It is a distinct pleasure for us to add Richard N. Millard to the Air and Space Wall of Honor. His intense love of aviation led him to become a most respected and revered member of the aviation community and a beloved friend to so many who shared his passion.
Dick earned his private pilot's license in his early 20's and progressed to his CFAA, Commercial and Multi-Engine certificates thereafter.
His professional career began as a firefighter in 1965 with the Miami-Dade Fire Department. Given his passion for aviation, it is fitting that he was stationed at Miami International Airport for the vast majority of his career. Dick retired from Miami - Dade Fire Rescue as a Chief at that station.
While his commitment to Fire-Rescue was his chosen professional path, he never ceased to find a significant role in his life for aviation. He owned and operated many aircraft, including Luscombe, Bonanza, Monocoupe and Bellanca.
And as an avid student of all things related to World War II and with a special interest in the P-51 Mustang, Dick dedicated over 10 years building a Stewart S-51D Mustang (N51XZ). The Stewart S-51D is an all aluminum replica of the North American P-51D Mustang at approximately 70% scale. This truly was the aircraft of his dreams and those dreams came true when the initial flight of the aircraft occurred at The Aero Club located in Wellington, Florida. For those familiar with the S-51D, the fact that he built and operated this aircraft is testament to his knowledge and skill as a world-class builder of sophisticated aircraft and an accomplished pilot.
Dick was taken from us much too soon at age 75 and every individual that knew him felt a significant personal loss of a person with unparalleled knowledge, expertise and just a damn good soul.
Hope they have fast planes in heaven, Dick Millard.