To David Naber, flying was the essence of life. When David was a teenager, I hiked about 30 miles from Springfield, Va to Duties Airport just to see a big air show. I know he would be happy to support this new museum.
David graduated from the Air Force Academy with the 24th Squadron in 1976. During his Air Force career, he flew T-37's, T-38’s, B-52's and A-7's. After the Air Force, he was hired by Delta Air Lines. He flew a number of airplanes such as the B727, B737, B757, B767, L1011 and the MD 11.
One of his greatest passions was flying aerobatics in civilian airplanes. While he lived in Arizona, he captured the title of IAC Sportsman of the Year for the contest year of 1985.There was never an airplane that David did not know or recognize the sound of the engine. He covered almost every form of flying during his life, such as paragliding, parachuting, hang gliders, glider airplanes, and from tail draggers to fighter jets. David enjoyed every aspect of flying.
During his last flight in his Russian aerobatic airplane, that ended his life, I know that he had a great time dancing among the clouds, floating, twirling, soaring and playing.