My Great Aunt Marjorie Winston Parker has been gathering old photos helping me to better understand our rather distinguished family heritage in aviation.
Like my grandma, Marjorie was a true aviation pioneer. Her father was Grandmother’s flight instructor and, of course, taught his daughter to fly too—sparking a passion for flight that led her to become a stunt pilot!
One of the photos shows a larger view of the Alexander Eaglerock. The plane has a tiger painted on the side—it was the mascot for the College of Pacific flight school.
“One of the photos shows my dad in the cockpit,” Marj says, “…and a guy he hired to help with flight instruction standing outside. I don’t know that guy’s name.” So maybe that’s the new mystery. Who is that guy?
There’s also a photo of Mr. Winston standing in front of an Alexander Eaglerock.
While I was asking about the several different fantastic airplanes Aunt Marj owned and flew, I learned she owned a Citabria stunt airplane! How about that? It’s a stunningly beautiful and powerful aircraft! She explained the roots of Citabria’s name: “It’s airbatic spelled backwards.” She went on to describe the rolls and flight maneuvers she pulled over the criss-crossing, perfectly straight California farm roads, far below. Marj is modest about her stunt flying days. After she sold her Citabria she acquired several other mouthwatering sky chariots.
When I approach 90, I would like to be in the razor-sharp condition that my Aunt Marj is in today. She is an inspiration for me, and I hope by sharing these tidbits, my daughters will appreciate her more. It’s a bonus that I get to share this with friends, as well as aviation buffs who are Hobby Express customers!