Test pilots honored on Walk

Valley Press on ^ | Sunday, September 25, 2005. | ALLISON GATLIN

[BenLurkin]

LANCASTER, [California] - Under the skies in which they each contributed to aviation history, five skilled test pilots were recognized for their achievements Saturday with their inclusion in Lancaster's Aerospace Walk of Honor. As their bronze plaques were unveiled, retired Air Force Lt. Col. John E. Allavie, retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Doug Pearson, Edward T. Schneider, Wally Lien and Richard Thomas joined the 75 others so honored. This year's class have illustrious careers that span the history of modern aviation, from the earliest jet fighter to the Air Force's latest weapon system.

Established in 1990, the Aerospace Walk of Honor recognizes not only the accomplishments of the honorees, but also the cooperative relationship between the industry and community.

"It's unimaginable how much you've done for aviation, how much you've supported us," Allavie said.

Pearson, who left Edwards Air Force Base last fall when he retired after serving as commander of the Air Force Flight Test Center, cited the value of the Walk of Honor for inspiring future generations.

"Nothing is more important than to stimulate youth, excite them about the challenges of the future and invite them to dream big," he said.

Schneider, a Navy test pilot before joining NASA Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards AFB in 1982, remembered reading Tom Wolfe's "The Right Stuff" and "dreamed of coming here to fly with people who are legendary in the business," he said.

Now, he felt honored to be included with such legendary pilots himself, including many of his heroes.

Aviation buffs of all ages enjoyed the ceremonies and the accompanying Aviation Faire, a block party celebrating everything aviation.

As is often the case, current and former test pilots drew long lines for autographs. At the Society of Experimental Test Pilots' booth, the line was continuous to meet SpaceShipOne and Scaled Composites' pilots Mike Melvill, Brian Binnie and Doug Shane.

Following the induction ceremony, this year's honorees also drew a crowd seeking autographs on complimentary posters.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics' fighter-jet simulator allowed younger visitors to test their own piloting skills.

Calling the experience "pretty cool," 11-year-old Carissa Wilson wanted to try it out because "I always wanted to fly, because I like heights a lot."

Of the three Wilson siblings who climbed inside, only 9-year-old Joel came through without getting hit himself.

"I blew up one airplane, but then I got shot by another," said his 7-year-old brother Clay. "I couldn't control it; there's all these buttons. I could do everything else, but I couldn't fly the plane."

In what has become an Aviation Faire tradition, Russ Erb brought his homebuilt Bearhawk airplane-in-progress. Each year, the Experimental Aircraft Association member brings the latest completed portion to show how a homemade airplane slowly comes together.

This year, the main body of the airplane was in place, with landing gear and engine installed. The panels around the cockpit are in place, but the skeletal frame is still evident in the tail section. The wings, constructed separately, are not yet attached.

This year may be the last for the Bearhawk display, however. Erb expects to have it nearly finished by next year's event, which means it will be too big to bring to the site, he said.