Meet the Men who are recreating history.....
The Parker "Curtiss Style" Pusher is progressing nicely in the WAAAM Restoration hanger thanks to several volunteers! We have now logged just under 1000 hours of time on working on this bit of history. Over the next few newsletters we will get to know these dedicated volunteers by hearing some of their life experiences and stories.
Clyde Kirby1. When was you first introduced to aviation?
From an early age, in fact my first airplane ride was in a Ford Tri motor when I was 6 or 7.
2) Why did you want to volunteer on the pusher?
It seemed like something I might be able to help with that I could look at for years ahead and
realize that I had contributed a small portion of the restoration.
3) What do you like to do when you're not at WAAAM?
I like to travel some, fish and play cards.
Doug Davee 1) When were you first introduced to aviation?
1952 - A friend and I saved up our strawberry picking money and purchased a ride in a Piper Tri-Pacer. A few years later, I was a Civil Air Patrol Cadet and learned the basics of flying and spent many hours riding around in the CAP Squadron's aircraft, a L16 (Aeronca Champion) and a L5 (Stinson Sentinel).
2) Why did you want to volunteer on the pusher?
Basically, to learn new skills. And I can't wait to see this thing take off and know that I helped make it happen. What a thrill that will be!
3) What do you like to do when you're not at WAAAM?
I have recently become a Student Pilot and am studying for the Knowledge Exam. I will begin my flight lessons in April on my 73rd birthday. I will soon begin working on restoring an old Ultralight Airplane that is sitting in my garage. Also, I spend a lot of time puttering around our acreage and harvesting, spiting, hauling and stacking firewood.
Kelley Lively1. When was I introduced to aviation?
My Father was in the Air Force and was an instructor teaching the mechanics how to troubleshoot and maintain the auto pilot systems. He also had a private pilots license. Unfortunately he passed at a young age and was not around to expose me to it at the same depth as he was, but because of him aviation has always been in the background of my life. I guess you could say I have always watched from afar.
2. Why did I volunteer on the pusher?
Restoration work is just something I enjoy and the opportunity to work on something as unique as the Pusher was too good to pass up. When I got into the history of the plane, I knew it was going to be amazing to be a part of getting back into the air. There are so many things in life we can't fix, but when you can take something that has seen better days and bring it back, it brings a totally unique form of satisfaction.
3. What do I like to do when I am not at WAAAM?
My Wife and I purchased an old house just over 3 years ago that was built in 1918. It is another old thing that I am working on to bring it back to better condition. I figure it is a 10 year restoration. I have my Muscle Car in the garage that was my last project and I like to get it out on nice days and go to the local car shows. Getting around others that have the same passion and seeing what they have done is one of my favorite things to do.
If you are interested in helping with the Parker Pusher restoration project at WAAAM please contact project coordinator Mark Stanfield at
2009mas@gmail.com.
