Lloyd Parker Nolen
Lloyd Parker Nolen was born in Texarkana, Texas, in 1923 and earned his pilot’s certificate while in high school. When a vision problem prevented him from military flying, he became a civilian instructor of military aviation cadets in 1943.
After World War II, Lloyd established a successful crop dusting company that gave him the resources to pursue his undiminished ambition to fly World War II fighters. In 1951, he purchased a Curtiss P-40 and in 1957, with several partners, bought a P-51 mustang. The following year he added an F8F Bearcat to his collection.
These P-51 and F8F became the nucleus of the Confederate Air Force (now the Commemorative Air Force, CAF), which he led from 1961 until his death in 1991. Through Lloyd’s guidance, leadership and dedication, more than 100 rare warbirds were restored. Today, these beautiful aircraft can be seen and heard at airshows, museums and displays across the country.
Chuck Doyle
Chuck Doyle has lived a colorful aviation career that began in 1932 when at age 16 he soloed a Waco. During his senior year in high school he bought and restored his first plane, and his daredevil tendencies helped him earn a lucrative living as a barnstormer. Engaging in stunts like motorcycle-to-airplane transfers, he made his first parachute jump in 1935 and learned the art of smoke skywriting, which he did for more than 50 years.
Northwest Airways hired Chuck as a copilot in 1942 and immediately transferred him into the CG-4A glider program – a joint operation with the U.S. Army Air Forces.
After the war, he returned to passenger service and flew for Northwest until his retirement.
Besides flying, Chuck enjoys building, restoring, and owning aircraft: Warbirds are among his favorite. Since purchasing that first airplane in 1933, he’s owned more than 80 airplanes. And, like most pilots, Chuck enjoys sharing his aviation knowledge, experience and Aircraft with others.