John Derek Ahlers

Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society, AIAA, AOPA, & Quiet Birdmen.

Born April 21, 1912 in Antwerp, Belgium. Discovered aviation in 1917 after seeing Richtofen?’'s red tri-wing Fokker DR-1.

Learned to fly in 1930 at Brooklands Aerodrome near London. Attended New York University, 1934-1936, graduating with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering.

Worked at Glenn L. Martin Co. and Ranger Aircraft as design engineer and test pilot.

Granted U.S. citizenship in 1939.

During WWII, represented Ranger Aircraft as a technical advisor to Central and South American nations under the Lend Lease Program. In 1946 became a member of the War Dept'?’s Foreign Liquidation Commission based in Rio de Janeiro.

In 1951 established and managed the Paris office of Lund Aviation. Managed and trained international technical service force for Inflight Motion Pictures.

Established the Miami office of Airclaims Group in 1968 and adjusted aircraft accident claims until retirement in 1983.

Died February 9, 2000.