At 100 years of age, Robert “Bob” Peterson experienced a life among the clouds. Below are a series of first hand accounts of the many adventures and memories spanning more than a half century in the sky.
First Memory of an Airplane
Bob recalls the very first time that he saw an airplane. While working with his father pulling hay for their farm during a gusty snow storm, out of the sky dropped a brand new Taylor E2 Cub. Bob vividly remembers his father running alongside the aircraft trying to help stabilize the plane so that it could take off to complete the flight.
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First Solo Flight
In this conversation, Bob recalls the experience of his first Solo Flight.
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Checkride and Pilots License
In this conversation, Bob recalls arriving at the airport and learning that it was time for his Checkride.
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She was my Navigator
Mr Peterson reflects upon a trip to Chicago with his wife. She frequently fulfilled the role of navigator on their flights, recalling that they never got lost with her onboard. With a stop in Hudson Ohio, catching an 87 Ardmore Trolly out of Pittsburgh, and thumbing their way back to their home outside Indiana, Pennsylvania. This reflection not only illuminates the pioneering days of aviation, but a life filled with love and respect between Bob and his wife. Click image to view video.
Mr. Piper needs an Airplane
Bob recalls a time when Mr. Piper requested to have an airplane delivered to Olean, New York so that he could fly westward. With declining weather, Bob talks about his flight and jokes about his decision to “Turn Right” which resulted in an extra stop along the way.
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Flying alongside W.A.S.P.
Bob recalls a time flying alongside Molly, a WASP pilot, delivering aircraft for the United States Air Force. At the time, WASP pilots worked from the Lock Haven field delivering aircraft in support of the war effort.
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The Accident – 1946
Bob recalls the events that led to the only accident of his flying career. He shares with you the details of that day along with the fabric that includes the tail number as well as the actual cracked propeller from the aircraft.
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A new Tachometer at Sterling Airport
Bob recalls a time giving a ride to a mechanic in a new Piper Cub after he had to stop in Sterling Illinois to rebuild a broken tachometer.
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First TaylorCraft & Flying Adventures
In this conversation, Bob recalls his first TaylorCraft airplane and some of the early flying adventures with family and friends around the Shenandoah Valley.
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Quick Throttle and Headlight Landing
In this conversation, Bob tells some humorous tales of flying with friends who were quick with the throttle and landing by headlights one night at Clearfield Airport. He recalls the airport manager walking up to the aircraft and upon realizing who it was quipped “Yup, figured it was a Peterson”
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The Secret to a Good Landing
In this conversation, Bob shares with us the secret to a good landing. One begins to realize that some things really do remain the same over time.
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Flying is in my Soul
In this conversation, Bob shares with us that he still dreams of flying each night while he sleeps. We learn about which airports are his favorite destinations among the many airfields he has visited over the last 50 years of flight.
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Advice for Future Aviators
In his closing thoughts, Bob reminds future aviators to “never quit” and keep working towards your dreams.
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