That Magnificent Man and His Flying Machines

Dad (center) at Oshkosh Fly-in and EAA Biplane on Farm Strip

It arose from a set of blueprints, a collection of steel tubing and wood, and sheets of fabric and aluminum. After years of careful craftsmanship and perseverance Dad brought this EAA Biplane to life. It first flew in 1969 with my oldest brother, Bruce, at the controls. The rest of us eventually flew it as well, and though small, high-powered biplanes have a reputation of being difficult to handle, it tracked true on the landing and takeoff, performed well in the air, and was fun to fly.

Dad had learned to fly in 1929 in a Waco 10 biplane and went on to fly several other rag-wing taildraggers, often off of grass strips and farm fields. He built three other airplanes and restored several others during his lifetime. He shared the gift of wings with the rest of us, and those memories are treasured to this day.

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