We have just seen the end of a two-generation era of aviation journalism.
Richard Collins, one of the great aviation writers, has died. He was preceded by his father, Leighton Collins, who was writer/founder of Air Facts. I am proud to say that I knew both of them.
Together, father and son created an era of aviation journalism that lasted for decades upon decades.
Richard Collins’ father, Leighton Collins, founded Air Facts magazine, and in the 1950s hired son Richard as a writer. Richard went on to become editor-in-chief of Flying magazine and also of AOPA Pilot. He was a terrific contributor to aviators of all types and was loved, honored, respected, and appreciated.
I called Richard Collins for info from time to time, and he supplied it freely. We saw each other at conventions and at Oshkosh. He was always friendly and always remembered my name. I, who hardly ever remember names, was impressed.
Leighton Collins’ Air Facts magazine was popular with physicians, and Piper Aircraft was smart enough to know that. I was working in sales for Piper Distributor, Montgomery Aviation. The Flying Physicians held a big convention near Pensacola, FL, at a resort where OPEC once met.
Piper was introducing the new turbo-charged Piper Seneca, and they hired Leighton Collins—no longer a young man—to take physicians for demo rides.
My job was to schedule Mr. Collins to fly with as many physicians as possible. Hardly any of them wanted such a ride. After all, the Seneca was not a Beechcraft!
I changed my plan. I went from doc to doc with a pad and a new offer. I asked each one, “Would you like to fly with Leighton Collins tomorrow?” “Sure,” they said.
Leighton flew most of the next day. They loved him, and—thanks to him—they loved the Seneca.
Both Leighton and Richard Collins were literally and figuratively super stars of and contributors to aviation for many decades.
We may never see the likes of them again.
