Dr. Paul MacCready, "Father of Human-Powered Flight," Dies at 81

Internationally renowned innovator and entrepreneur Dr. Paul MacCready, the founder and former chairman of AeroVironment, Inc., died on August 28 at the age of 81.  His passing occurred less than one week after the 30th anniversary of one of his most notable accomplishments, the record-setting flight of his human-powered Gossamer Condor airplane.

"The world has lost a man of unique vision, and the people of AV have lost a mentor and friend," said Tim Conver, AeroVironment's chairman, chief executive officer and president. "Paul was an inspiration to so many people around the globe who were touched by his accomplishments and his innovative approach of doing more with much less."

The Gossamer Condor feat led to Dr. MacCready being nicknamed the "father of human-powered flight." Dr. MacCready was named Engineer of the Century by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and selected Graduate of the Decade by the California Institute of Technology.  He was named one of the 100 greatest minds of the 20th century by Time Magazine.

A memorial Web page has been established in his honor.  09-01-2007.

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