Bob Fanelli's favorite childhood memory was when his father arranged for him to fly in a small airplane during the 1939 World's Fair. After years working in television and pursuing his love of boating, he finally took to the sky. Bob earned his pilot license in 1987.

Sometimes he flew on his own, but most of the time he enjoyed flying with friends. Bob had his first accident in 1996 while landing at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. His Cessna caught a strong cross-wind while landing, and Bob was left dangling in the treetops for hours. He said he survived by keeping cool, knowing what to do and…praying. After his rescue, he was back up in the air within days. Bob loved flying and appreciated the education and inspiration that the Udvar-Hazy museum provides.

"I know who I am. I know what I can do. I know what I am good at. I know what I am not good at, and I try not to be a phony about it."
- Bob Fanelli (1931-2014)