Captain Johnny Miller, a self-taught pilot whose flying career began with barnstorming during aviation’s golden age, has died at 102. Miller flew his own Beech Bonanza throughout the country up until a few years ago. Over his career, he flew the airmail, set a transcontinental record in a Pitcairn autogiro, competed in air races, served as a test pilot, flew for the U.S. Marine Corps and as a jet airline pilot. For years, Miller wrote a regular column in the American Bonanza Society monthly magazine, and a compilation of those stories is available through ABS at bonanza.org. Born in December 1905, two years after the Wright Brothers’ first flight, Miller attended a gala at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in honor of his 100th birthday in 2005.
Aviation Legend John Miller Dead at 102
Key Takeaways:
- Captain Johnny Miller, a self-taught pilot whose career spanned from aviation's golden age to jet airlines, passed away at 102, having flown actively until a few years prior.
- His diverse flying career included barnstorming, airmail delivery, setting a transcontinental autogiro record, competing in air races, serving as a test pilot, and flying for the U.S. Marine Corps.
- Born in 1905, just two years after the Wright Brothers' first flight, Miller's longevity and dedication were celebrated with a gala at Kitty Hawk for his 100th birthday.
- Miller also contributed to aviation literature, writing a regular column for the American Bonanza Society's monthly magazine.
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