UFO’S IN SPANISH FORK
The United Flying Octogenarians (UFOs) organization was started in 1982 by a group of about 25 aviators over the age of 80. As spelled out in the charter, the purpose is to promote longevity and safety in aviation; represent the interests of senior pilots worldwide; to inspire youth to fly; and to promote fellowship among members of the United Flying Octogenarians. Presently there are over 1500 members worldwide. While many members are no longer flying, every member met the qualifying requirement that they had been the pilot in command of an aircraft after their 80th birthday.
There are presently nine UFO members in Utah. Over the past few years these members have scheduled luncheon meetings in St. George, Cedar City, and recently, at the Spanish Fork Airport. With a little math, it can be seen that this group of aviators were either teenagers during World War II or veterans of that war. Several were also veterans of the Korean War. All share a common experience of a lifetime of flying experiences, both civilian and military. Aside from the flying experiences Utah members represent a wide variety of careers including the military, engineering, aerospace, airlines and medicine.
On July 22, three members flew their aircraft into Spanish Fork Airport, meeting a fourth local member there, for an informal meeting and a lunch which was generously sponsored by Diamond Flight Center.
As stated above, the qualifying requirement is to have acted as Pilot in Command of an aircraft after the 80th birthday. Anyone meeting that qualification desiring to join the UFOs should contact the Secretary/Treasurer: <bart_ bratko@hotmail.com>. Anyone interested can examine the UFO webpage www. UFOPILOTS.org.