Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame

John Parish Sr.’s pilot journey began in high school and college where he juggled being a student with learning to fly. In 1964, he bought his first airplane, a Cherokee 180. Parish’s passion for aviation continued to grow, leading him to attend fly-ins across the country. Over time, Parish grew an affinity for one airplane in particular, the Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing. Parish was finally able to purchase one of his own in 1970. Parish became continuously more involved with the International Staggerwing Club and in 1973, John and his wife Charlotte helped establish the Staggerwing Museum Foundation, now known as the Beechcraft Heritage Museum, in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Parish’s involvement with EAA has included serving on the organization’s board for more than 30 years, and working as Director and Vice President of the EAA Aviation Foundation.