Famous Aviators
This is an interesting thread, as we've all been exposed at some time to famous aviators, especially if we go to Oshkosh, Sun'n Fun, Air Shows, etc.
Let's see...I've met a few...
I recognized Bob Hoover's hat when he got on a Delta flight from LAX to ATL. After dinner (remember when they actually served us a meal?) I went back to visit the rest room and wash my hands. As I came back to my seat I introduced myself to Mr. Hoover and thanked him for his contributions to aviation. He was very gracious.
Joe Kittinger was at our EAA Fly In in 1995 flying the New Standard Biplane, and I've never met a nicer gentleman. I was privileged to be his ground safety man all day and I thoroughly enjoyed doing it for him.
I met Scott Crossfield walking between buildings at Sun'n Fun several years ago. All I could think of was to extend my hand and thank him for all his contributions to aviation.
I've been in meetings with John Young and actually made a presentation to him once. He is one of the most brilliant people I've ever met...a steel trap mind, thorough and rigorous in his questioning, and very serious about maintaining the safety of our space shuttle hardware.
Gordon Baxter and Richard Collins were at our 1995 EAA Fly In. What a treat to talk to Bax.
I met Steve Wittman at the 1979 Tullahoma EAA Fly In. What a guy! He had an aluminum block V-8 (Oldsmobile) installed inverted in a Tailwind (one of his designs). I believe there are several of these still flying.
I met Dave Anders at Oshkosh a few years ago. Really nice guy. He has the fast RV-4 from California.
There must be others...Bob Crippen, Brian Duffy, Dick vanGrunsven, Doc Horowitz, Hoot Gibson, Hugh Downs, Jon Johanson, Leo Loudenslager, Art Scholl, Doug Reeves and Paul Dye (I've actually had a ride in the Val!!!)
And then may I mention the "not-so-famous" aviators who have had a profound influence on my interest in aviation...Bob Harwood, Waddell Hinson, R.C. Humphreys, Winfred and Cecil Finerty, Burton Horner, Paul Bridges, Rob Rawdon, Cordell Hull (my dad), and Bill Brock (we were young engineers together and he went on to fly 757's and 767's for Delta. He was the first person I knew who was building an airplane...a BD-5 which he sold partially built when they started having engine supply problems in Germany. One of the finest pilots I ever flew with.) There must be others.
Don
P.S. Several years ago, I decided not to bother famous people with a request for an autograph. That was after I read Paul Newman's reason for not giving autographs. At a restaurant one night he went to the men's room, and as he was standing at the urinal, someone actually asked him for an autograph!