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posted 04-08-2010 09:13 PM               

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According to the Washington Post, Fred Ascani a retired Air Force major general and test pilot who set an airspeed record and helped develop a long range bomber died March 28 at his home in Alexandria, Va. As a memorial to Fred Ascani, here is a scan of two autographed postcards he sent to those who requested his autograph. He was very receptive to autograph requests.

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John Macco
Space Unit #1457

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posted 04-09-2010 09:29 AM               

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It's been a sad year for test pilots. Gen. Fred's daughter Clare and I co-nominated him to the National Aviation Hall of Fame with no success. Frustrating watching some get in, and not him.

Derek Horne also managed to get him into the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, which had also been overlooked for many years.

One need to wonder why as he is considered the "Father of Modern Test Flight Engineering" and was there for everything in the Golden Age.

Thanks for sharing those postcards John. I had made them up at his request to send out.

Unfortunately people have taken advantage of his kindness (not you) and have sold them. He was always hurt when he saw that and would Instant Message me late at night with the eBay link.

So I would ask that no one enable the sellers by purchasing them.

RIP Gen. Fred. A good man gone, without the recognition he deserved.

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posted 04-09-2010 10:35 AM               

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Al and others, I vow not to deal with these vultures EVER even if it were for an autograph that I would dearly want. You can see who the sellers are.

Garry

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From: Cinci, OH
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posted 04-09-2010 10:37 AM               

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Godpseed to one of our luminaries from Wright Field. He was one the principal fathers of systems engineering in the Air Force, the foundations of which transitioned from the military to NASA for the Apollo program. He was also in charge of the XB-70 program for a while.

There is an oral history online with Gen Ascani for those interested.

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posted 04-10-2010 01:40 PM               

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Al, I echo your sentiments about a good man gone without the recognition he deserved. The powers that be within the NAHF should feel ashamed at not honoring Fred whilst we was alive... I know it would have been one of the proudest days of his life if he had been enshrined at the NAHF.

I was very fortunate to have known Fred for over 11 years and during that time enjoyed a wonderful friendship with him. He was the most helpful, warm, considerate, friendly, enthusiastic and generous individual one could ever wish to encounter. His life story was recently published in a book titled "Mentor Inbound" by Sheryl Hutchison and those of you who knew him (and those that didn't) I urge you to read this wonderful book about one of the finest individuals to have donned the blue uniform of the USAF.

Fred's memorial service was held yesterday in Alexandria, VA. There will be an interment ceremony at Arlington National Cemetary on June 3rd (with full military honours) and I am hoping to be able to attend and say goodbye to my dear friend. Fred, I want to thank you for your wonderful friendship and all that you have done for me. I will never forget you..... Godspeed my friend!

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posted 04-12-2010 12:41 AM               

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In 2008 Fred Ascani autographed for me about a dozen photos of planes he tested (none of which are for sale). A scan of one of my favorites is posted here.

The story behind his bailout from the XB-42 is one of the more fascinating ones of test flight.

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posted 04-12-2010 07:58 PM               

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quote:

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Originally posted by dtemple:
The story behind his bailout from the XB-42 is one of the more fascinating ones of test flight.

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He tells that story in "Test Flying at Old Wright field", edited by Ken Chilstrom its a compendium of short stories by the Wright Pat boys, and it is a veritable "Who's Who" of early flight test.

Not to mention in his bio. Nearly killed a West Point buddy who wasn't a pilot.

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posted 04-17-2010 02:12 PM               

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Fred Ascani was kind and generous man...and will be greatly missed. However, any sadness about his passing is somewhat tempered by the knowledge that he led a long and fascinating life. If only we were all so lucky!

My condolences not only go to his family, but to Derek Horne as well...who was one of Ascani's true friends.