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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. Albrecht T. Powell

My dad, Robert Powell, has always had a passion for aviation. His early life was filled with memorable aviation adventures:
He spent hours as a child at Bettis field outside Pittsburgh watching the airmail planes, biplanes, and war planes in the early 30’s.
Saw Wiley post and the Winnie Mae at Bettis field on its way to begin its historic ‘round the world flight in 1931.
Flew on the first flight of the world’s first pressurized commercial airplane (Boeing 307 Stratoliner in 1937).
Worked for Pennsylvania Central Airlines (then Capital Airlines) at the Allegheny County Airport in Pittsburgh as Assistant Comptroller.
Helped design the Willow-Run airport in Michigan.
Flew thousands of hours in the jump seat of DC-3s, DC-4s, Boeing 247Ds, and Constellation.
His love for aviation was passed on to me and he gave me many opportunities that most children could only dream of . .
One of my first books I can remember was “Richard Scary’s Great Big Air Book”.
He told countless stories of the glamour and adventure days of early commercial aviation
He took me for my first flight lesson in 1974 (7 years old – they had to me on put phone books in the seat of the Cessna)
Took me to meet Capt. Dick Merrill (first to fly the Atlantic round trip)
Arranged for me to fly in many historic planes including right seat in the only still flying Vultee V1-A Lady Peace II, right seat in the “Tin Goose” (Ford Tri-Motor), jump seat in a 737, Stearman PT-17, T-37, KC-135, C-130, several Waco and deHavilland biplanes, Sailplanes, J-3 Cub, various Cessnas and Pipers, and a host of others. I had a pilot’s log book since age 4 to log all my various aviation adventures growing up.
Arranged for me to meet the Blue Angels
Took me to every airshow within 200 miles of our home every year.
My dad is my hero, having participated in one of the greatest adventures mankind has ever experienced – the development of aviation. Thanks for all the opportunities and memories. Love, Albrecht