Author
|
Topic: Signing experience: Bill Dana (X-15 pilot)
|
geoffpollard Member Posts: 27 From: Portsmouth, Hampshire, England Registered: Jun 2002
|
posted 05-27-2003 10:03 AM
I have an X-15 photo I would like signed by pilot Bill Dana, but wonder if he charges? |
Russ Still Member Posts: 535 From: Atlanta, GA USA Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 05-27-2003 11:42 AM
Dana has always been a very accomodating (and free) signer. A true friend to collectors. You could probably still reach him thru Dryden. |
albatron Member Posts: 2732 From: Stuart, Florida Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 05-27-2003 04:46 PM
Alhought retired, Dana is still at DFRC almost daily doing some research and working on several papers and books. Some classified as yet. He is arguably one of the greatest friends to autograph collectors and one of the finest gentlemen I have ever met. While at DFRC I saw this man and woman (married) at the X-15 on the stand by Public Affairs. The man was, of course, an "expert" on the X-15 and of course told his wife all sorts of baloney with about a 35% accuracy rate. Very pompous. Well, he asks this man in khaki pants and a plaid shirt to please take their picture. This man has to set his take out orders from the commissary down (actually my son and I held them), and proceeds to take a couple of different poses of them by the aircraft. He then proceeds to lecture this nice man about the X-15 to which this gentleman, Bill Dana, thanks him for it, thanks us and says hello (we had met him prior) and walks off. By now of course, my son and I are cracking up and point out to the guy that this man knew quite a bit about it himself, as he was the last man to fly the X-15. Priceless. |
COR482932 Member Posts: 212 From: Cork, Ireland Registered: Mar 2012
|
posted 02-12-2013 09:10 AM
Today I received my photos back unsigned from X-15 pilot Bill Dana, but inside, there was a short note, which read: Due to illness, Bill Dana is unable to sign your materials. Thank you for your interest. I hoped he could improve enough to sign your pictures, but I am accepting the idea he is no longer well enough. I'm sorry I waited so long to answer. I will read your kind letter to him. - Judi Dana I am just letting you all know that Bill Dana is no longer signing due to illness. |
Steve Zarelli Member Posts: 731 From: Upstate New York, USA Registered: Mar 2001
|
posted 02-12-2013 09:34 AM
Very sad and sobering. Bill Dana will be in my prayers. A true hero and gentleman. |
Jurg Bolli Member Posts: 977 From: Albuquerque, NM Registered: Nov 2000
|
posted 02-12-2013 11:07 AM
Very sad. He sent me a signed photo a few years ago and was extremely nice. |
machbusterman Member Posts: 1778 From: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland Registered: May 2004
|
posted 02-17-2013 02:25 AM
Such a thoroughly nice man... I had the pleasure of meeting him at the GOE in Lancaster, CA in October 2003. He was always such a gracious signer and friendly towards collectors/enthusiasts. I'm really saddened to learn of the worsening of his illness. |