Bev Turner - Mrs. EAA 1977

In her own words...

  I was crowned Mrs. EAA in the year 1977. It was the 25th Anniversary year of EAA. The picture you are showing [above] is two days after the pagent  when Walt put me up on top of Ol' Smokey for a photo shoot. It was such a privilage. It was the end of my raign when I flew with Walt as a wing rider in August ot 1978.  The first time was Aug.3, 1978 and the second time was Aug. 5, 1978, both for the Oshkosh Air show.

  Walt and I planned on a practice flight at the Fond du lac airport, but both of us kept busy with speaking engagements and other things related to the Oshkosh Air Show. So when the air show started Aug. 3, 1978 and we were on (so to speak) we just decided to go for it! I remember I was so scared my hands were tingling. Walt warned me to keep my chin tucked, I got up on Ol' Smokey, cabled in, and we rolled down the runway. I thought my heart would pound out of my chest with anticipation, but as soon as we started climbing all fear disappeared.

  Our first pass in front of the audience of 100,000 people was upside down. I started looking around and loved it, I waved to all the people. Remember, I'm now upside down with body and head fully extended towards the ground and Walt began  his climb, with the G force and the air flow over my nose I could not suck in air. It took every ounce of effort to bring my chin towards my chest so I could breath.

  I did great with the remainder of the maneuvers. I especially liked the hammerhead. The next Saturday Aug. 5, I had the privilege of wing riding once again at the afternoon air show along with another wing riding team. Both of these experiences will remain a highlight of my life.

Written February 2007 -