North Coast Vintage Aviation Society To Do The Honors

Retired US Representative Don Clausen's life-long endeavors in promoting aviation will be recognized May 7 when he is presented with the North Coast Vintage Aviation Society's "Aviation Hall of Fame Award."

"I've had more than my share of awards and recognitions in my life, but this one takes on a very special meaning because it is happening in the county of my birth," Clausen said.

Clausen has been instrumental in promoting aviation, aviation facilities, and educational programs throughout the North Coast, according to the Eureka (CA) Reporter.

Following his work as a carrier pilot during WW II, Clausen was responsible for a number of local endeavors:

• He established the Del Norte County Airport, which includes a flight school and charter and ambulance services
• He helped secure funding for the Arcata-Eureka Airport terminal building and worked to retain the FSS
• He assisted in the establishment of the Coast Guard Aviation Facility and Mission in McKinleyville
• He provided a GAT-1 simulator for College of the Redwoods
• He developed and implemented a high school aviation education program

President of the North Coast Vintage Aviation Society, Lou Davis, said the Aviation Hall of Fame Award was created to pay tribute to local aviators.

"We felt these folks contributed a lot to local aviation and they ought to be recognized.

Davis said Clausen was at the top of the list to become the award's first recipient because of his long list of national accomplishments.

As a 20-year member of Congress, Clausen sat on the House, Public Works, and Transportation Committee, where he authored and facilitated legislation and coordinated passage of the Airport Improvement and Airways Modernization Act of 1982.

During his time in Congress, Clausen was awarded two of the nation's highest awards - the Frank G. Brewer Trophy for significant contributions of enduring value to aerospace education in the United States and the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education Crown Circle for aerospace education leadership, one of the highest honors bestowed in the field of aerospace education.

After retiring from Congress, Clausen was asked by President Reagan to join and serve with his administration in the US DOT.

FMI: Click Here To Learn More, www.naa.aero/html/awards/index.cfm?cmsid=61