John W. Vasey, Jr.

Montana native John Vasey began flying in 1927 in Minnesota. He taught aerobatics to Army Air Corps cadets at the Tex Rankin Aviation School in California. After World War I he perfected his own aerobatic techniques, using a big Stearman biplane. He built several air show airplanes, including the T-Craft flown by Duane Cole.

In 1947 Vasey co-founded Austin Aero Service, which teaches GI Bill flight training. He has now retired from active flying but flies radio-controlled aircraft as a hobby.