Robert C. Penny III

Foil: 13 Panel: 3 Column: 2 Line: 2

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. Melvin J. Simon

Robert C. Penny III - Aviator

Robert C. "Buzz" Penny III - born in 1953 in Kansas City, Missouri, currently residing in Bunceton, Missouri, became a lifelong aviation enthusiast beginning in the early 1970's, training as a hot air balloon pilot in Fox River Grove, Illinois and receiving his commercial license. By 1980 Buzz had graduated to piloting gas balloons, with flights lasting two - three days, and participated in several Gordon Bennett races, both in the U.S. and in Europe, helping to rekindle interest in this segment of Aviation. For a time, he also ran commercial ballooning operations in Napa, California and Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1982, Buzz acquired a J-3 Piper Cub in pristine condition and subsequently received his fixed wing license. This experience prompted his lifelong passion for historic tail dragger airplanes. Over the years he has acquired a Boeing Stearman, Cessna 195, Piper Super Cub and Cessna Bobcat, which is currently in the process of being rebuilt.

Buzz's pride and joy is the Pasped Skylark, a 1935 era one of a kind aircraft which has been completely and lovingly restored to new condition. This airplane received a Group Two type certificate (#2 - 546, issued October 31, 1937), and was originally envisioned by its builders as being sold to the U.S. Army as a trainer.

Buzz enjoys bringing the Pasped Skylark to air shows around the country, to help foster appreciation by the aviation community of historic antique aircraft.

Robert Penny is an Aviator in the true sense, and wishes to some day leave a legacy of his enthusiasm of all that Aviation stands for, for future generations that will follow in his footsteps.

He is a member of the following Aviation related organizations:
Experimental Aircraft Association
Antique Airplane Association
Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association
American Aviation Historical Society
Balloon Federation of America
Cub Club
Missouri Pilots Association
National BiPlane Association
Stearman Restorers Association
Cessna 195 Club
American WACO Club