Elder Statesman/Most Senior Glider Pilot? - Otto Zauner

Tom Hardy in Mississippi is certainly in this group. Don't know his
exact age, but guessing he's middle latter 80's and last I saw him he
was still going strong. He was at Marfa again this year w/ his DG400M.

Mike Fadden wrote:
One of our club members has been approached by a local newspaper
reporter wanting to do story on him. It seems the reporter was tipped
off that he may be the oldest glider pilot in southern New Jersey. The
subject of the story would be Otto Zauner, a name that may be familiar
to many of you who have been around for a while. At 83 or 84 (I'm not
sure which at the time I'm writing this) Otto safely flys every
weekend the weather cooperates and assembles his Discus by himself. He
flew the tow plane and his RV up until few years ago when the
aggravation of jumping through hoops to get his medical (which he
always passed)became to much. This remarkable fellow still does most
of the work on our L-13 and Pawnee. While no longer competing, he
crews for club members who do. (For you PGC guys - Otto built that
winch I've heard you been using of late). Anyway, this idea of "oldest
glider pilot" got me wondering about how much further than South
Jersey Otto can extend his title. Now, I'm not talking about the
oldest person alive with a glider rating but active pilots. Any
challengers?

BTW, I'd like to hear from anyone who might be able to share any Otto
stories they may have. If you know the man you also know he is very
humble and getting him to talk about his accomplishments is no easy
task.

Mike Fadden
ASW 15

We do indeed have the winch Otto built at PGC. It is an ingenious piece of
equipment that has served well for many years - thanks Otto. On the topic of
oldest glider pilot… we have maybe the oldest student? Joe Beyer, who is 83,
just soloed after *beginning* flight training last year. Joe, who flew as a
crewman during WWII, is sharp as a tack and full of energy. I want to be just
like him when I grow up ;-)

Bob Lacovara
PGC

B Lacovara wrote:
We do indeed have the winch Otto built at PGC. It is an ingenious piece of
equipment that has served well for many years - thanks Otto. On the topic of
oldest glider pilot… we have maybe the oldest student? Joe Beyer, who is 83,
just soloed after *beginning* flight training last year. Joe, who flew as a
crewman during WWII, is sharp as a tack and full of energy. I want to be just
like him when I grow up ;-)

Bob Lacovara
PGC

Sounds like Joe didn't bother to grow up either. Good roll model. :-)

Shawn

In New Mexico our nominee is Al Santilli! Al still flies his Libelle
on a regular basis, is the local designated examiner, and he was born
May 28, 1914....which makes him our senior statesman at 90! I've seen
his license and it is signed by Orville Wright....RRR

My guesses,
Ed Seymour (NY). First flew w/ Lewin Barringer's club, late '20s
Philadelphia
Al Santilli (NM). Whitewashed protruding rocks at 1st Natl'. Glider
Contest
Rudi Opitz (CT). Test flew all kinds of motorless wonders in the '30s

In Wisconsin Gunter Voltz is still instructing power and sailplanes at
88. First soloed gliders in 1929, flew Luftwaffe WWII, just completed
FAA wings number 17.