W56E Aviation History: Aviation Vignettes (Zoom; OLLI @ Chico)
Zoom | Registration opens 12/16/2025 10:00 AM EST
This continuation of personal experiences from the instructor’s participation in military, agricultural, and aerial firefighting aviation will include stories from the early days of flight to modern adventures of the 21st Century. You’ll learn about airplanes and the characters who flew them, from Orville Wright to Burt Rutan (1903-2025).
Gary Hendrickson’s father was a pilot in World War II and operated an agricultural aviation business. Gary soloed a 1946 Aeronca at age 15. He attended Sacramento City College and Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, majoring in aeronautical engineering and minoring in history. He flew jet fighters off and on aircraft carriers, then returned to civilian flying as a certificated flight and ground school instructor. He was a pilot in command of fire bombing aircraft for 35 years and operated an agricultural aviation business for 46 years. Hobbies include restoring antique airplanes, hunting, fishing, and a passion for history.
*This registration item is ZOOM-only; there is not an in-person component to this course. It is offered and run by The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Chico State University.*