MANAGEMENT IN AVIATION HISTORY BENCH MARKS


developed a unique education curriculum as Director of the college’s Bates Aeronautical Program. Within these courses a major emphasis for students was on developing responsibility, self- reliance and leadership. Many of Iris’ graduates went on to become scientists, researchers, engineers, and leaders in the aerospace industry. Two of her students became astronauts. In addition to classroom guidance,


the Critchells often took personal interest in their students, inviting them into their home where model aircraft hung from the ceiling and Iris’ racing trophies sat amid shelves of aviation books. In their back yard Iris swam laps in their pool and Howard created wooden boats and musical instruments in his woodworking shop until his death in 2015.


Iris Cummings Critchell with Giacinta Bradley Koontz in the stacks of the Rev. John Carruthers Aviation Collection, then part of the Aeronautical Library Special Collections of Harvey Mudd College (1996). Iris is holding her WASP wings.


HONORS Iris Cummings Critchell has received dozens of awards and honors for her service to her country and her unmeasurable contributions to


teaching aeronautics and fl ight training. In 2016, Iris held current ratings for Glider, Single and Multi-Engine, Airline Transport and Flight Instructor. She has been a member of the International Organization of Women Pilots (otherwise known as the “Ninety-Nines”) for over six decades and served as an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner for 21 years. In 2015, Iris was inducted into the


Smooth. Simple Solutions to Complex Vibration Problems Knoxville, Tennessee 16 DOMmagazine.com | mar 2017 | (865)671-2003 | www.AcesSystems.com


California Aviation Hall of Fame at the Santa Monica Museum of Flying for “76 Years of Contributions to the Aviation Community.” Attending the ceremony were several former students of the Bates Program who refer to themselves as “Batesters.” Among those who shared memories under Iris’ tutalage was Walt Foley who graduated in 1969 and is now a professional pilot. With obvious pride Foley added, “My sense of accomplishment in commanding a modern corporate jet on an around-the-world mission today are a credit to Iris’ commitment to the personal growth of so many Batesters over decades.” I was not one of Iris’ students


but I have often experienced her generosity and patience. Several years ago I expressed interest in earning my pilot’s license. Iris took me up in her Cessna 172 and to my delight she gave me an impromptu, hands-on


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68