RALPH CHARLES DIES AT THE AGE OF 103 RALPH CHARLES was the honoree at our 2000 Wings of Victory air show. Ralph was a legend in his own time.

Ralph passed away on Sunday February 2 at 2:40 p.m. He was the last test pilot for the SB2C Helldiver “The Beast” at the Curtiss-Wright plant in Columbus, Ohio. This was during and shortly after WWII.

Beginning in 1919 he worked for the Wright Aircraft Factory building planes for Orville Wright. Shortly there after he built his own plane and flew it for years. For a while he continued to build planes for sale before signing on to fly planes in the Caribbean.

After years working as a pilot he finally came to Columbus and secured a job as a test pilot for Curtiss-Wright where he rung out the Helldivers as they came off the line before turning them over to the US Navy.

Eventually his wife persuaded him to give up flying and he opened an auto repair shop on the East side of Columbus. After his wife passed away Ralph decided to take up flying again. In 1995 he bought an Aeronca Champ.

Ralph flew from a field on his farm in Somerset. He had spent the years when he wasn’t flying building pipe organs for a hobby and eventually built a 1500 pipe organ for concerts in his home. He had built a theater in his home with movie theater seats. Crowds would gather once each month for the concerts.

On his 100th birthday he flew his plane for Willard Scott and appeared on the Today show live. He also appeared on the David Letterman show.

Ralph Charles was invited to Cape Canaveral and flew a Space Shuttle simulator entitled him to be named the country’s oldest space cadet.

We honor this pioneer of aviation and the legacy he leaves. -editor

Jim Ridgway was appointed as the new president after no other nominees were presented to them for consideration.

Each of the board members spoke of the exceptional effort of Steve Clapper who throughout recent years served as president.

The board called to attention Steve’s endless hours and efforts which were and are the main efforts that have made HAS the viable organization that it is today.

Jim will be looking for your help and support to keep the squadron growing.

Jim Ridgway was appointed as the new president after no other nominees were presented to them for consideration.

Each of the board members spoke of the exceptional effort of Steve Clapper who throughout recent years served as president.

The board called to attention Steve’s endless hours and efforts which were and are the main efforts that have made HAS the viable organization that it is today.

Jim will be looking for your help and support to keep the squadron growing. Jim Ridgway was appointed as the new president after no other nominees were presented to them for consideration.

Each of the board members spoke of the exceptional effort of Steve Clapper who throughout recent years served as president.

The board called to attention Steve’s endless hours and efforts which were and are the main efforts that have made HAS the viable organization that it is today.

Jim will be looking for your help and support to keep the squadron growing. The cold evening kept the attendance at the regular membership meeting down.

The board solicited ideas for activities for the Membership meetings. Suggestions for lining up speakers and presentations by video and temporary exhibits with docent tours for the meeting nights were considered. Investigation into these ideas and others that may be received continues. 

Additionally the estimates on the value of the C-45 and C-47 have not yielded values that satisfies Dave’s needs for making them available as a donation to the Squadron.

Bret Newman, PVT. 1ST CLASS, US ARMY and UH-1 crew chief attended the meeting and made a presentation in hopes of developing a partnership with HAS and his efforts to launch the Historical Helicopters of the United States. Discussions will continue as the project develops. No decision has been made.

Bob DeLay, Editor;and Graphic Design
  614.846.2876

Mail:
Invader
PO Box 158
Carroll, Ohio 43112

Hanger Phone
740.653.4778
A-26 Project Leader
Branson Rutherford - 740.756.4136

Email
Info@HistoricalAircraftSquadron.com

Steve Clapper, President
614.877.9872

Melinda Rutherford, Treasurer
740.756.4136

Sue Boden, Secretary
740.653.9169

Diane McDaniel, Membership
614.855.2120

Wayne Swisher
740.653.8593

Branson Rutherford
740.756.4136

Kathy Ridgeway
614.899.9690

Robert George
614.491.8916

Jim Belshe
614.833.9561