Paul Weaver oral history interview (Part 2 of 2)

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IdentifierOH_Weaver_Paul_P2SourceThe Museum of Flight Oral History Collection (2019-00-00-100), Digital RecordingsCreatorMuseum of Flight (Seattle, Wash.)IntervieweeWeaver, Paul L., 1922-InterviewerLittle, SteveDescriptionBorn-digital video recording of an oral history with Paul L. Weaver and interviewer Steve Little, recorded as part of The Museum of Flight Oral History Program, May 24, 2019. Part 2 of 2.AbstractIn this two-part oral history, Paul L. Weaver is interviewed about his decade-spanning career as an aircraft mechanic and pilot. In part two, he continues to discuss his involvement in the Pacific Northwest aviation scene during the 1950s and beyond. Topics discussed include his aircraft restoration work; his experiences with homebuilt aircraft and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA); his memories of other aviation enthusiasts and notable events and locations; and his work with the Pacific Northwest Aviation Historical Foundation (PNAHF) and its successor, The Museum of Flight.BiographyPaul L. Weaver is a World War II veteran, aircraft mechanic, and pilot who worked for the Boeing Company for almost thirty years. He was born in 1922 in Roseville, Ohio to George and Hazel Weaver. As a young adult, he worked for the Ohio State Patrol as a radioman and at Wright-Patterson Field (Ohio) as a radio electrician for the Douglas B-18 Bolo.

Around 1940, Weaver joined the U.S. Merchant Marine as a radio operator. He soon after transferred to the U.S. Navy and received training at Naval Station Great Lakes (Illinois). Assignments from his service include serving aboard the USS Lexington (CV-16) as a radioman and plane captain and serving in a squadron support unit at Sand Point Naval Air Station and Naval Auxiliary Air Station Quillayute (Washington). He remained in the Navy Reserve after the end of World War II and later served as an ECM radarman aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-10).

After World War II, Weaver attended college under the GI Bill and received his certification as an A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) mechanic. In 1951, he was hired by the Boeing Company. Over the course of his career, he maintained, modified, and repaired a variety of Boeing aircraft, including the 367-80, 737, and 747. He retired from the company in 1980.

Outside of his professional work with Boeing, Weaver was also heavily involved in other aspects of the Pacific Northwest aviation scene. He built and flew homebuilt aircraft, participated in seaplane operations on Lake Union, and contributed to restoration efforts of vintage aircraft. He also was involved with the Pacific Northwest Aviation Historical Foundation (PNAHF), the predecessor of The Museum of Flight.

As of 2019, Weaver is an active Museum volunteer, participating in the Living History program.

Biographical information derived from interview and additional information provided by interviewee.Table of ContentsIntroduction and involvement with the Pacific Northwest Aviation Historical Foundation -- Aircraft restoration work, part one -- Fly-in fundraiser for the Museum -- Aircraft restoration work, part two -- The Museum’s Boeing 80A-1 -- Aircraft mechanic experiences and local aviation stories -- Remembering Pete Bowers, other aviation enthusiasts, and early PNAHF days -- Stories about local airports -- Closing thoughtsCreation Date2019-05-24SubjectAirplanes--Conservation and restorationAviation mechanics (Persons)Boeing CompanyBoeing Company--EmployeesBoeing Model 80A-1Bowers (Peter M.) Fly BabyExperimental Aircraft AssociationGeneral Motors (Eastern) FM-2 WildcatMuseum of Flight (Seattle, Wash.)Pacific Northwest Aviation Historical FoundationUnited States. NavyWeaver, Paul L., 1922-PlaceWashington (State)United StatesExtent1 recording (1 hr., 47 min., 40 sec.) : digitalLanguageEnglishOriginal Formatoral histories (literary works)born digitalBibliographic CitationThe Museum of Flight Oral History Collection/The Museum of FlightRightsIn copyrightTranscriptionPaul Weaver oral history interview (Part 2 of 2)

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Paul Weaver oral history interview (Part 2 of 2)