Foil: 17 Panel: 3 Column: 1 Line: 52

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. Eric M. Mueller

Andy Engel is honored for is lifetime devotion to aviation as a Naval Aviator, airline pilot, and aviation mentor. His unparalleled interest in aviation and deep commitment to its future is truly amazing. Andy joined the Navy in September 1965 and earned his Naval Aviator Wings of Gold in April 1976 during the height of the Viet Nam War. Throughout his tour in the Navy he flew the P-2 until his discharge in 1969. He then flew for Monmouth Airlines until 1970, Altair until 1971, and then flew freight for Del-Air until 1972. He finished his aviation career as an instructor and charter pilot before moving to the business world in 1973 when 8,000 pilots were laid-off.
In the years that followed, Andy never let go of aviation. This is a man who likes nothing better than to sit at the "Proud Bird Cafe" and watch the planes land at LAX. Or drive up to Santa Barbara simply to visit the historic airport building and watch the planes come and go. Or purposely fly through JFK just to marvel at the stunning TWA terminal designed by Eero Saarinen.
Andy became my Aviation Mentor by chance in late 1998. I saw him sitting in a chair at an FBO in Seattle and struck up a conversation. Since then, he has been my trusted advisor, champion, mentor, and great friend as I left the Navy to pursue an airline pilot career. His wisdom and direction have helped me immensely, but most of all I have found a kindred spirit and someone with whom I can share my love of aviation.
That alone is worthy of a place on the Wall of Honor.