Howard Edwards, a charter member of Chapter 110, has been an aviation enthusiast since a very early age. He is shown below at age seven in his first plane complete with joy stick and operational elevator. The taildragger was steered by a rudder bar controlling the tailwheel.

Howard's first instruction was in a 40hp Cub with a tail skid in 1940. He used to save his nickles and dimes until he amassed a fortune of $3.50 and spent it on a 1/2 hour lesson. The U.S. Army Air Corps refused his application because of color blindness so Howard did not get his first license until 1945. He came to Louisville in 1950 where he patronized both Central American and Kentucky Flying Service. He owned a Dart during the 50's and was a member of a couple of flying clubs. Howard helped organize the Louisville Junior Chamber of Commerce flying club and the purchase of their Piper Cruiser.

In 1959 he traveled to Oshkosh, Wisconsin to meet with Steve Whitman from whom he bought a set of plans for the Whitman Tailwind. The plane was finally completed in 1966 after howard had been transferred by GE to Indianapolis, Phoenix, and Chicago. Then in 1969 Howard and the Tailwind were moved back to Louisville. The Tailwind was sold when GE offered him a transfer to South Africa.

The Tailwind had a wing span of 20' 11" and was powered by a Continental 0-200A.

WHITMAN TAILWIND

Howard is still an active member of the Chapter and flies with the Bowman Eagles where he is the Club Secretary.

Last Updated April19, 2005
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