 One of America’s most innovative scientists and inventors and one of SCAA’s most distinguished members, Dr. Paul B. MacCready, died in late August at the age of 81.
Long known as the inventor of man-powered flight, Dr. MacCready designed the famous Gossamer Condor that in 1977 won the $100,000 Kramer Prize for completing a seven-minute flight over a closed course powered by a young man pumping bicycle pedals that turned the aircraft’s propeller. MacCready went on to design other amazing aircraft and automobiles, many powered by solar cells, that set a long string of world records.
He was honored by SCAA with its Howard Hughes Memorial Award and over many years received over 30 other major awards including the Collier Trophy. SCAA members heard him speak at a dinner meeting last year in which he outlined his favorite theme, “Doing More With Less.”
He was the founder of AeroVironment Inc., based in Monrovia, which continues to produce innovative vehicles such as very lightweight unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, some no larger than birds. One of Dr. MacCready’s sons, Tyler, is a new member of the SCAA Board of Directors.
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