The book was authored by two brothers, Edward T Heikell and Robert L Heikell, born in Yakima, Washington and raised a few miles south in Wapato, Washington—about 60 miles south-west of Wenatchee, W...ver maisThe book was authored by two brothers, Edward T Heikell and Robert L Heikell, born in Yakima, Washington and raised a few miles south in Wapato, Washington—about 60 miles south-west of Wenatchee, Washington, were much of this history was made.
Edward T Heikell is an aeronautical engineer who spent his career with the Boeing Company. While in high school, he earned his private flying license from Charley McAllister (in Yakima, referred to in book) who sported his license signed by Orville Wright. Edward ultimately became a part owner of a Cessna 182 for about 15 years. After his retirement in 1995, he obtained his commercial license with an instrument flight rating and eventually accumulating nearly 2000 hours of flying time. Most of his reading and writing, by necessity, was technical writing. His latest was being the manager of a twelve volume, 3000 page proposal for a major program being sought by the Company.
Robert L Heikell was in School administration during his career. Also a pilot, his love throughout his life included the building of remote controlled airplanes. Very accomplished in his hobby, in later years it centered on the Bellanca J-300 Long Distance Special flown by Pangborn. His models received national recognition for detail and accuracy. He inspired the book as a means of getting more recognition for the early aviator, Clyde Pangborn. In his activities, he became more and more aware of the history surrounding the Wenatchee area and the connection that the community has with its sister city, Misawa Japan.ver menos