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 in Iowa, attracting like-minded pilots interested in restoring and flying classic aircraft.
- Taylor, a veteran of WWII and the Korean War, passed away in 2020 at age 95, but his legacy continues through the AAA and the Airpower Museum, now led by his son, Brent.
- The AAA is based at Antique Airfield (IA27) in Blakesburg, Iowa, where the annual Invitational Fly-In, started by Taylor in 1954, is still held, with a celebration of his life planned for the 2020 event.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
