We mourn the passing of Fred Owen, another victim of the COVID-19 virus. Owen was the premier PBY pilot in the United States and one of only a few qualified to certify PBY pilots for the FAA. He was a friend and supporter of the PBY Memorial Foundation since its inception.
Owen was deeply involved in plans to develop collaborative efforts among Pacific Flying Boats, the “Soaring by the Sea Foundation” and John Sterling, a museum collaborater with a goal of bringing multiple PBYs to airshows on the West Coast and maybe farther afield. He will be sorely missed for his deep aviation knowledge and as a friend.