EAA Honors Five Aviators With Hall of Fame Induction on Nov. 14

Oct. 29, 2013
The aviators include Frank Beagle, Bill Adams, Susan Dusenbury, Lee Lauderback, and Phillip J. Lockwood.

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (Oct. 29, 2013) — The Experimental Aircraft Association will recognize the contributions made to the world of flight by five aviators on Thursday, Nov. 14, as it inducts them into the EAA Hall of Fame during a banquet at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, Wis.

The five aviators represent the spectrum of aviation within the EAA community and have achieved notable successes within their particular realm of flight (details on each follow):

  • EAA Ultralight Hall of Fame: Frank Beagle of Kankakee, Ill. (posthumous)
  • International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame: Bill Adams of Waukesha, Wis. (posthumous)
  • Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame: Susan Dusenbury of Walnut Cove, N.C.
  • Warbirds of America Hall of Fame: Lee Lauderback of Orlando, Fla.
  • EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame: Phillip J. Lockwood of Sebring, Fla.

“Each of these five individuals has made a unique contribution to the world of flight that has benefited all of us,” said Charlie Becker, EAA’s communities manager. “These inductees serve as an example for everyone involved in flying and represent the best that recreational aviation has to offer. We recognize their commitment and passion for flying and are honored to welcome them into the EAA Halls of Fame.”

In addition, Judy Mueller of Random Lake, Wis., will receive the Henry Kimberly Spirit of Leadership Award for her efforts on behalf of EAA and the local community. Mueller has long been involved as a volunteer in AirVenture activities, including as a chairman for Theater in the Woods evening programs at Oshkosh.

A limited number of tickets remain for the dinner and program, which begins with a 6 p.m. reception. Tickets are priced at $50 each. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.eaa.org/halloffame or call 920-426-6823.

About EAA

EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 180,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.

EAA HALLS OF FAME 2013 INDUCTEES

HOMEBUILDERS HALL OF FAME

Phillip J. Lockwood (EAA 211596): The founder of Lockwood Aircraft Corporation, Lockwood is also CEO of Lockwood Aviation Supply and Lockwood Aviation Repair, which both specialize in Rotax aircraft engines. He designed the AirCam aircraft as a more suitable aircraft for airborne photography, for which he has worked with such notable media as the British Broadcasting Corporation and National Geographic.

Lockwood is also an active member of EAA Chapter 1240 in Sebring, Fla., is a 10-year board member of the Light Aircraft manufacturing Association (LAMA), and is a founder of the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Fla., which takes place each January.

VINTAGE AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME

Susan Dusenbury (EAA Lifetime 55229): Dusenbury began her flying career at age 15 at a private airport in her native South Carolina. She was diligent in her pursuit of aviation, earning her private pilot certificate while in high school and commercial, multiengine, instrument and flight instructor certificates while in college. She then earned an addition degree in aviation maintenance technology.

Dusenbury has owned and/or restored numerous vintage aircraft, including vintage airplanes from Aeronca, Luscombe, Culver Cadet, and others. She is currently flying a vintage Taylor J-2 Cub and a 1953 Cessna 180, and is in the process of restoring a 1935 Stinson SR-6 Reliant. Her other aviation achievements include 20 years of service on the EAA board of directors and a quarter century of night freight flying.

INTERNATIONAL AEROBATIC CLUB HALL OF FAME

William Joseph “Bill” Adams (posthumous): Adams began as a Wisconsin airport kid in the 1940s and developed into one of the top air show pilots of the 1950s and 1960s. He began as a member of the famed Cole Brothers Air Show team, earning a headline spot in the company of IAC Hall of Famers Duane and Marion Cole.

Adams is regarded as the inventor of the triple snap roll and square outside loop maneuvers, which he first displayed as part of the 1964 U.S. Aerobatic Team at the world championships in Spain. He returned from that competition to create his air show team, which he led until his death at just 40 years old in 1966.

ULTRALIGHT HALL OF FAME

Frank Beagle (EAA 141198 – posthumous): Beagle was the “Voice of the Ultralights” during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh for 30 years, announcing the daily activities of the ultralight and light-sport aircraft that fly at the event’s south end each day. His early trial-and-error ultralight flight training led him to develop safety seminars throughout the Midwest that educated thousands of ultralight pilots.

Beagle totaled more than 3,000 hours of flight time, almost all in ultralight aircraft ranging from a 1970s-era Easy Riser to a Pterodactyl and two-seat Challenger. His death in May 2013 led to the announcers’ booth on the Oshkosh ultralight strip to be named in his honor.

WARBIRDS HALL OF FAME

Lee Lauderback (EAA 333795): Lauderback is a diverse aviator, having flown everything from gliders to modern military jets. He is perhaps best known as one of the top trainers and examiners for warbird aircraft, providing safety and proficiency education in 12 different warbird aircraft that allows pilots to safely transition to these historic machines and “keep ‘em flying.”

Lauderback has logged more than 20,000 flight hours, including nearly 9,000 in P-51 Mustangs. He began flying at age 15 and after college, spent 17 years leading legendary golfer (and pilot) Arnold Palmer’s flight operations. Lauderback also has more than 2,000 hours in sailplanes and has held several flight records in those aircraft.