Howards

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CHARIOT OF THE STARS

Howard DGA

STORY AND PHOTOS BY FREDERICK A. JOHNSEN

AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF

BEN HOWARD USED the nomenclature DGA for his airplane designs for years. By the time the executive Howard DGA-15 hit the market in 1939, it was widely accepted the letters stood for “damn good airplane.” Evidently airplane manufacturers did not survive the Depression by being timid about their products.

About a dozen Howard DGAs, including a smaller speedster and a former ambulance, grace the grass in the Vintage area at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021. They flew in from states as diverse as Arkansas, Ohio, Washington, Georgia, Missouri, Michigan, Florida, Nevada, and Tennessee.

Roger Brown, president of the Howard Aircraft Foundation, and his wife, Terese, flew their striking black DGA-15 to AirVenture from Port St. Lucie, Florida. Since Howards were the chariots of the powerful in an era when people were not called influencers, it is no surprise that the Browns’ DGA-15 once belonged to cigarchomping Air Force tactician Gen. Curtis LeMay.

Another DGA devotee back in the day was actor Wallace Beery, who liked to fly his plane to the hinterlands for hunting, Brown said. As a result of Beery’s requirement to pack gear in and out, the company devised a larger double door on the right side of the fuselage of his airplane. The U.S. Navy appreciated the value of this modification as the GH-2 aerial ambulance.

A bonus in the AirVenture Howard lineup is a rare DGA-8, smaller than the plush DGA-15 and descended from the famed Howard DGA-6 Mister Mulligan racer. Jack and Joan Venaleck brought the sporty airplane from Ohio.

The line of Howards at AirVenture this year is as colorful, and ethereal, as a rainbow. Some may be departing before week’s end. Catch them if you can.

Roger and Terese Brown brought their historic Howard DGA-15 to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021. Gen. Curtis LeMay once owned this airplane.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

3D RC FLYER ‘ACES’ NIGHT SHOW

BY ABBY OLENICZAK

AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF

EVEN THOUGH THIS is Jase “The Ace” Dussia’s fourth year performing at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the 3D RC flyer acknowledges he still gets a bit anxious. But he said he doesn’t let that overtake the fun of flying.

You can watch Dussia’s night performance, complete with smoke and lights, at the Fun Fly Zone at Ultralights Thursday and Friday night. The Twilight Flight Fest runs from 8 to 9:30 p.m. both days; the performances will be different.

Dussia started his RC flying career on a simulator when he was 5 years old, and at 10 began competing. He said he jumps on the opportunity every year to perform at Oshkosh.

“3D RC flying at AirVenture is one of the only places I get to do night flying,” said Jase. “Thanks to the event organizer, my family, and the opportunity to fly again at AirVenture.”

In 2019, Jase started his own business, JTA Innovations, selling foam airplane kits for indoor and outdoor use.

Dussia said, “It’s mostly a hobby, but I enjoy the cool opportunities that come with it.” With his business, he hopes that anyone of any age or background can share the joy of RC flying. Despite being busy with his new business, Jase managed to continue pursuing his online degree in business and keep his flying skills sharp.

Jase says his dad, John, has been a very influential person in his life. John introduced Jase to the hobby and has encouraged him throughout his journey. Jase said he has also met other influential people along the way that he still keeps in touch with today.

Jase noted that RC flying is becoming more popular with youths.

“When people attend bigger competitions, I notice there are more and more kids coming,” he said. During air shows, when he is not competing, he mostly improvises but still practices and relies on his skills. In competitions, he must stick to his routine. 2019 was also a busy year for Jase traveling often to compete globally and visit competition exhibitors. He said, “I love the traveling opportunities, and any country is the coolest to fly at because of the change of scenery.”

Interest and passion keep Jace’s drive for RC flying high, as well as having people look up to him and drawing inspiration from others.

The pandemic made 2020 an interesting year with only a few fly-ins and demo flights, so he is excited to be back in 2021.

Dussia said, “Keep in mind it’s all about having fun. Don’t get too stressed and meet new people!”

PHOTO BY COLIN OLENICZAK