Richard "Buzz" Nelson Heads For The Hangar

If you were to look at Richard "Buzz" Nelson's resume, you'd see a lot of numbers: 737, 757, 767, 777. You'd also see that he was senior pilot on the Boeing 307 restoration project. He ditched the Stratoliner in Elliot Bay (WA) two years ago and, after it was restored, he flew it to Dulles International Airport (VA), where the aircraft now resides at the Udvar-Hazey Museum.

Buzz is heavy-duty.

Buzz is retired.

Nelson, 62, flew his last test mission for Boeing Friday, aboard a 767-300 that launched from Paine Field in Everett (WA). In fact, for the past 13 years, he's headed up the test program for the 767.

"Buzz is probably one of the last of the great Renaissance men. He is an absolute consummate pilot and a wonderful gentleman," said flight test engineer, Jeri Haggard, in an interview with Seattle's KOMO-TV. "It's a sad day. He'll really be missed, very much so."

For Nelson, saying goodbye wasn't easy. "I'm a little emotional about today," he told KOMO. "I've been here 31 years and I really respect this company."

But although gone from Boeing, Buzz isn't gone for good. He's taken a new job -- working in Renton (WA) for a company that creates new aviation safety technology.

FMI: www.boeing.com