Gone But Never Forgotten
Flying West
I hope there's a place, way up in the sky
Where pilots can go when they have to die.
A place where a guy could buy a cold beer
For a friend and a comrade whose memory is dear.
A place where no doctor or lawyer could tread,
Nor a management-type would e'er be caught dead!
Just a quaint little place, kind of dark, full of smoke,
Where they like to sing loud, and love a good joke.
The kind of a place that a lady could go
And feel safe and secure by the men she would know.
There must be a place where old pilots go,
When their wings become heavy, when their rotorspeed gets low,
Where the whiskey is old, and the women are young,
And songs about flying and dying are sung.
Where you'd see all the fellows who'd 'flown west' before,
And they'd call out your name, as you came through the door,
Who would buy you a drink, if your thirst should be bad,
And relate to the others, "He was quite a good lad!"
And there, through the mist, you'd spot an old guy
You had not seen in years, though he'd taught you to fly.
He'd nod his old head, and grin ear to ear
And say, "Welcome, my Son, I'm proud that you're here!
For this is the place where true fliers come
When the battles are over, and the wars have been won.
They've come here at last, to be safe and alone,
From the government clerk, and the management clone;
Politicians and lawyers, the Feds, and the noise,
Where all hours are happy, and these good ol' boys
Can relax with a cool one, and a well deserved rest!
This is pilot heaven and you've passed your last test!"
— Captain Michael J. Larkin, TWA (Ret.),
George Vincent
george vincent
George Frederick Vincent, loving husband, enthusiastic father and grandfather, and loyal brother, passed away on May 25, 2014. He was just 57 years old when he was diagnosed with advanced multiple myeloma in 2005. He had been fighting this disease for nearly nine years when his brave battle ended peacefully at home in Punta Gorda, Florida. George is survived by his wife Shelley, their two daughters, Jennifer and Rebecca, six grandchildren, his sister Kathryn and his brother, Randolf.
George was born in Heemstede, Netherlands on November 13, 1948 to the late John and Iris Vincent, third of four children (siblings Randolf, Patricia - deceased, & Kathryn). They made several moves to Long Island, New York, Redwood City, California and Frankfurt, Germany before settling in Genoa City, Wisconsin. George graduated from Wilmot High School, then attended the University of Wisconsin, where he met his wife, Shelley. They were married in 1971. They eventually settled in Exeter, New Hampshire, where they raised their two daughters, Jennifer and Rebecca.George Frederick Vincent, loving husband, enthusiastic father and grandfather, and loyal brother, passed away on May 25, 2014 at age
Upon graduation from college, George served in the U.S. Army, first as a helicopter pilot in Korea and later as an instructor pilot in Alabama. He began his civilian career as an Air Traffic Controller with the FAA. He later managed and flew for New Hampshire Helicopters. George established Tyco International's NH-based flight department and served as their chief pilot for many years. Following that, he worked as chief pilot for First Quality Enterprises in Long Island, New York. He concluding his career managing and flying a privately owned jet until 2005. In subsequent years, George flew on a part-time basis for JBI Helicopters in Pembroke, New Hampshire, until health related issues prevented him from meeting the physical requirements for a pilot's license.
George spent his life pursuing his love of aviation beginning as a young pilot who soloed in his Dad's Cessna 195 at the age of 16, through his stint as a helicopter pilot and in the army, and later in the world of corporate aviation where he combined his business and aviation acumen. George was never happier than when he was up in the air. His flight students and co-pilots speak reverentially about his piloting skill, his calm and his willingness to share his knowledge with others.
George also loved sports; he was both a runner and tri-athlete, and a sailor, but time on the ski mountain or scuba diving with his children and grandchildren was the most precious to him. He also loved cheering on his grandkids in whatever athletic endeavors they took on, never missing an opportunity to encourage his grandchildren's efforts at soccer, baseball, swimming or triathlons.
George defied the odds and lived amazingly well for almost nine years with multiple myeloma. He never lost his sense of humor or generosity of spirit. He was loved equally by his family, his friends and the doctors and nurses who cared for him. His loss is significant, but we will remember him forever and celebrate all that he was and all that he brought to those around him.
Ed. Note: The above information was provided by George's daughters, Jennifer and Rebecca.
Story provied by Bruce Harting:
George was running bank checks from the South Boston heliport and he took a photographer with him, which was an unauthorized passenger. As they were auto rotating into the S. Boston Conrail yard, after the engine flamed out, he told the passenger, "when I give you the command run from the helicopter". After the rotor blades stopped turning he gave the command. The passenger got out and started running, only to be held at gunpoint by the Conrail police because they didn’t know what was going on. They thought it was a drug run.
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joe brigham
Bow - Joseph Ralph Brigham, Jr., died Saturday, January 19, 2019 at the age of 78, peacefully passing at the Merrimack County Nursing Home. He was born in Brockton, MA on September 29, 1940 as the eldest child of Joseph Ralph and Edith (Howard) Brigham.
Joe was a hard-working helicopter pilot, learning his trade in the Army and subsequently working for Wiggins Airways. Joe became a self-employed pilot in 1983, as owner and operator of what is now known as JBI Helicopters. Joe was in the Army National Guard for 25 years in CT, RI and NH. Joe also was a consultant and examiner with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), working through his “retirement” in 1995 up until 2018.
Joe was a fun guy who loved to travel, to play dominoes, travel to Don Pedro Island by boat and most of all, loved to work. Joe was a man in charge and contributed to many community organizations - the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Bow Community Men’s Club, Pelican Point Condo Association, Red Cross, Concord Hospital, Knights of Columbus, to name only a few. He participated in countless other committees and volunteer opportunities wherever he lived. Joe loved family and to be able to provide his wife, children and grandchildren as many experiences and opportunities as possible. He was exceedingly proud of all of his family member’s accomplishments, and might sometimes “embellish” stories with extras to paint us all in the very best light. Joe’s smile and welcoming demeanor allowed him to make friends easily, and he was often considered a legacy in both the aviation industry as well as in his personal relationships.
Joe is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cathy (Benea) Brigham, two daughters, Terri Stutzman and husband, Paul of Scituate, MA, Leigh Ellen Watt and husband, Bob of Bow, NH, and son, Greg Brigham, of Norwich, CT. He leaves behind 4 beloved grandchildren, Dellene, Robert, Kate and Jessica. Joe was predeceased by his parents and leaves behind two brothers, Tom and Bobby.
Bob Girouard
the accident
the pilot, husband and father
the pilot, husband and father
On a clear sunny April day in 1986 Bob was piloting the Millipore Bell 206L helicopter with three passengers; Millipore employees Adrian Reti, Vincent Mastricola, and company CEO John Mulvany. The helicopter was struck by a small plane in a mid-air collision. The plane was able to safely land but tragically all four from the helicopter p
On a clear sunny April day in 1986 Bob was piloting the Millipore Bell 206L helicopter with three passengers; Millipore employees Adrian Reti, Vincent Mastricola, and company CEO John Mulvany. The helicopter was struck by a small plane in a mid-air collision. The plane was able to safely land but tragically all four from the helicopter perished.
Ed Note: The final NTSB report (# ATL86MA114) found the pilot of the Cessna to be at fault.)
the pilot, husband and father
the pilot, husband and father
the pilot, husband and father
Bob was raised in North Cambridge MA, one of eight children born to Raymond and Leana Girouard.
Bob met Mary Sullivan (from Somerville) at Matignon Catholic High School, graduating in 1954, and they began dating their freshman year of college. He graduated fromNortheastern University in 1959, where he studied business. He played q
Bob was raised in North Cambridge MA, one of eight children born to Raymond and Leana Girouard.
Bob met Mary Sullivan (from Somerville) at Matignon Catholic High School, graduating in 1954, and they began dating their freshman year of college. He graduated fromNortheastern University in 1959, where he studied business. He played quarterback and was an all-star second basemen. Bob attended Navy flight school in Pensacola, Fl, where he received his helicopter training and became a USMC officer. During his USMC service he played baseball for the Navy team. In later years he’d play on softball teams. He also enjoyed playing pick up hockey with a group of guys at local ice rinks.
After completing service to his country in 1964, Bob took a job with Air General as Chief Pilot. He continued his service with the Marine Corp Reserves, completing twenty years of service.
When WBZ’s Joe Green (or others) took vacation Bob would sometimes do the flying while a broadcaster reported the traffic.
In 1969 Bob went to work at the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission, eventually becoming Chief Inspector.
In 1979, Bob went to work for Millipore Corp of Bedford MA as their helicopter pilot. He also flew the company’s Sabreliner Jet.
Bob and Mary’s six children are Susan Morandi, Stephen Girouard, Robin Comerford, Kathy Welch, Dave Girouard, and Paula O’Sullivan. There are fourteen grandchildren.
Ed Note: Information courtesy of Bob's Son Stephen.
sunny skies with my dad
the pilot, husband and father
sunny skies with my dad
This is an incredible tribute to Bob written by his son Stephen.
Youtube link:
Also available on streaming services.)
Jim DiRienzo
jim dirienzo AKA "The monsignor"
James Joseph DiRienzo was born March 19, 1941, in Riverside, New Jersey, to Giacomo and Antonia DiRienzo. He was a graduate of Trenton Catholic Boys High School when he enrolled in the Army at age 19, and a few years later was one of the first pilots to be trained as a Huey helicopter pilot. In 1965-66 he served in Vietnam flying combat and medical rescue missions.
When he left the service, he completed his undergraduate degrees in business management, accounting, and military science and went on to obtain an MBA from the University of Connecticut. He also started working at Timex Corporation in Connecticut, where he worked for 32 years as the Chief Pilot and Manager of Transportation and Travel Services. He also completed 20 years of Army Reserve service during this time.
Upon retirement in March 2001, he became a resident of Prescott, Arizona. During his 21 years in the Prescott area, he kept busy teaching at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and serving his community at the Yavapai Humane Society, Prescott City Board of Adjustment, Yavapai Hills Homeowners’ Board, Habitat for Humanity, Yavapai College and the Quiet Birdman organization.
He loved his “coffee guys”, a small group of men who met daily sharing their life experiences.
James passed away early in the morning on March 1st, 2022. He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister Mary Gloria. James (or “JD” as he liked to be called once he moved West) leaves his wife, Eileen, daughter, Joanne (Karl) Schloeman, and a son, Mark (Maddy) DiRienzo, two grandsons, Owen and Simon DiRienzo, a sister, Jackie (Thomas) Murphy, and a brother, Nicholas (Jackie) DiRienzo, of Burlington, New Jersey.
Ed note:
Shutterfly link to Jim's 80th birthday celebration, produced by Jim's son Mark:https://www.shutterfly.com/share-product/?shareid=134ed514-546b-4b0a-8a96-3a5c03e60b9e&cid=SHARPRDWEBMPREM
Bruce Erion
Bruce F. Erion, age 71, of Buford, Georgia died Thursday, June 15, 2017 at home surrounded by family and friends. A West Point graduate, Bruce served as an Airborne Army Ranger during the Vietnam War. In 1974, he served as Commander of The Honor Guard Company of the Old Guard, 3rd infantry Regiment until he resigned from the military in 1975. From 1982 until 1999 he worked as pilot/reporter for the local NBC affiliate 11Alive, racking up multiple Emmy awards and making 'Skycam' a household name in the process. Bruce also brought smiles to thousands of Atlanta children with his frequent school visits. Later in his career, he served the greater Atlanta community as an air medical rescue pilot, flying for Life Flight, Omni Flight, and Air Methods until his retirement in 2016. Bruce is survived by his wife Terry Erion, son Karl Erion and daughter-in-law Mouna Essa of Atlanta, Georgia, daughter Wendy Wheatley and son-in-law Spencer Wheatley of Salt Lake City, Utah, one brother, three sisters, and several nieces and nephews. “Brewster” was founding member #1 of the Amazing Sea Angels houseboat demonstration team along with his close friend #2 Bill “Burner” Beardsley. The storied Amazing Sea Angels were documented having more fun than anyone in the known history of Lake Lanier.
As the leader of the Bad Apples Paramotor club, Bruce enjoyed flying his powered paraglider, often dressed in superhero regalia to the delight of everyone around him. He was a voracious reader, possessed of a deep fascination with modern history and language. Bruce was a true friend, widely known and loved for his professionalism, sense of humor, storytelling, generosity, and infectious love for life .
Dennis Repole
HUDSON. NH
A Boston television station helicopter crashed and burned Tuesday, October 18th, 1983, killing the pilot who was enroute to the Manchester airport to retrieve tapes from the funeral of a Nashua, NH Marine killed in Lebanon. The pilot was identified as Dennis Repole, 34, of Canton, MA. He was married with no children and had been employed by Wiggins Airways of Norwood, MA, from whom WCVB-TV leased the aircraft.
Repole, a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, usually carried a reporter and camera crew said WCVB cameraman John Premack.
Federal Aviation officials and NTSB officials were investigating the cause of the crash..
Ed. Note: Subsequent investigation revealed the cause of the crash to be the result of an engine turbine wheel failure. Mike Peavey has the details.
obituary
Dennis Alan Repole
Born July 20, 1952, Died 18 October 1983.
Dennis joined the Army on October 1, 1978 and was trained as a helicopter pilot. His older brother Richard was also an Army helicopter pilot and died in Vietnam on July 8, 1970.
Ed Note: No recent photos of Dennis could be found. This photo is from his High School yearbook.
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joe green
Of Beverly, 76 years, May 3, 2006. Father of Joan Andrews of CA, Jennifer Santilli of CA, Mary Green of Haverhill, Kathleen Barber of Wenham and Maureen Corbett of Danvers. Brother of Margaret Dickson of Norwood, Barbara Coates of Walpole, Evelyn Barton of VT, and Florence Burkett of Norwood. Also survived by ten grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A pioneering broadcaster who delivered Boston-area traffi creports from his helicopter for more than 30 years has died.
He began working at WBZ AM in Boston in 1963 and died at his home in
Beverly Wednesday.
From his helicopter known as Joe Green's "Green Machine," he spent
decades reporting on the area's gridlock, and occasionally became part
of the story.
In 1972, Green helped rescue two boys stuck on a raft in the Neponset
River in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston.
According to the W-B-Z Web site, he's also credited with helping pluck
a woman from a burning rooftop in Boston in 1975 and saving a man stuck on a rock in the Merrimack River in 1976.
Green retired from WBZ in 1995.
Story courtesy of Bruce Harting:
I remember one day Joe ran out of gas and landed in a soccer field in Medford. He had the other traffic ship (Long Ranger) pick me up at BVY and fly me into the field. Meanwhile he got some gas cans and drove them in his Volkswagen Rabbit to the field while I made pretend I was fixing the engine in front of onlookers and Metropolitan Police. After dark, he sidetracked the cops and I poured in the gas. Off he went early the next morning.
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arthur mctague aka kevin o'keefe
MCTAGUE, ARTHUR
Ocala - Arthur McTague, 88, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2017.
Art is survived by Dorie, his wife of 65 years; and five children; eleven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Art was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Gertrude McTague; and his brother, Paul.
Born in Melrose, MA on June 30, 1928, he had a passion for flying planes as a young boy. Being a proud member of the US Marines, he served in World War II. From 1958-1960, he was a rock & roll disc jockey. Having a passion for flying, he began a long and successful career in Boston; Kevin O'Keefe was born. Art, aka Kevin O'Keefe, had the distinction of being the first 'Eye in the Sky' as he piloted helicopters while reporting traffic over the Boston area for 30 years; the longest flying traffic reporter in the country. During his career, he was best known for coining the phrases 'Gawker Blocker,' 'Stall and Crawl,' 'Cram and Jam' and 'Snail Trail.' As a radio and TV personality, he made appearances with his helicopter at schools and other charitable venues.
After his retirement in 1992, the Governor of Massachusetts declared June 25th as 'Kevin O'Keefe Day.' Upon retirement, he moved to Florida with his wife where they enjoyed golf, family and friends. He was an avid golfer, proud of his Hole in One in 1998.
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richard "red" bank
Michael Dukakis and Lt. Gov. Thomas O'Neill were among those attending a crowded funeral Mass yesterday morning for Richard P. (Red) Bank, 58, pilot of radio station WEEI's helicopter that crashed Tuesday, 27 December, 1977 in Quincy.
The service was held in the Immaculate Conception Church. Mayor Kevin White of Boston, law enforcement officials, pilots, and a. delegation of radio officials attended the services. Also killed in the crash, during the morning traffic report flight, was WEEI reporter Henry B. (Chip) Whitmore.
His funeral was held Thursday morning in Trinity Church, Boston. Mr. Bank had been with the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission for 25 years and at the time of his death he was the commission's chief inspector. He had logged thousands of hours flying single and multi-engine planes, and helicopters. He leaves his wife, Helen (Baker); three sons, Eric D. of Marlboro, Richard P. Jr. of Ft. Lauderdale, and Curt W. of Mill Valley, and a brother, Walter of Bethesda, Md.
Mr. Bank lived on Lake Shore drive.
He was born 19 Jan 1919 in Northborough, MA.
He joined the Army as a Private at Ft. Devens 13 Mar 1944.
During World War II he was a US Army Air Corps pilot.
Ed Note: After many many hours of searching, I could not come up with a picture of Red.
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art davis
Arthur S. Davis of Lawrence, formerly of Boston died on Monday, October 9, 2017. Arthur was born in Boston on June 22, 1945 and raised in Brookline. He retired from the U.S. Army with 35+ years of service, at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Four. A veteran of the Vietnam and Persian Gulf (Desert Storm) wars. Arthur was also retired from the Federal Aviation Administration, New England Region where he served as an Operations Inspector. Devoted son of the late Bernard and Natalie (Bander) Davis. Beloved husband of Susan (Jacobs) Davis originally from Brookline.
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Bill Anderson
On May 8th, our much-loved patriarch, William "Bill" Anderson, left this world a month shy of his 90th birthday. He was the eldest son of Alfred C. and Frances Elliott Anderson. Born in 1933 in Hyannis, he was proud to be called a "native Cape Codder."
Bill earned his pilot's license at the age of 20 and after graduation from Wentworth institute, he joined the Navcad Program where he became a naval aviator and helicopter pilot. Transferring to the Marine Corps, he served for 4 years and participated in several air-sea rescues at the end of the Korean war. He followed this with 2 years as a commercial pilot for Ethiopian Air Lines.
Returning to the states, Bill flew helicopters for Wiggins Airways in Norwood.
Bill is survived by his wife Audrey, their son Robert (lryna) and their family- Westley, twins lsaac and lsaiah, Leah and Vanessa. He also leaves brothers John (April), Elliott, and sisters Barbara Turner and Carolyn (Phil) Ginsburg. Also missing their "Pa" are Lily, Melanie and Natalie Sanders, Alex, Paul, and Markie Lambert, great grands Liam and Peyton and many nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his daughter Jeanne Anderson Sanders and daughter Judy Anderson Lambert, brother Eddie and granddaughter Sarah.
Ed note: My Brother Bill
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bob broadley
Obituary
BROADLEY, Robert J. Of Norwood died on Jan. 27 at the age of 92. Beloved husband of Margaret (Simons) Broadley. Devoted father of Sharon Broadley- Martin and her husband Robert of Holliston, the late Diane Maffeo and her husband Robert of Marshfield and the late Carol Giordano and her husband John of Norwood. Cherished grandfather of Robert Martin and Margaret Martin. Son of the late Leo and Elizabeth (Fair) Broadley.
Ed Note: Photo courtesy of Len Carroll
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brian macgillivary
“Brian L. MacGillivary (1957-2006)
Shortly after high school graduation, Brian sought a career in aviation. He applied for and was selected into the U.S. Army Aviation Cadet Program. Upon successful course completion he was promoted to Warrant Officer with a Rotary Wing Aviator designation. During his military service, Brian was deployed to Central America, where he was chosen to fly President George H. W. Bush on an inspection tour.
Upon completing military service, Brian sought a corporate aviation career. His corporate career included positions withAetna Insurance Company and the Egan Family, founders of EMC corporation. Additionally, Brian was pleased to serve the aviation needs of the Herb Chambers Group while simultaneously managing the Boston Heliport, meeting theneeds and expectations of the New England Rotary Wing community.
Brian’s sudden passing in 2006 was met with an outpouring of sympathy from the community he served.“
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paul mcgovern
Paul V. McGovern, 77, of Ithaca, NY, passed away in the company of his family and friends on February 20, 2016. A native New Englander, he and his late wife, Lynne McGovern (Hamilton), had called Pepperell, MA, Chandler, AZ and Ithaca, NY their home over their many years together. Paul, a Vietnam Marine Veteran, was a corporate helicopter pilot and a logistics executive for Digital Equipment Corporation and Cypress Climax Corporation. He is survived by his loving sister, Marilyn Scott (McGovern) of Eagan, MN, his two devoted daughters, Lori Elrod and her husband, Charles Elrod, and Casey McGovern and her husband Joseph Bushey, granddaughters Kirsten and Whitey Elrod, Tuleya and Hollis McGovern, his two great-grandchildren, Chase and Jemma, as well as his cherished canine companion, Madigan.
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fred "slim" soule
FRED W. (SLIM) SOULE was born May 12, 1907 and died November 18, 1995. He was a well-known aviator who won national recognition as a pioneer in autogiro and helicopter development.
He was one of eight children of Mercy and Sidney Soule and was born in Duxbury, Massachusetts. He was written up in the book, "Who's Who in Aviation." Mr. Soule was nicknamed "Slim" because of his uncanny resemblance to Charles A. Lindbergh. He was a test pilot for the Lycoming Motor Company, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
From 1930 to 1935 Mr. Soule was associated with the Horizon Aerial Advertising Company and it was during this time that he flew more hours in an autogiro than any man in the world. Theatergoers would recall the Fox Movietone of Mr. Soule flying over Niagara Falls. Mr. Soule flew over the water at a height of ten feet and then dropped vertically into the chasm in his autogiro for a distance of 150 feet, the mist completely obscuring his plane. This feat had never been attempted by any other pilot up to that time in 1935.
After the war ended, Mr. Soule was hired to pilot the GA-45 renamed Bell-47, the first helicopter in history to receive an Approved Type Certificate in March 1946. He demonstrated the Bell-47 all over the east. He used two Bells in his operation of aerial application of cranberry bogs in New England.
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elio "al" barufaldi
Elio "Al" BARUFALDI died in Plymouth, September 27, 1981 at the Plymouth Hospital and was born 13 February, 1916 in Bridgewater, MA. Comdr. Elio Wilfred Barufaldi, USNR Ret. was a Navy helicopter pilot, residing at 113 Warren Street. He was the beloved husband of Helen (Pirani) Barufaldi, son of Mrs. Mabel Tassinari-Volta of Plymouth and devoted father of Prof.Bernard A. Barufaldi of the P.A.C.E. Program in Florida.
Ed note: I met Al when I was a 16-year-old line boy at Wiggins Airways in Norwood, MA. Al was a helicopter pilot and I traveled with him spraying cranberries, apples and other agricultural missions. Al was a Navy pilot and one day he flew into Norwood in a Piasecki HUP. The noise was horrendous, and I decided right then that I wanted to be a Navy pilot and fly the HUP. Al was my mentor and encouraged me to follow my dream, and because of Al, I spent my adult life getting paid money to play with expensive toys. I visited him in the Plymouth hospital just a few days before he died.
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John "jack" connelly
John F. Connelly Jr., 71, of Kingston, Mass., died Friday, 19 February, 1988 at Jordan Hospital in Kingston. He was born in Springfield, Illinois the son of John Fleetwood and Emma Stout Connelly on 31 March, 1916. He was an instructor in the Air Corps during World War II and a commercial pilot for Wiggins Airways from 1947 to 1982. Preceding him in death were his parents; one sister, Pinellope Jones; and one brother, Sam Connelly. Surviving are his wife, Frances Kidd Connelly; three daughters; three sons; and 10 grandchildren.
Ed Note: I met Jack when I was a 16-year-old line boy at Wiggins Airways in Norwood, MA. Jack was a helicopter pilot and I traveled all over New England with him spraying cranberries, apples, etc. Jack “adopted” me and took me under his wing. I became part of his family with his wife and children. Jack took me for my first helicopter ride and I was hooked. I rode with Jack on a photo shoot when the Mayflower arrived in Plymouth from England. (Not the first one!)
This is a picture of Jack with my daughter Jill.
F. Lee Bailey- Honorary NEHPA Member
his Story
Prior to entering Boston University School of Law in 1957, Bailey had been a Marine Corps carrier pilot. (Bailey graduated first in his class with the school’s highest grade point average in history.) His law practice rocketed to rapid success with a string of high-profile murder cases including Albert DeSalvo (The Boston Strangler), Dr. Sam Sheppard and OJ Simpson. By the time he was 34, Bailey’s law practice was national, he had his own weekly network television interview show on the ABC network (“Good Company”), and he was flying his own Learjet.
In his 1977 book, an aviation soliloquy titled, Cleared For The Approach, Bailey explained how he fell in love with helicopters a few years prior to leading the team to acquire Enstrom, building a helicopter hangar at his Marshfield, Massachusetts home, and initially flying a Brantly. In his book, Bailey made the case that helicopters were actually safer than fixed-wing single-engine aircraft in the event of an engine failure because an autorotating helicopter could be landed comparatively faster and in a more confined space. To make the point, Bailey said he routinely demonstrated autorotations to his passengers.
F. Lee Bailey—Honorary NEHPA member
Although he wasn’t a regular attendee at NEHPA functions, Lee played a significant role in NEHPA history, with his financial support through sponsorship with Advocate Airways, and his Enstrom helicopters that were a major factor in many of our member’s careers. He deserves our remembrance and is included here.