November 19, 2023 - Missing Man Flyover, Clearview
We then landed, my first time landing on the downhill 32 runway. The crowd gave us a standing O!
The missing man flyover was in honor of John Orzechowski who prior to the flyover posthumously received the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. The award recognizes individuals who have exhibited exemplary aviation expertise, distinguished professionalism, and steadfast commitment for at least 50 years of piloting experience and aircraft operations.
I talked with John's son, also named John -- a pilot himself who belongs to the Clearview Flying Club and has earned Instrument, Tailwheel and Complex ratings -- and found out his Dad, like my Dad, was a Naval Aviator and flew the mighty P-3 Orion. Both our Dad's liked to talk about the five landings they made on an aircraft carrier in a T-28 which was part of the training all naval aviators went through in those days. After eight years in the Navy, John flew for American Airlines for 32 years.
Turning base for landing on runway 16 at Essex. There was more daylight than it appears in this picture.
Fun afternoon. I always enjoy doing the missing man flyovers. The family and friends of the veteran or pilot being honored always greatly enjoy and appreciate the flyover.
