aerospace history

A Historic First for Female Aviators in the USAF

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The first 10 female officers to graduate from the Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training Program, Class 77-08, with a Northrop T-38A-50-NO Talon, 63-8111, 2 September 1977. (U.S. Air Force)

On this day in 1977, the U.S. Air Force celebrated a monumental achievement: the graduation of the first 10 female officers from Undergraduate Pilot Training (Class 77-08) at Williams AFB, Arizona. Serving alongside 36 male classmates, these trailblazers earned their coveted Silver Wings and broke through barriers that had stood for decades.

Their names — Captains Connie Engel, Kathy La Sauce, Mary Donahue, Susan Rogers, Christine Schott; First Lieutenants Sandra Scott, Victoria Crawford; and Second Lieutenants Mary Livingston, Carol Scherer, and Kathleen Rambo — stand as testaments to courage and perseverance.

Among them, Capt. Christine E. Schott would go on to make history again as the USAF’s first woman aircraft commander, flying the C-9A Nightingale.

Initiated by a 1975 pilot-training test program, these women logged over 210 flight hours in advanced trainer jets and blazed a trail for future generations of female aviators.

Decades later, their legacy continues: in 2016 they were inducted into the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame, and the AETC Trailblazer Room stands in their honor.

On this anniversary, we salute these pioneering women and the women following them who soared beyond limitations.

👉 Read the full story here: https://vintageaviationnews.com/warbird-articles/this-day-in-aviation-history-graduation-of-the-first-10-female-air-force-pilots.html

Colonel Bob Lilac Draws Full House at Air Commandos Luncheon

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A Packed House for Colonel Bob Lilac at the May 14 Air Commandos Luncheon

At today’s “Bi-Wednesday” gathering of the AFA 134 Air Commandos, we were honored to host Colonel Robert Lilac, whose remarkable presentation “The Saga of LITTLE Bobby Lilac” took us on a sweeping journey through his distinguished U.S. Air Force career—and far beyond.

Colonel Lilac recounted his experiences as a fighter pilot, test pilot, and space research pilot, including 100 combat missions over North Vietnam in the F-104, and flying the NF-104 rocket aircraft to over 100,000 feet. His stories included not only riveting air combat and high-speed testing, but also deeply insightful reflections on his role in Reagan’s White House, where he served as Director of Political-Military Affairs on the National Security Council.

He also shared stories from his later years running a civilian intelligence consulting firm focused on the Middle East, continuing his service to national defense well beyond his military retirement in 1984.

The “Back Room” at Roc’s Firehouse Grille—generously provided gratis by owners Roland and Jayme Cook—was packed for one of our most memorable gatherings to date. We are deeply grateful to Roc’s for their continued support as a valued AFA Community Partner.

Thanks to everyone who attended for making this such a dynamic and meaningful event—and a special thank-you to Colonel Lilac for sharing not only his history but also his humor, wisdom, and perspective.

Colonel Robert Lilac to Speak at May 14 Air Commandos Luncheon

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You’re Invited: AFA 134 Air Commandos Luncheon
Special Guest Speaker – Colonel Robert Lilac
Presentation: “The Saga of LITTLE Bobby Lilac”
Subtitled: “A Tour de Force of Four Score and Seven Years of Fun Stuff Interspersed with an Occasional Fact or Two”

Join us this Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Roc’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert for a lively and wide-ranging presentation by Colonel Robert Lilac, whose distinguished career in the United States Air Force spanned from fighter cockpits to the White House.

Colonel Lilac began his military service in 1958 as a Second Lieutenant with the National Security Agency, later training as a jet fighter pilot. He served three years in the United Kingdom flying the F-100, then flew 100 combat missions over North Vietnam in the F-104 during two Vietnam tours.

In 1967, he graduated from the USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, training as both a Test Pilot and Space Research Pilot. He flew the NF-104, a rocket-augmented aircraft, to altitudes over 100,000 feet.

His assignments included serving as a military advisor in Saudi Arabia, commanding an A-10 Fighter Squadron, and working at the Pentagon as Chief of Air Force International Programs for Saudi Arabia. From 1982 to 1984, he served in the Reagan White House as Director of Political-Military Affairs on the National Security Council.

Decorated with the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal with 8 oak leaf clusters, Colonel Lilac retired in 1984 and ran a consulting business in Washington, D.C., with his wife Jan until 2005. Today, they live in Palm Desert, spending summers in Lakeside, Montana.

The Air Commandos Luncheon started as a way for AFA members and friends to reconnect after the COVID lockdowns. Held every couple of weeks, it’s an informal gathering for good company, great stories, and lunch.

📍 Roc’s Firehouse Grille
36891 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211
🕦 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📅 Wednesday, May 14, 2025

There is no fee to attend—just order your own lunch and/or beverage from the menu.

All are welcome. No RSVP required.

Bob Schaefer Brings Apollo 13 to Air Commandos

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Yesterday at Roc’s Firehouse Grille, Bob Schaefer delivered a presentation of his experience, “Apollo 13 … the Rest of the Story,” to a full table of 18 attendees at the Palm Springs AFA 134 Air Commandos Luncheon.

With first-hand aerospace program perspective, Bob shared behind-the-scenes insights into the years of preparation that made the Apollo 13 rescue possible. A great turnout — Thank You, Bob!

You Are Invited This Wednesday April 16

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You’re Invited: AFA 134 Air Commandos Luncheon
Special Guest Speaker – Bob Schaefer
“Apollo 13 … the Rest of the Story”

Join us for a compelling presentation by Bob Schaefer, an aerospace program specialist whose career included key roles supporting NASA missions during the height of the space race. He’ll share a deeper look into the Apollo 13 mission, highlighting the behind-the-scenes preparation that made the rescue possible.

📅 Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
🕦 Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Roc’s Firehouse Grille
36891 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211

The Air Commandos Luncheon began as a way for AFA members and friends to reconnect following the COVID lockdowns. Held every couple of weeks, it’s an informal gathering for conversation, camaraderie, and lunch ordered from the menu—now with the occasional addition of a guest speaker.

There is no fee to attend—just come and enjoy your own lunch and/or beverage.

All are welcome. No RSVP required.