Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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Paul Allen Riley
LCDR Paul Riley entered the Navy in 1944 from his home state of South Carolina via the Naval Academy. He retired 23 years later (when required by law) with a BS Degree in Aeronautical Engineering, ...view moreLCDR Paul Riley entered the Navy in 1944 from his home state of South Carolina via the Naval Academy. He retired 23 years later (when required by law) with a BS Degree in Aeronautical Engineering, a MA, and a FAA Airline Transport Rating. As a Naval Aviator he flew 3400 hours with 267 arrested landings day and night, on ten aircraft carriers. He qualified in 16 aircraft, single and multi-engine, propeller and jet. After retirement, he earned all of the FAA's Certified Flight Instructor Ratings, including multi-engine and instrument. He also qualified for Commercial Pilot Ratings in seaplanes (single and multi-engine) and in helicopters. Paul spent over a decade in the maintenance and engineering departments of four airlines, flying as an occasional observer on their flight decks, and qualifying to fly the Beech B-99 commuter transport. On the side, he flew with the Civil Air Patrol as a Captain, and was allowed to handle the controls of the Goodyear blimp and to ride in a sailplane. In all, he logged another 400 hours pilot time. His final work was at the Johnson Space Center for 16 years as the Plant Engineer. Paul's family consists of his wife, the former Evelyn Vincent of Virginia, daughter Mary, and sons Miles, Jack, and William. All are married and have produced eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. His previous hobbies of skiing and sailing (in the 22-foot "Life of Riley") have been replaced by doubles tennis and swimming. Paul and Evelyn enjoy retirement at their home in Houston as adopted Texans.view less