CAF Co-Founder, Former Chief Check Pilot Was 87

Aero-News has received word of the passing of a legendary aviator and Reno air racer. Lefty Gardner, whose P-38 "White Lightnin" was a staple at Reno as well as at air shows throughout the country, passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 87.

According to his obituary in the Kerrville (TX) Daily Times, Gardner began flying in the Army Air Corps at the age of 21, flying B-17s and B-24s on a combined 34 bombing missions over Europe during World War II. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters for those efforts... and when his tour was over, Gardner returned to action flying nighttime relief operations in support of POWs and the underground movement Sweden.

Following the war, Gardner earned a degree in agriculture from Texas A&M, and with his brother started an Ag flying business in Crystal City. With a friend, he developed a method of controlling mesquite and other brush weeds common in West Texas.

Gardner retired from his business after 35 years... which gave him more time to pursue his true calling in aviation, and in particular aerial racing. Already widely recognized for his stunning 1976 Unlimited Gold Race victory at Reno, at the controls of his P-51 Mustang "Thunderbird," Gardner honed his flying skill at the controls of "White Lightnin"... racing the modified P-38 at Reno for over 25 years.

Lefty was also one of the founding members of the Confederate (now Commemorative) Air Force, which grew from a ragtag group of surplus warbirds into one of the leading aircraft preservationist groups in the world. Gardner served as the first procurement officer for CAF, as well as Chief Check Pilot.

"Lefty had many passions in life — his faith in God, his family and flying," reads his obituary. "He was the happiest when surrounded by his family and friends. There was never a dull moment with him as he created fun and laughter with his mischief and practical jokes. Lefty's patriotism was obvious in all that he did. He was a loving husband, father and friend. We will miss him forever."

Though we lament Lefty's passing, perhaps we may also rejoice in knowing the aircraft most commonly associated with the man will live on for years to come... and frankly, despite some monumental odds.

As ANN reported in June, P-38 November-Two-Five-Yankee took to the skies once again this year. Four years after the aircraft was damaged in a forced landing, in 2005 the Gardner family sold "White Lightnin" to energy drink manufacturer Red Bull, and the plane was transported to Ezell Aviation for an extensive restoration.

Technicians at the Breckenridge, TX facility completely rehabilitated the aircraft, keeping the racing modifications that gave the P-38 engine cowlings a distinctive look. The plane was narrowly spared extensive damage when a tornado struck several hangars at Stephens County Airport (BKD) this past April.

FMI: www.ezellaviation.com, www.p38whitelightnin.com, www.flyingbulls.at