THE WAUPACA COUNTY POST

November 27, 1947

 

Register Solo Flights For Two Women Pilots

 

 

            Two women became “petticoat pilots” at the Waupaca airport this week, and they didn’t make any slips.  Like true birdmen the pair, Shirley Walbruck of New London and Mrs. Clara Young of Wild Rose, chalked up their first solo flight to qualify for a student pilot license, flying Aeronca Champions equipped with skies.

            Other solo pilots included Gordon McCunn and Harvey Fichsteadt of Waupaca, and Arnold Bestul of New London, Danny Rekoske of Amherst, also a motorcyclist, made his first cross-country solo flight Sunday, Nov. 23, flying a Taylor Cub from Waupaca to Madison to Fond du Lac and back.

            Another pilot, 65 year old G. A. (Gus) Bastian, also soloed cross-country recently.  He learned to fly not quite two years ago and is now practicing stalls and spins to obtain a higher rating.  Bastian, who lives near Waupaca, flew from Waupaca to Antigo to Wisconsin Rapids and back.