Four model aircraft that were once proud mementos of an FAA Flight Inspection pilot rested on a table, somewhat ignored after their owner’s passing. The planes were detailed, hand-crafted representations of aircraft that the late William “Bill” Howell (August 1937 – June 2015) operated throughout his career; a Douglas DC-3, a Gulfstream G-159, a Sabreliner NA-265, and a Hawker BAe-800. Bill’s widow, Cynthia, knew how special the replicas were to him, and sought a new home for them at the Aeronautical Center in Bill’s honor. Fortunately for Mrs. Howell, Jim Savage (friend of the family and fellow retired FAA Flight Inspection pilot) was able to coordinate the relocation of the models by reaching out to Charles Sullivan, Director of MMAC Facility Management (AMP-001). Upon initial examination, the planes each had different bases, (some in disrepair) but the planes themselves were intact. So with careful planning, each model was given a new base and placed behind protective glass in the Security Command Center for everyone to see.

The sweeping support structures were built with acrylic and sky blue base-lighting, and the lower bases were finished with brushed aluminum skin. The display was unified with another memento placed in the center, featuring Mr. Howell’s portrait - etched into clear, base-lit acrylic with an inscription of his career highlights, and the significance of the aircraft. Bill was born and raised in Kansas, and joined the Army to fly helicopters in the 1960s. After his tour, he found work as an FAA Flight Inspection Pilot at the Kansas City Flight Inspection District Office (FIDO) where he flew DC-3 aircraft. Through many transitions and relocations, Bill gained experience flying the aforementioned aircraft, but is more notably recognized for introducing the Beechcraft BE-300 King Air to the Aviation System Standards, formerly known as the (AVN) organization.

After the completion of the model bases and their installation at the Visitor’s Center, Mrs. Howell was invited to see the exhibit. Since she lives in Evansville, Indiana, she coordinated a family meeting to celebrate the installation and invited her children (Julie and Jenny) and Bill’s brother (Ken Howell from Plano, Texas) to attend. Also in attendance were close friends of the family: Robert Smith, Cindy Alexander, and Jim and Kandy Savage.

Smiles and hugs warmed the Visitor’s Center upon the party’s convergence, and it wasn’t long before Mrs. Howell examined the models that she had donated. For a few minutes, she stood motionless in front of the glass case, absorbing the exhibit. Before long, the group also gravitated to the planes after Cynthia’s initial observance. Needless to say, family and friends were very pleased with the professional presentation and the prominence of the display.

Soon, everyone stood around reminiscing, delighted with the honor that the late Mr. Howell was given at the Aeronautical Center.

Concerning the many accomplishments in Bill’s career, one in particular is held in high regard; the work that he performed for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Jim Savage recounts how Bill and his flight inspection crew from the Atlanta Flight Inspection Field Office (FIFO) provided flight inspection services for Patrick Air Force Base and Kennedy Space Center Tactical Air Navigation systems (TACANs), thus ensuring the safety of NASA’s Space Shuttle (STS-7) mission. He states, “…the work for NASA was flight inspection of the Kennedy Space Center and Patrick Air Force Base TACANs (to assure their accuracy in preparation for the STS-7 mission). The TACANs provide azimuth and distance information to the Shuttle crew. Patrick Air Force Base and the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is home to the Air Force 45th Space Wing and 45th Force Support Squadron. I was second in command on a similar mission out of the Oklahoma City FIFO to inspect the White Sands Missile Range TACAN for one of the follow on Shuttle missions.

Thanks to the generosity of Mrs. Howell, and the efforts of Mr. Savage, the Aeronautical Center now has a special reminder that symbolizes a man and his career, and an important era within the FAA. Four small model aircraft that would otherwise be left unseen, are now proudly displayed for many to see. Through such mementos, Bill’s legacy lives on, as an inspiration to Aeronautical Center visitors and employees alike for years to come.