) Crystal River, FL
Friday Harbor, WA Fly-In: Aug 21, 2013 11:00am Friday Harbor, WA
Social UFO Gaggle: Aug 31, 2013 San Diego, CA
Sagel, ID Fly-In Sep 25, 2013 11:00am Sandpoint, ID
Important Notice
The UFO Board of Directors has accepted the following Slate of Directors for a term of two (2)
years: Don Newman; Pat Byrne; and John J. Sullivan
NOMINATIONS FROM THE FLOOR:
A nomination from the floor requires endorsements from 25 active UFO members in good standing,
and a one-page bio from the applicant, including the reason for seeking the position of Director.
Please submit new nominations to the Nominating Committee Chair, Nancy J. Warren, 2748 Lafayette Avenue, Columbus, IN 47201, within 30 days from the date of this issue of the SLIPSTREAM.
The election for Directors closes in August.
United Flying Octogenarians
Page 3
UFO
3 Months of Get-Togethers and
Meetings
Reports On UFO Members That Had Local Meetings!!
April 19th Spruce Creek FL (7FL6)
A Showplace For Airplanes & Hospitality
Charlie Lopez, the AR in Florida, found Dick Russell, Jim
Bannerman and wives to do a wonderful fly-in. They had
weather problems or there would have been more who attended. Refreshments, lunch and programs were followed
by a tour of the open hangars from air coupes to warbirds.
April 25th South Carolina
UFO members had a get-together lunch at The Flight Deck
Restaurant in Lexington, SC. There were 6 members present for a good lunch and hangar talk. Seated clockwise
around the table are Homer Keisler, Xen Motsinger, John
Leonhardt, Jack Starling, Reece Hall and Neil Deye.
We have a get-together lunch every 4th Thursday and all
South Carolina UFO members and guests are invited.
April 27th Massachusetts, Maine, & New Hampshire
This spring get together at Sanford Airport Cockpit
Café was coordinated by Phil Gadbois and Al
Hasapis. Phil Gadbois, Al Godburn, Dick Jackson,
& Norm Houle and wives attended. Warren Alexander and his wife flew in from Albany, NY, having noticed the event on the UFO website calendar. After
the luncheon, Phil and Al arranged a tour of the PBY
project in the hangar across the field.
May 10th Anchorage Alaska Meeting
Howard Knutsen (83) and Buck Stewart (83) not only are UFOs,
but they also belong to the OX-5 meeting at the Aviation Museum. When you live in Alaska, you better belong to any group
that wants to tell how good they used to fly. Believe me, they
have had some great stories up there. Remember that your health
is involved. The more you socialize, the longer you will live.
United Flying Octogenarians
Page 4
3 Months of Get-Togethers and Meetings
UFO
Reports On UFO Members That Had Local Meetings!!
May 29th Freeman Field (KSER ) Seymour IN
Nancy Warren (84), UFO Board Member and Area Rep for IN, had 23 for
this occasion. They gathered, met and welcomed. Then, with their docent,
toured the Freeman Field Aviation Museum containing fascinating relics and
stories of WWII. They had a great
lunch, laughed at the aviation stories.and gave out a bunch of prizes.
Nancy explains the picture is of just
a few because they were out of
control all over the place having a
good time.
May 8th NW of Philadelphia PA
A regional meeting was held at historic Wings Field, Northwest of Philadelphia. In spite of heavy
rain, 37 members and guests attended. In addition to great camaraderie, we learned about aviation
dating back to 1930, and the well known pilots and early airlines that started at Wings Field. We
met in the prestigious Philadelphia
Aviation Country Club, where AOPA
was founded. Our host was Gerry
Schwam. Hugh Horning, AR for MD
and DE was Master of Ceremonies,
and Ralph Baron took photos
May 26th Camrose Alberta, Canada
This was the first Canadian get-together this year.
Congratulations boys. From the left: David
Mitchell (80), Terry Dexter (82), Garth Greenway
(87), Murray Hurt (84) and Bob Collier (85). They
have 9 members in Alberta over 482 nautical miles
from North to South. It was a beautiful morning
with great food and great friendship and a little bit
of flying. Best wishes from ‘Way up here in the Trees in Canada’.
June 15th Plum Island Airport CT
Clockwise lower left; Charlotte Vincent (Al's wife),
Nancy Alden, Earl Swain, Dr. Oliver Winter, Phil
Alden, and Bart Bratko. Also attended but not in photo; Ramsey DiLibero and Al Vincent.
United Flying Octogenarians
Page 5
3 Months of Get-Togethers and Meetings
UFO
Reports On UFO Members That Had Local Meetings!!
May 22nd Paine Field (KPAE) WA
The weather was crappy on this date and no one flew in. Al Losvar drove for 5 hours to get
there. That shows how Washington UFOs feel about get-togethers. 27 had a great lunch with
soup, salad and sandwiches. We had two featured speakers with well prepared presentations. Arnold Ebnetter of Woodinville, WA showed how he created an airplane and two years ago he
broke a record for flying across the US in 18 hours non stop from Everett,WA to Williamsburg,
WV. The second special guest was the Curator of the Paul Allen Museum at Paine Field showing
many of the Airplanes they have
that are still flying.
June 23rd Spokane WA
This was the smallest UFO get-together this year, but
it was a good one. From the left; Beth Webber, Penny Wood, Bill Webber (89), and Warren Wood (82).
June 27th Hamilton, MT
Dick Skultin (85), Area Director for MT, had
reserved the airport restaurant for the third
time. We had canceled two other days because
of weather. Fourteen were in attendance that
flew there in 8 airplanes. New members and
old mingled over lemonade and told the stories of how good they used to fly.
South Florida Honors UFO
South Florida members of the UFO were honored this year with the Claude Pepper Memorial
Award by United Home Care in the category of "Active Living”. It was a gala night. A silent
auction for charity purposes and 350 guests at $300/plate for a splendid dinner. Left to right in
the photo are: Jose Fox, President of United Home Care, Ralph Squeglia 86, Bill Corley 80,
Charlie Lopez 85 receiving the award from a Home Care Rep., Jim Eddy 81, Maddy Schnepp 84,
Oscar Hernandez 82, Herb Gelhardt 83, Bill Siskind 88 and Nicole Albano, Bill's assistant (pilot
and certified flight instructor) who embellished our wrinkled group with her youth & good looks.
United Flying Octogenarians
Page 6
Look At All The New UFO Members!!
Name
St.
Phone
Judson Davis Jr.
Thomas Shafer
John Dale
Phil Batton
Arthur Hanson
Charles McLane
Dan Meyer
Ed Moates
David Patton
Ronald VanAtta
Manuel Wilkey
John Almond Sr.
Jim Bates
Thomas Bevers
David Bilodeaux
Martin Bol
William Borum
John Elwell
Robert Faucett
Claude Fenner Jr.
Douglas Glass
Larry Grismer
Lambi Haralambos
Max Hoseit
Christina Hutson
Phillip Jenkins
Lee Johnson
Gale Lakers
Tony Lem
Joe Lespron
Jay Levine
Lester Lindow
John Luke
James McKoane
Conrad Nordquist
Thomas Oczkewecz
John Pickering
Douglas Rankin
Ron Richmond
Lloyd Roberts
Ronald Sawyer
John Slais
Jerome Sweeney
Don Eicher
William Haddow
Vic Hauser
Donald Hopkins
Herbert Spencer Jr.
Henry Frohn
AL
AL
AK
AZ
AZ
AZ
AZ
AZ
AZ
AZ
AZ
AR
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CO
CO
CO
CO
CO
CT
(256)353-2688
(256)365-1493
(907)892-1996
(602)762-8879
(928)567-6660
(602)721-9807
(520)495-5509
(928)301-1668
(520)818-6417
(520)818-9770
(602)370-3447
(501)796-8580
(818)366-9464
(760)419-1514
(530)898-9162
(916)966-2249
(916)772-5486
(714)772-0831
(619)222-2977
(760)753-2584
(831)334-9166
(760)310-2994
(310)541-3996
(916)488-4444
(760)347-4490
(925)837-7881
(916)967-5903
(530)243-1831
(408)377-5959
(626)443-2968
(310)397-5203
(951)533-9808
(760)221-9804
(559)288-8945
(951)906-3190
(707)574-6247
(951)925-3150
(818)883-1153
(949)644-1965
(909)883-2685
(209)536-9415
(805)445-9745
(760)346-5353
(303)443-1186
(303)424-4199
(303)494-5249
(303)690-4453
(970)249-9010
(860)276-9178
Welcome
New UFO
Members
This Year our new Postcard Mailing has generated 171 new members.
Also we have many more
members that joined
because of current
members word of mouth.
Keep spreading the word
about our Organization
and WATCH US GROW
Thanks to all who have
made this possible.
We now have
1420 members.
Since March 2013, we have
added 212 New Members
WOW!!!
Our Oldest Members :
Pearl Laska (103)
George Levis (103)
Doris Lockness (103)
Conrad Teitell
Robert Young
Robert Abner
James Bennett
Bruce CampbellU n i t e d
CT
(203)273-8783
DE
(302)231-8154
FL
(352)795-0650
FL
(386)467-3333
F
l
y
i
n
g
O
ctogenarians
FL
(407)894-7121
Page 7
Name
St.
Phone
Gordon Cauley
Richard Coates
Leslie Conwell
William Corcoran
Francis Ferland
Robert Fleck
Hugo Freudenthal
Russ Hackett
Arthur Hurst
Robert Jones
Thomas Julian
David Keith
Jacob Kertz
Jack Kihm
Gerald Metcalf
Eugene Micek
Frank Mouch
Gene Naples
Dennis Sherman
William Simmons
Sherman Smith
Charles Starr
Harry Teal
John Touchett
Robert VanWagnon
Donald James
Roy Young
Richard Okita
William Dunkley
Norman Kinney
Harold Sallmon
Charles Cushing
Leonard Danek
Lyle Endicott
Robert Foster
John Justice
Robert Peacock
Joe Russell
Robert Wildenradt
James Campbell
Frank Lagreca
James Wheeler
Mel Hemann
Elvin Hopkins
George Mack
Jerry Naylor
Ruth Hill
Lawrence Rahal
Don Simpson
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
GA
GA
HI
ID
ID
ID
IL
IL
IL
IL
IL
IL
IL
IL
IN
IN
IN
IA
IA
IA
IA
KS
KS
KS
(407)252-6294
(239)598-9728
(727)841-9784
(772)571-7954
(727)869-3650
(850)674-5257
(561)526-6734
(352)341-0149
(860)227-8369
(850)968-5779
(850)461-9310
(352)598-6272
(352)728-4435
(386)788-7312
(305)745-8355
(650)906-4989
(813)973-3757
(941)473-1127
(561)626-6896
(321)615-0866
(813)634-4150
(850)897-0898
(407)323-6535
(941)964-0878
(239)292-2302
(912)598-7110
(229)432-7005
(808)396-0269
(208)344-0412
(509)254-1373
(208)265-1818
(630)235-5573
(847)381-4286
(618)735-2971
(815)547-9339
(708)656-3250
(847)823-1947
(815)932-3956
(815)895-7033
(317)706-0144
(812)667-5507
(574)772-2882
(319)230-4957
(712)660-1264
(712)297-5230
(319)465-5024
(620)241-3982
(316)305-6303
Name
St.
Phone
James Palmer
Robert Spalding
Richard Sheppe
Elliott DeGraff
Arch Eccleston III
Ted Lichtman
Edwin Shuman III
John Snyder
George Walgrove Jr.
Norman Baker
David Locke
James Terranova
Ronald Dolivo
John Griffin
George Jerome
Vic Taranta
Arthur Chard
Charles Sylvester
Robert Steil
Brantley Pace
Clinton Allen
Don Jonas
Frank Borman
Dale Edlund
Ed Gonsalves
Skip Hammond
Robert Kilmer
Herman Person
Warder Shires
Michael Conlan
Herman Leong
Manuel Martin
Paul Muskat
Donald Osborne
Herbert Siegel
Alvin Trivelpiece
Armin Tuma
Robert Larson
Frank Fine
William Newitt
Charles Shakespeare
Al Ackerman
Scott Mahon
Thomas Payne
Rico Cannone
George Hunter
Martin Newman
Marvin Anderson
Buzz Baker
KY
KY
ME
MD
MD
MD
MD
MD
MD
MA
MA
MA
MI
MI
MI
MI
MN
MN
MS
MS
MO
MO
MT
MT
MT
NE
NE
NE
NE
NV
NV
NV
NV
NV
NV
NV
NV
NH
NJ
NJ
NJ
NM
NM
NM
NY
NY
NY
NC
NC
(502)614-7906
(859)236-3975
(207)596-7008
(301)349-2267
(410)882-2823
(410)798-6699
(410)267-0513
(410)745-5209
(410)740-5002
(413)634-5690
(781-235-7000
(781)289-2083
(906)788-4122
(269)964-1605
(989)239-0813
(586)610-2770
(651)437-9196
(218)280-1098
(239)293-8522
(601)748-0297
(417)256-7510
(636)463-2788
(406)351-1224
(406)656-7910
(406)381-2976
(520)465-2000
(402)376-2215
(402)564-9950
(402)432-1521
(877)723-5123
(702)812-1546
(702)327-6452
(702)723-5427
(775)825-2116
(702)838-4850
(702)492-1602
(702)254-1865
(603)525-4968
(732)681-5286
(908)806-6616
(856)235-6473
(575)336-7891
(505)632-2552
(575)258-3598
(518)879-9124
(845)623-8364
(845)304-2504
(704)544-0839
(919)735-7561
United Flying Octogenarians
Look At All The New UFO Members !! Page 2
Page 8
Look At All The New UFO Members !! Page 3
Name
St.
Phone
Name
St.
Phone
Charles DeBerry
Edwin Winter
Harold Blackledge
Alden Miller
Alvin Stenke
C.L. Strange
Bud Swinson
Anson Woods
Raymond Dick
George Lanners
Francesco Avanzato
Robert Basinger
Dick Dagle
John Easton
Owen Jones
Donald Kimmel
Joseph Schies
Justin Strauss
Herbert Baker
William Campbell
Charles Dellinger
Bob Dillon
William Epstein
Robert Russell Jr.
Jack Sellers Jr.
Wallace Bachmann
Roy Crisman Jr.
Carl Ramsey
Kenneth Barnes
James Cavender
OH
OH
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OR
OR
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
RI
SC
SC
SC
SC
SC
SC
SC
SD
SD
TN
TX
TX
(937)435-9229
(614)471-6772
(580)623-2688
(918)645-2127
(918)542-7829
(918)371-3233
(602)625-7335
(580)938-2484
(541)836-7091
(503)761-9637
(610)914-0730
(724)775-0447
(570)713-5829
(717)597-9473
(610)334-6259
(610)666-5469
Gilbert Holt
William Krause
John Kummer
Merlin Michaud
Byron Miller
Ken Morgan
Richard Rupp
Thomas Sanders
Robert Stancil
Thomas Walker
Herbert Yuttal
Phil Alden
Dick Catlin
Charles McDowell
David Scull
Philip Blum
Arthur Miller
Kenneth Nilsson
Wesley Rasmussen
Don Rottler
Louis Sheffels
Richard Taylor
Fred Wesselman
John Breazzano
Bob Ellson
David Richardson Jr.
Caryl Riggsby
Owen Russell
Ian Macdonald
Joseph Watson
TX
TX
TX
TX
TX
TX
TX
TX
TX
TX
TX
VT
VT
VA
VA
WA
WA
WA
WA
WA
WA
WA
WA
WV
WI
WI
WI
WI
Canada
England
(817)455-3001
(936)569-0699
(817)429-4394
(682)433-8893
(817)292-0030
(817)573-1669
(210)698-0559
(940)322-9393
(817)461-1620
(214)521-6262
(214)686-4883
(802)645-0443
(802)758-2290
(804)282-0554
(540)349-9310
(253)884-3339
(360)378-5604
(360)378-6956
(253)863-8878
(206)285-0563
(509)641-0185
(206)323-0841
(509)467-8976
(305)538-7637
(715)259-3406
(920)550-2434
(608)526-2772
(920)420-1507
(780)835-2432
044 1792 201604
(401)316-6910
(803)285-7244
(864)225-6362
(864)244-2555
(843)838-4809
(864)933-1922
(803)779-6000
(803)319-4013
(605)842-1741
(605)384-5504
(865)717-0803
(817)244-4571
(817)292-1044
Do You Want To Print Your Slipstream?
If you have an email address, you receive this Slipstream via a
notice in your email where you can go to the web site
(UFOPILOTS.ORG) and read this edition and the older versions of the newsletter. A great way to read it in printed form
and to share a copy with your friends is to go to your local
print shop and have them print out a copy. A place like Office
Depot, Staples, the UPS store, etc. will be happy to go to the
web site and print a copy. It usually costs about 35 cents per
page and in no time you have a printed copy of the Slipstream.
All you need to take with you is the UFO web site address
UFOPILOTS.ORG
United Flying Octogenarians
Page 9
THE HIGH FLYERS
Lyle Endicott (91) Woodlawn, IL
Lyle began flying in WWII with the Navy as an F4F pilot and has
since spent a great deal of time flying for fun and some for hire.
He still has his licenses and flies his C-172 and a Jabiru he rents
occasionally. He is looking forward to attending some UFO get
togethers.
Ed Gonsalves (80) Victor, MT
Ed started flying in 1954 in CA. He rented this Cherokee
160 while he was in Arizona. He has been renting some
Cessna aircraft in Montana. He was fortunate to join just
a few weeks ahead of the UFO get-together in Hamilton, MT.
Michael Conlan (80) Sandy Valley, NV
Michael spent time in the Service, was a casino dealer in Las Vegas, and an engineer doing multiplexing systems all over the
world. He retired in 1995 and bought land on an airport in Sandy
Valley, NV. He learned to fly in 1997 at the age of 65. He owns a
Cherokee 140. These are the best years of his life.
Ian Macdonald (80) Fairview AB –Canada
Ian started to fly in 1949 as an Air Force Cadet at age 17.
He purchased this C-172 in 1999 and has been involved
with Civil Search and Rescue. Living in Northern Canada,
you get to use a plane about 1/2 the year. It is in the Hangar for the rest of the time.
Jeff Justis (80) Oxford, MS
Jeff soloed in 1953 and has accumulated over 8600 hours. He went from
a Piper Cub, C170, C172, Piper Apache and then a Twin Comanche. In
1987, he purchased a kit for an RV-6 and completed it in 2010. He still
flies about 100 hours a year. During all of this time, he used planes in his
practice of medicine visiting clinics in Mississippi and participating in Orthopedics Overseas Programs in the Dominican Republic.
United Flying Octogenarians
Page 10
THE HIGH FLYERS
Skip Smith (82) State College, PA
This is in this issue because the editor put the wrong picture with
his story in the last Slipstream. Skip learned to fly in a J-3 Cub in
1952. He has owned 17 airplanes from an Aeronica Chief to a
Mooney. He was a professor of engineering for 30 years at Penn
State University. For much of that time, he was the pilot for the department that operated aircraft on
research projects and student in-flight experiments. He has written books on technical subjects for
pilots and other non-engineering jobs. After some problems with the FAA, he bought an LSA Tecnam Sierra. This is the way to go when you are fighting
Al Ackerman (80) Alto, NM
This picture is showing Al’s family and his 1963 MGB
and V35 TC Bonanza. He soloed in 1950 and since then
has flown 111 types of airplanes and helicopters. Most
of his flying time was in Corporate Aviation flying politicians and celebrities. He spent 4 years piloting President
Johnson. He formed his own aircraft sales company specializing in the sale of Corporate Jets. Angel Flights took his time for 5 years. Al has written an
eBook which should be out presently, “My Journey West– A Pilot’s Life Time in Aviation”.
Ed Moates (80) Sedona, AZ
Ed started flying in 1952. He became a CFII, MEI, ATP, CFI, Fixed
wing and glider. In 1955, he stopped in at Sedona on his way to Las
Vegas, met a neat local lady, a 700 hour pilot, who had flown 3 air
races and was a CPA. They are still speaking!! Ed does flight instruction in a CF182 and flies tours in the local area. He has 14,000
hours and over 4,000 instructing.
David Patton (82) Tucson, AZ
David flew in the Air Force from 1952 to 1984 as a Fighter Pilot
and 6 years in the U-2. He was a Simulator Instructor for American Airlines from 1984–2001. He was with the Civil Air Patrol
starting in 1981 as CFI and Mission Check Pilot. He received
the Wright Brothers Master Pilot award in 2006.
United Flying Octogenarians
Page 11
THE HIGH FLYERS
Al Ranger (80) Fort Charlotte, FL
This also is in this issue because the editor put no picture with these details in the last Slipstream. Al soloed in 1957 in the military. He eventually became Aircraft Maintenance Officer for the B-47 Alert Aircraft. He
became an Aerospace Engineer and retired owner of Ranger Engineering
in Michigan. He found an RV-7A and completed it in 2008. He now flies
it between Michigan and Florida each year. It is great for this kind of flying.
Bob Lutz (81) Ann Arbor, MI
Bob went into the Navy in 1955 and the Marines in 1956. He
flew Jet Trainers, Panther, Cougar, Banshee and finished in 1965
with 400 hours in an A4 Skyhawk. He owns this L-39 Albatros
and an MD-500 Helicopter. He believes he is the world’s oldest
pilot of a tactical military jet.
Dr. Joe Watson (80) Swansea, United Kingdom
Joe began flying in 1980 while visiting the University of CA.
He got his license in 1982 on visits he made in Maine and Florida. He then let his medical lapse. He has a British PPL and decided to commence flying in the UK. So on June 3, 2013, he
soloed in a Piper Warrior and is ready to have more fun in life.
Russ Hackett (80) Inverness, FL
Russ began flying in the Navy in 1955. He completed 4
years and flew for United Airlines for 29 years, ending
up in 757/767s. He moved to FL, and in 2011 finished
an RV-7. It is designed for aerobatics, but his old body
can’t take too severe of a “G” load anymore, so flight has been limited to less severe physical abuse.
The RV-7 is a real “kick” to fly.
John Easton (80) Green Castle, PA
John owns this Stinson V-77. He has flown 29,000 hours,
starting in the Air Force. He then flew for United Airlines,
and for corporate and civilian businesses. He just passed
his medical and walks 18 holes of golf 3 times a week.
You gotta keep in shape. This Stinson is a wonderful airplane.
United Flying Octogenarians
Page 12
THE HIGH FLYERS
Bobby Jackson (82) Houston, TX
Bobby got his pilot’s license in 1948. He soloed at the age of 14 (UFOs quite
often lie!!) . He has owned a Stearman, J-3 Cub, Republic Seebee, Frumman
AA-1C, T-28 and a Pilatus P-3-05. He bought an LA 4-180 in 1994 and also
bought a hangar at West Houston Airport then. He converted the 525 SF lounge
into an apartment and doubled its size and he is still living there today.
Donald Hopkins (80) Aurora, CO
Donald learned to fly in a Piper J-3 in 1951. He has been a part time
and full time instructor through most of his life. He flew Corporate
for Pfizer in a Twin Beach and DC-3. United Airlines hired him to
teach the B-757 and B-767. He now flies with the Aspen Flying
Club in his 172 and Diamond DA20.
Bob Young (81) Mineola, TX
Bob started flying in 1982 in a Piper Archer. He began using
it in an aerial photography business that he started in 1988.
He bought two Socata Trinidads and flew all over the states.
He purchased a Lancair IV. He has a CFII and A&P Certificate and
has 3800 hours.
John Elwell (80) Anaheim, CA
John soloed in 1966 when he was 33 years old. He has owned
a Beech Musketeer, C183, C210, and this Mooney which he
has had for 20 years. He has 1900 hours and has Multi Engine
and Instructor ratings.
Bert Corwin (82) Rapid City, SD
Bert got his private license in 1950 in a J-3 and has logged
2292 hours. He has flown over 20 different airplanes and
now owns this beautiful Citabria 7KCAB. His business was
Optometrics and he used the airplane for meetings and conventions in other towns. Family travel was in there also. He
kept a log on his destinations, FL, TX , CO, AR and MN.
United Flying Octogenarians
Page 13
THE HIGH FLYERS
Don Hinkel (87) Comins, MI
Don started flying in 1947. He has flown a Bell 206 B-3 Helicopter since 1975 and has over 2000 hours in it. He applied to Guinness World Records as the oldest helicopter pilot at the age of 86
over Ocsoda County Airport on 6/28/2012. Nice going Don!!!
Don Simpson (84) Mission Hills, KS
Don learned to fly in a Taylorcraft. He started with a Cessna 170, and then
became fond of Beech, namely: 2 V Tails, Travelaire, 2 Barons, and then a
Cessna 402. He presently has #24 of the Beech 36 of 1968. He has 3900
hours flying time and received his Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from
the FAA. His grandkids pictured here are good looking.
Bud Cushing (83) Hinsdale, IL
This is a new twist to the new members Bios. We usually have pictures
of the pilot and airplane. This time, it is a picture of Bud and his family.
Why?? Because the only one who didn’t fly was his wonderful wife Patsy. The 3 kids are all pilots. Bud joined TWA when he was 22 and flew
DC-3, Martin 202, Constellation 049, DC-9, Convair 880, Boeing 707,
Lockheed 1011, and Boeing 747. He has been a Flight Instructor for 49
years. The kids were a Boeing 727 crew with American Airlines and Fed Ex. Since then, Kim manages an Airport and Flight School, Tres is with American Airlines, and Melinda is with UAL.
Jim Cavender (81) Fort Worth, TX
Jim is a pilot, but he also writes good stuff explaining the art of
being a pilot. He has about 1200 hours working for a firm in
1950-1960 picking up repossessed aircraft. After that, he had
heart surgery and has special issuance for flying. His comments:
“I am perfectly content to bore holes in the sky in our modest C150 on those days where there is
severe clear”.
Bob Boyd (82) Paradise Valley, AZ
Bob just flew his Rans S-19 for the first time on September 15, 2012
with N1955 for the number. This is the fourth airplane he has built.
His favorite was the GlasStar that he had for 11 years. It is just like a
C-172. Because of heart problems, this airplane allows him to fly
with only a drivers license. The LSA category is certainly becoming
popular with the UFOs.
United Flying Octogenarians
Page 14
THE HIGH FLYERS
Gerald Berlyn (80) Worchester, MA
Gerald sent in a 4 page Bio which we wish could be shared with
you. He started flying in 1959 in an Aeronca Champ, then in a
C172, Bonanza F-33, C 310, and the top of the line, a Mitsubishi
MU-2P-26A. His business flourished and descended and at present he has a B-A36. His final comments; “I have met the most interesting people and from my airplane, I get to see the world from the top down not from the bottom up.” Well said Jerry!!
Dale Edlund (80) Billings, MT
Dale learned to fly in 1943 in a J-3 Cub. In 1964, he started Crop Dusting in
an old PA-18 and then went to a Piper 235. He worked MT & WY up to
1975. He then bought a new Cessna Ag Truck and flew in MT, MN, MS, &
WY until 1978. He has flown 300 hrs/yr for 35 years with Charles Trower Aviation in Scobey, MT.
Tom Walker (80) Dallas, TX
Tom has about 3000 hours and has been given the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilots Award. He has owned a Piper Lance, Cheyenne and Navajo prior to a King Air200 that he loved to fly. Some of his time was in the service flying off carriers with
an All-Weather Attack Squadron on the West Coast some 50+ years ago. He is still
involved as President of a company. He is planning to get checked out in a Piper
Meridian or a Pilatus.
Bob Ellson (81) Danbury, WI
Bob has been flying off and on for about 45 years but only has 600 hours of PIC time. All is VFR single engine.
He retired in 1996 after 50 years as a quality control manager in manufacturing. Bob now lives in NW Wisconsin
in a recreational community called Voyager Village. It’s a great place to fly in for dinner or golf.
(voyagervillage.com). He has a 1969 C-150J which he flies about 50 hours a year, mostly locally.
He did fly it to Branson, MO in April to an army reunion. Bob is a fair weather pilot and it took 5
hours to get there and 5 days to get back because of a big snowstorm.
Bob Van Wagnon (82) Naples, FL
Bob has a 1946 Ercoupe that he has flown for 425 hours all around
Florida. He finally started flying after he was 60 years old and he
enjoys every minutes of it. He always wanted an Ercoupe since
1947 when he saw one while flying his model airplane. He finally
got it!!! Nice going Bob.
United Flying Octogenarians
Page 15
THE HIGH FLYERS
John Lawton (90) Seville, OH
John wanted to celebrate his 90th birthday a little different than most
would think. He decided to go to Buffalo NY and fly over the US/
Canadian border repeatedly. How many times? You guess it: 90 times.
He flies this C-172 and had his daughter Brenda to ride along and count for him. His son is a pilot
and he watched from the ground. He wanted to be sure he didn’t cheat and let his son fly.
Rico Cannone (80) Ballston Spa, NY
Rico soloed in 1973 and has owned this 1960 Tripacer for 30 years. He has
flown it to Vancouver, WA. There was a convention there called the Short
Wing Piper Convention. The Tripacer certainly qualifies for that. In fact,
there will be another convention this year in Sarasota, NY in July.
Ron Richmond (81) Corona Del Mar, CA
Ron started flying at age 15 by working on Luscombes in exchange
for flying lessons. He earned an MS and then PhD in Aeronautical
Engineering at Caltech. He worked 2 years at Douglas Long Beach
in Aerodynamics. He worked 29 years as Program Engineer, Chief
Engineer and Product Line Director at Ford Aerospace. Ron taught Aeronautical Design for 2 years
to senior mechanical engineers at Univ. of California Irvine. Ron has donated his time and airplane
for 36 years as a pilot at Orange County Sheriff’s Aero Squadron Reserve.
Lloyd Roberts (86) San Bernardino, CA
Lloyd started flying in gliders, then went to power and helped build a
Starduster. He flew it to Oshkosh and did lots of aerobatics, then in
1988, bought a 1960 Comanche 180. He was a teacher from 19511958, then went to work for the CA Teacher’s Association until retiring in 1991. He is a member of
EAA & AOPA and has flown over 100 Young Eagles. He flew the P51 Crazy Horse for an hour, including the landing & aerobatics, and is teaching a grandson to fly.
Owen Russell (80) Butte des Morts, WI
Owen really knows all about engines. He spent his entire career in Engine Design and Development for many manufacturers for automobiles,
aircraft and marine. He built two airplanes, a Murphy Rebel and the
one he owns now, an RV-9. Owen has 3375 hours with all of the ratings.
United Flying Octogenarians
Page 16
THE HIGH FLYERS
Charlie Starr (80) Niceville, FL
Charlie began flying at age 15 in 1947. He was mowing grass
around an FBO in Louisville KY and washing airplanes to earn the
$9 per hour rental ($6 for the Aeronca 7AC and $3 for an instructor). He soloed at age 16, private at 17, & commercial at 18. He spent two years as a helicopter mechanic in the army, then several years as a CFI, and finally a 42 year career with Trans Texas Airways and Continental Airlines (from DC-3’s to 747s). He has owned a 7AC, a PA-22 and a Stinson
108. After being based in Texas, Hawaii, Guam and NJ, Charlie and wife Cynthia now live in
Northwest Florida where he flies the Murphy Super Rebel that he built and works on.
Les Conwell (82) New Port Rickey, FL
Les began his flying career in1955 in the Air Force flying the F-86,
F-102, and F-4. He has two planes he built from plans, an AT-18
and a GP-4. He and his wife fly to Squadrons, family reunions, and
hometown events.
Dan Meyer (80) Green Valley, AZ
Dan started flying in 1964 and has over 3000 hours and most ratings
including CFII. He bought his 72 Skyhawk in 1979, modifying it so
it cruises at 140 and stalls at 35 (mph). Dan has been a volunteer
pilot for conservation groups and Lighthawk since 1990, and served
on the Board of the AirCare Alliance (charitable and humanitarian
flying groups). He was a forester, directed an Outward Bound wilderness school and retired from the National Park Service.
C L Strange (82) Collinsville, OK
C.L. signed into the UFO as “Airplane Driver and Helicopter Operator”. He joined the Air Force in 1954 and
retired in 1991. He went through Fixed Wing and then to Helicopters, including many
Models of Bell, Hiller, Sikorsky and Hughes. He likes flying his L-19 Bird Dog.
Jack Miller (87) Fort Collins, CO
Jack’s comments were brief and to the point. “Not much to
offer but am sending a pic of my plane and me. I am the eldest, the plane is a mere seventy!
Editors comments. A beautiful Stagger Wing.
United Flying Octogenarians
Page 17
THE HIGH FLYERS
Frank Mouch (80) Wesley Chapel, FL
In 1957, a year before Frank was ordained a Catholic priest, he soloed.
Shortly thereafter, he bought 1/3 of a Taylorcraft and pursued instrument training at Ohio State University. The seminary where he was employed bought a government
surplus Twin-Beech, which he piloted for two years. For the next 11 years, he was dependent upon
renting and borrowing aircraft, and it gave him wide experience in many different models. Around
1974, he joined a flying club in Columbus, OH, again with various models. Eventually a benefactor
of the seminary donated a Seneca I, which he then soloed in and later replaced it with a Seneca II he
then flew for 17 years. Having suffered a TIA and some heart surgery, he sold it and has rented ever
since. Frank’s total flying time is about 3,400 hours in 33 different aircraft from the Taylorcraft to a
DC-3. He is currently restricted to light sport aircraft. Frank is a charter member of the National
Association of Priest Pilots. Welcome Frank— you are needed to say grace at our get-togethers!!!
Conrad Nordquist (80) Jurupa Valley, CA
Conrad is an Episcopal Priest, a psychotherapist, and he flies competition aerobatics in his Christian Eagle. He has just started building an
Onex, a single place aerobatic light sport just in case he ever has to
give up his medical. He is involved with the Air Academy introducing
young people to aviation in week-long courses.
Mel Hemann (84) Cedar Falls, IA
This is Mel flying his RV6/N298MH. Van’s newsletter reported that he was the first Roman Catholic
priest to build and fly his own RV6. Mel began his
flying in 1960 in an Aeronca Champ. He received
the Wright Brothers Master Pilots Award in 2011. His students can be found in all branches of the
Military from the Pentagon to the pilots in jet fighters and helicopters. He has taught missionary pilots of all faiths now flying in Africa, Central and South America, and in the Pacific from the Philippines to New Guinea and Australia. He is a charter member of the NAPP (National Association of
Priest Pilots). The RV6 has proven to be a very valuable tool in doing the Lord’s work in providing
transportation not only for myself but for a lot of other people to Church related functions. During
his 54 years of flying, he has accumulated almost 18,000 hours and is approaching 11,000 hours of
dual given. As my Archbishop said, “He did it all while holding down a full time job.”
UFO Clergy
Presently we now have 4 UFO clergy; 2 Catholic Priests (Frank Mouch and Mel Hemann), a Catholic Bishop (James Timlin, member since 2010), and an Episcopal Priest (Conrad Nordquist). They
are greatly needed to say grace at our get-togethers!!!
United Flying Octogenarians
UFO Area Representatives
AK
CA, North (East)
CA North (West)
CA, Palm Springs
CA, San Francisco
CA, San Diego
CT
DE
FL
GA
HI
ID
IL
IN
KY
ME
MD
MA
MI
Buck Stewart (907) 495-6527
Harold Wolfe (530) 272-1788
Richard Dennis (707) 538-1976
Tony Terrigno (760) 772-8480
Warren Wood (831) 659-7523
Robert Johnson (619) 475-4732
Bob Barker (203) 321-1073
Hugh Horning (302) 655-6191
Charlie Lopez (305) 232-2973
Ray Bell (404) 634-4531
Willy Schauer (808) 833-9880
John Harns (208) 777-8389
Red Bainbridge (815) 282-5082
Nancy Warren (812) 372-2769
Pat Byrne (865) 463-8675
Alex Hasapis (978) 462-9817
Hugh Horning (302) 655-6191
Alex Hasapis (978) 462-9817
Betty Young (269) 731-4940
MN
MT
NV North
NV South
NH
NJ
NY, Rhinebeck
NY, South
NC
ND
OR
PA
TN
Virgin Islands
VA
WA
WI
WY
Argentina
Canada
Doc Mosher (920) 727-1534
Dick Skultin (406) 961-8314
Charles Kettering (775) 826-5161
Marvin D. Rogge (702) 655-9005
Alex Hasapis (978) 462-9817
Dan Bellware (609) 720-0404
Bill King (845) 268-7077
Harold Levy (631) 329-0425
Pat Byrne (865) 463-8675
Doc Mosher (920) 727-1534
Warren Glaze (541) 469-0952
Dan Bellware (609) 720-0404
Pat Byrne (865) 463-8675
Charlie Lopez (305) 232-2973
Sara Parmenter (804) 492-4474
William Webber (509) 466-2026
Doc Mosher (920) 727-1534
Bernie Peterson (307) 673-8414
Hugo Casadella (5411) 4815-8779
Don Wyatt (709) 682-9198
UFO Regional Managers
Northeast
The Slip
Stream
United Flying
Octogenarians
Bob Barker (203) 321-1073
Mid Atlantic
Dan Bellware (609) 720-0404
Florida
Charlie Lopez (305) 232-2973
Midwest
Nancy Warren (812) 372-2769
West
William Webber (509) 466-2026
UFO Secretary/Treasurer
Bart Bratko
19 Bay State Road
Natick, MA 01760
Phone: 508-651-8287
E-mail: [email protected]
Newsletter/Publisher
Bill Webber
11910 Country Club Dr.
Spokane, WA 99218
509-466-2026
[email protected]
UFO
Bill Webber
11910 N. Country Club Dr.
Spokane, WA 99218
Visit the Web Site—www.UFOPILOTS.org