The green fields of south-central Iowa create a smooth tapestry over which to fly—and Robert L. Taylor found his home a great place to restore and celebrate the classic aircraft he loved. Taylor, of Ottumwa, Iowa, founded the Antique Airplane Association in the Summer of 1953, taking out a classified advertisement in the September 1953 issue of Flying calling for like-minded pilots interested in “Flying Restoration and Photography of old aircraft” to join the newly minted group at $1 per year. He had 12 takers—breaking even on the $12 cost of the ad.
Antique Aircraft Champion Bob Taylor Flies West
Key Takeaways:
- Robert L. Taylor founded the Antique Airplane Association (AAA) in 1953, connecting like-minded pilots interested in the restoration and photography of old aircraft.
- Taylor, a WWII and Korean War veteran and the spiritual leader of the AAA, passed away in June 2020 at the age of 95.
- The AAA continues its mission at Antique Airfield (IA27) in Iowa, under the guidance of Taylor's son, Brent, and hosts an annual Invitational Fly-In, which included a celebration of Taylor's life.
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