| Chapter 23’s annual
banquet was held on January 14th, 2000. It was well
attended by both chapter members and other guests. The
highlight of this year’s banquet was our guest of
honor and speaker, John Lane. John Lane, is owner of Air Power Unlimited in Jerome, Idaho. John began flying airplanes while in high school over 30 plus years ago. He is the son of a World War II Fighter Ace. Because of tremendous admiration for his father, he has always had a great love for World War II aircraft. In his younger years, John flew large tanker type air-planes (B-17’s, DC-4’s, etc.)for fire fighting and agricultural spraying. Many years ago, he became interested in the restoration of WW II aircraft. For 5 years, John was the Director of Restoration for the Champlin Fighter Museum in Mesa, Arizona. He was also one of the original cofounders of the Arizona Wing of the Confederate Air Force. While with the Confederate Air Force he was their Maintenance Officer and in charge of maintaining the famous "Sentimental Journey". In 1988, he decided to start his own aircraft restoration business, specializing in WW II aircraft. John is also an FAA-approved check pilot for single, unlimited piston engine aircraft having over 1,000 horsepower. He loves to fly P51 Mustangs, Corsairs, P47 Thunderbolts, P41 Warhawks, Hellcats, Wildcats, and A26’s. He has also flown B-17’s, B-25’s, PB4Y-2’s, Lockheed PV2’s, and Grumman TBM’s. In 1996, he and his restored Grumman TBM won the Grand Champions Award at Oshkosh. His company also won the "Golden Wrench" award. He’s currently restoring a Corsair which should be ready for Air Venture Oshkosh 2000. We are most fortunate to have someone with such vast aviation experience as our Annual Banquet guest speaker. Chapter 23 takes great pride in honoring our members who have completed first flights in a homebuilt aircraft that they built. Receiving commemorative plaques this year were: 1. J. Boyd Seal,
March 31, 1999 Young Eagle Special Awards were presented to Glen Olsen - Double Century (He Flew 200 Young Eagles) and Gerald Barfuss - Century (He Flew 100 Young Eagles) Ron Caldwell was honored for his years of service on the chapter 23 board. Thanks Ron for all your contributions! The banquet was held at Copper Hills High School in West Jordan. The food prepared by the school staff was excellent, and the facilities outstanding. Copper Hills science teacher and chapter member, Mike Guarino, made the arrangements. |
 Guest Speaker, John Lane
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