Foil: 9 Panel: 4 Column: 2 Line: 15

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. David D. Austin II

Dave Austin began his aviation career in 1949 with flying lessons in a "Champ" (Champion) aircraft. In 1951 he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and attended Aviation Machinist's school in June 1952. His enlisted duties included Maintenance Technician, Flight Engineer and Air Sea Rescue Crewman. In 1965 he received his commission as chief warrant officer in the Aviation Machinist specialty and served as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. Dave retired from the Coast Guard in 1977 as an Aviation Engineering CW0-4 (chief warrant officer-4) after serving at Coast Guard Headquarters in Aeronautical Engineering and Air Station Washington, DC as Maintenance Officer for the Coast Guard.

During his Coast Guard career he was awarded the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, Coast Guard Outstanding Service Medal, Commendation for Superior Performance from the Secretary of Transportation, a Coast Guard Unit Commendation, Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal (2 Bronze Stars), the National Defense Service Medal and other Letters of Commendation.

After two years with Page Airways, Dave joined the Canadair Challenger Company as a Field Service Engineer in the development, support, and marketing of the Challenger 600, 601, 604 and the Global Express. He completed many technical and management programs including the Aircraft Crash Accident Investigation course at the University of Southern California. Dave retired from Bombardier Aerospace on October 1, 1999 and wants to acknowledge that he has worked with, for, and supported the "finest aviation people in the world."