Foil: 15 Panel: 3 Column: 4 Line: 39

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Sandra Gainza

Craig Gainza is honored for accomplishing the remarkable feat of building two very different aircraft. He built N755CG from 1998 to 2006, a Lancair IVP, a four place, carbon fiber pressurized aircraft with speeds of 350 mph and the ability to fly up to 29,000 feet. In 2013 he finished a second aircraft, a Piper Cub replica, N755MG, from a kit purchased from American Legend Aircraft Co. N755MG is made of aluminum and fabric, and can fly up to 125 mph. Craig has many diverse talents; he is an extraordinary periodontist, a loving son, husband and father, a gifted pilot, a mentor to aspiring aviators and a meticulous airplane builder. The two aircraft are very different but each was given much thought and care and each exhibits many unique features. Craig is convinced that the freedom of personal aviation in the United States is unmatched anywhere else and is dedicated to preserving and increasing the number of pilots who fly for fun and enjoyment. His successful flights in both of his handmade aircraft truly embody the spirit of American aviation.