Dave:
Great article on the “Lear Fan” and “Basler DC-3 Turbo Conversion” (“Midwest Flyer Monthly,” May 2025):
I bet you have enough interesting stories about aviation and people in aviation to run one story each month for years.
I enjoy reading about the people you know and knew.
Dean Zakos, S.J.A
Madison, Wisconsin
Dave Weiman Photo
Thank you, Dean!
Those were memorable events with wonderful people who did not do what they did for fame, fortune or recognition. They did it out of their love for aviation.
It is sad to think that most of the people mentioned in the article are now gone — Moya, Warren, Pat, Paul, and Audrey. It all goes to prove that although people pass away, their good deeds live on through those they touched.
What we need less of in aviation, and elsewhere in the world, are glory-seekers.
Coincidentally, when Peggy and I attended the “Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame” on April 12 of this year in the Twin Cities, my first flight instructor, Barbara Wiley-Lindquist, reminded me that she was one of my invited guests when Moya Lear spoke at the Wisconsin Aviation Trades Association (WATA) Convention in Oshkosh in November 1983.
Barbara went on to become a pilot with North Central Airlines, Republic, Northwest, and Delta, retiring as a Captain on the 747-400 in 2004. She was inducted into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame in 2020, and rightfully so.
I thought it only appropriate to introduce Barbara to Moya as both women had accomplished a great deal in aviation. That’s also probably why Paul Poberezny had his wife, Audrey, accept our donation to the EAA Museum during the convention, rather than accept the donation himself. Had I thought of it, I would have had Peggy present Audrey with the check. Yes, great memories and great women in aviation!
Dave Weiman
Editor/Publisher
Midwest Flyer Magazine
https://midwestflyer.com/