103 Years Of Aviation History... In One Man's Life

As if the news of Cliff Robertson's passing wasn't enough to bear, we've learned that another true aviation legend has passed on. Mort brown was a 103 year old aviation icon who witnessed more aviation history than anyone I know.

Mort was the first Chief Pilot of Production Flight Test, Cessna Aircraft Company, from 1937 - 1972. During Mort's nearly 35 years with Cessna, it has been calculated that Mort was responsible for releasing over 85,000 airplanes through Production Flight Test, of which Mort personally logged over 14,000 first flights. Mort reportedly accumulated over 20,760 actual flight hours on various airplanes.

Mort has also been inducted to the Legion of Honor and the Hall of Fame for the OX5 Aviation Pioneers for his contributions to the aviation industry. Inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame, Mort was also awarded the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, in August of 2006.

The man was amazing... logging over 2700 miles on his bicycle since he turned 100 years of age and sharing generously of a lifetime of experience that benefited all those who had the chance to speak with him. He was a unique and all-too-rare individual... and it is aviation's loss that this man is not among our brethren any longer.

Mort Brown, 103, quietly passed away in his sleep on Saturday, September 10, 2011. God bless you, sir, and thank you for a lifetime of service to us all...

FMI: www.mortbrown.info