Capt Burleigh Wood

Foil: 14 Panel: Retired United Pilots Association Column: 1 Line: 68

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Shirley A. Wood

Burleigh B. Wood, born October 27, 1934

Entered USAF pilot training, November 1955. Graduated April 1957. Assigned to Military Air Transport Service (MATS) 1611th Wing, 30th Air Transport Squadron McGuire AFB, NJ July 1957. Flew the C-118 internationally. By July 1964 had acquired 5200+ flying hours and had finished up as an aircraft
commander instructor pilot.

In July 1964 hired on to Pan American World Airways as a Pilot Engineer. During the next 22 years advanced to Captain of the Boeing 707 and then to the Boeing 747. During that time I was based at J. F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX),and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

From 1964 to 1968 I was in the New York Air National Guard.

In February 1986 I was transferred to United Airlines as a Captain on the Boeing 747. I was based at LAX, SFO, and JFK. In March of 1994 I was diagnosed as Insulin dependent diabetic and was forced into early retirement.

I feel as though I was lucky to have flown with the airlines during its golden years.

Now retired, I miss all the exotic layovers, and the crew camaraderie. Do not miss all the check rides, revisions, and doing standby flying at United Airlines.