[Audio recording of William P. Lear discussing his life story (Part 3 of 3)]

Details

Identifier2000-06-20_AV_035SourceThe William P. and Moya Olsen Lear Papers (2000-06-20), Audiovisual MaterialsCreatorLear, William P. (William Powell), 1902-1978Lear, Moya Olsen, 1915-2001DescriptionAudio recording of William P. Lear discussing his life story, Geneva, Switzerland, circa 1960s. Part 3 of 3.

Handwritten label on reel: "Tape 3 and 4 - 7-62. Digital preservation 7-27-99. Bio 30-40s. AIFF-Format. WPL audio."

Inscription on back of box: "'Re-housed.' [several crossed out notes]."AbstractThese audio recordings contain a three-part oral history of William P. Lear, recorded at the Lear home in Geneva, Switzerland, circa 1960s. In Part Three, Lear continues to discuss his engineering career, focusing predominantly on his time in New York during the 1930s. He also briefly describes a manufacturing contract during World War II. Topics covered include Lear’s work in developing radio equipment and direction finders; his business deals with RCA, the U.S. military, and others; and his rivalry with the Bendix Company. He also touches on details in his personal life, such as his marriages and courtships, his memories of Irving Johnson, and a story about a crash landing in a Georgia swamp.

Lear’s wife, Moya, is present during the recording and occasionally interjects with clarifying remarks or additional questions. Other speakers are also sometimes heard in the background, including at least one of the Lear children.Creation Datecirca 1960sSubjectLear, William P. (William Powell), 1902-1978Lear, Moya Olsen, 1915-2001EngineersRadio direction findersRadioBendix CorporationAir pilotsAircraft accidentsPlaceGeneva (Switzerland)SwitzerlandNew York (N.Y.)New York (State)United StatesGeorgiaExtent1 sound reel (2 hr., 24 min., 26 sec.) : analog ; 1/4 inOriginal Formatoral histories (literary works)open reel audiotapesBibliographic CitationThe William P. and Moya Olsen Lear Papers/The Museum of FlightRightsIn copyright

Depicts or Relates to

CollectionWilliam P. and Moya Olsen Lear PapersCollection AreaArchivesPersonBill Lear

DIGITAL COLLECTIONS

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[Audio recording of William P. Lear discussing his life story (Part 3 of 3)]