S. L. "Lew" Wallick Jr.
S. L. "Lew" Wallick Jr.
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S. Wallick Obituary
S. L. "Lew" Wallick, Jr.
Aviator, Boeing Test Pilot
On August 19, 2009, Lew Wallick passed on, embarking on his final and most adventurous test flight. He was 85.
Lew's passion for flying started as a kid, watching barnstormers fly over his family's Kansas farm. When he was 12, Lew's father bought him a ride in a two-seater open-cockpit biplane; during the flight, Lew stood up in his seat to get a better view.A test pilot was born.
Lew became a Naval Aviation Cadet at age 18, and soloed in a Taylorcraft on October 15, 1943. Lew eventually chose carrier-based operations training, graduating in January 1945. Commissioned as a Naval Aviator and fighter pilot, he was assigned to fly F4U Corsairs. Lew made his first carrier landing on the USS Guadalcanal the week after his 21st birthday. After sticking that first carrier landing, he stepped out of the cockpit onto the deck of a ship for the first time.
After WWII, Lew used the GI Bill to obtain a degree in mechanical engineering from Kansas State University. His first job was with Beech Aircraft in Wichita as an engineer and experimental flight test pilot. Two years later, in 1951, he went to work for Boeing, where he remained until he retired in 1986 as Chief Test Pilot and Director of Flight Test.
In 1953 Boeing sent Lew to the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in California. He became involved with the 367-80 (Dash-80), the 707 prototype. Tex Johnston checked him out as pilot on the Dash-80 in September 1956.
In July 1960 Lew was named project pilot for the 727. He was involved in the design of the cockpit, controls, and auto pilot. On February 9, 1963, Lew piloted the 727 first flight, with Dix Loesch asco-pilot and M. K. Shulenberger as flight engineer. Lew also participated in first flights on the XB-47D, 707-320, 720, 737, 747SP, 757 and 767, as well as many derivatives of those models.
While Lew worked on the design and testing of several Boeing models, the 727 was his baby. Lew made 1,845 flights in the 727 family of airplanes, logging over 3,200 flight hours. Lew was proud of his involvement with the 727 and continued to fly them until FAA rules required that he quit at age 60.
During his amazing career as a test pilot with Boeing, Lew flew military and commercial airplanes: B-47, B-52, KC-135, 707, 720, 727, 737, 747SP, 757, 767. His younger brother Jesse Wallick, also a Boeing test pilot (retired), was often on board, making it a family affair.
Flying was not just Lew's job; it was his personal passion. Lew helped restore a 1929 Boeing P-12 open cockpit biplane, co-owned with Robert Mucklestone. After flying in air shows several years, it is now proudly on display in the Museum of Flight. Lew co-owned several small planes, including a Grumman Widgeon. After retiring, Lew rewarded himself with an amphibious Cessna 185 which he used to take family and friends fishing on remote Canadian lakes.
In 1983 Lew was honored with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics' Chanute Flight Award, a prestigious award (also given to Howard Hughes and Neil Armstrong) that recognizes an "outstanding contribution made by a pilot or test personnel to the advancement of the art, science, and technology of aeronautics." In 1999 Lew was inducted into the Museum of Flight Pathfinder Hall of Fame.
Test flying involves pushing the envelope to find out how the airplane behaves when it is flying beyond its design limits. Such work requires intelligence, guts, a passion for calculated risks, calm in a crisis, and a sense of adventure. Over his 43-year career as an aviator, Lew epitomized those characteristics, often bringing a plane back from the brink of disaster with his remarkable flying-by-the-seat-of-his-pants skill. He is also remembered for his compassion, humility, and sense of humor.
Lew is survived by his wife, Sara; his children Sam (wife Sue), Rick (wife Terri), Tim, and Becky; his brothers John and Jesse and sister Eva; six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; all cherished by him.
A celebration of Lew's life and career will be held at the Museum of Flight (date to be announced). Remembrances may be made to the Museum of Flight.
Sign Lew's on-line Guest Book at www.Legacy.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jerry Swain
September 22, 2009
Fly on Lew!
September 17, 2009
Lew was the best boss and a great friend. I have many memories close
to my heart. I will miss him. My condolences to Sara and the Wallick family.
PJ Condit
September 17, 2009
Lew was the best boss and great friend.
I hold all the memories next to my heart.
My condolences to Sara and all the Wallick's.
Fondly,
PJ Condit
Al Hallonquist
September 11, 2009
Lew - a true pioneer and great stick. Always kind to me and I shall never forget. Fly high my friend.
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Suzanna Darcy
September 8, 2009
Sara and family,
Was saddened to hear of Lew's passing. He was such a gentleman and pilot. Am so greatful he saw an "airplane junkie" in me and not only changed my career, but my life, when he hired me. Plus he had a great sense of humor!
Bob Bogash
September 7, 2009
Besides being around Lew professionally for decades, we remained friends after our retirements. Of course, with his track record in aviation, I was in constant awe of being with such an icon.
One event in particular sticks out in my mind. For six years, I maintained the 737 Prototype airplane at Moses Lake. I was always in need of a helper, and one day, Lew drove over with me. After a few hours getting the airplane serviced, I used to take her out for a high speed down the runway. Sometimes, we got "quite fast..."
Of course, when we climbed in, to reward ourselves for the long drive and the hard work, I offered the Left Seat to Lew. He declined. I insisted. He was stubborn. "No", he said, "You're the Captain today."
Well, of course, that was both an honor - and a challenge. The honor of having Lew as "my Co-Pilot", (Imagine!!!) and the challenge of doing a good job - with this, the airplane he had flown as Co-Pilot on for its First Flight.
Well, we taxied out there and got the old girl really humming down the runway. Just a nudge on the yoke and we would have been flying lickity split.
We brought her back to the ramp - all in one piece - and buttoned her up for another month. I'd tried to be my most professional aviator self. But, we busied ourselves with our chores. On the ride back, Lew volunteered what a smooth and professional job I'd done.
Man, that is something not to be taken lightly, nor is it something I will ever forget.
R.I.P. My friend - so very proud to call you "friend"...
Bob Bogash
Hansville, Washington
John Cashman
August 31, 2009
I began working for Lew in 1974 after coming to flight test from Aero staff and I did so until his retirement. I have many "Lew" memories - flying as a flight engineer and co-pilot with him, my first jet landing, my touch down at Jackson Hole in a 727 at 8 fps ( I knocked his headset off and he just laughed!), the flight of the last 727 built, and many hours in the office hangar flying and hearing the laughter.
As many have described, he was a pilot of extraordinary ability and was certainly a pioneer in developing safe and thorough jet transport flight test methods. To me, however, one of his strongest attributes was as a manager of a very diverse group of crew members and engineers - personalties, backgrounds, interests, and abilities covering the entire human experience were dealt with respect and encouragement. His personal judgment of an individual's capabilities was often used to give people a chance or opportunity that they might not be otherwise qualified for. He was seldom wrong in that regard. As a mentor to the subsequent generations of test pilots he was without equal and leaves a surviving legacy that set the standard of what it means to be a test pilot in the Boeing company.
My most sincere condolences to the entire Wallick family.
Sherry Cline
August 30, 2009
My family has always thought a lot of
Lew and were proud to be called his cousins. He will always remain one of
our heroes.
August 29, 2009
As a young kid hiring into Boeing Flight Test in 1961 Lew quickly became a hero to me. I flew with him on the 727, and later when I was in aerodynamics staff we worked on sensitive customer issues. One of my first flight test jobs was to serve coffee and sandwiches to the pilots. Once, in a hurry to "serve up" I mistakenly put salt rather than suggar in Lew's Coffee. He just laughed and asked for another, this time with sugar. Lew was a kind, and sensitive gentleman. He set the standard for professional conduct.
Jack Shannon
Terri Wallick
August 28, 2009
I will always remember Lew as a true gentleman, a loving father in law and a fantastic granddad who took great interest in our boys. He always knew just the kind of things they'd enjoy. He bought them their first pocket knives! Lew's most important legacy was his children, who reflect so many of his fine qualities...integrity, honesty, intelligence and heart. And not to forget.. the love of a good laugh! We'll sure miss him.
Jon Whitworth
August 26, 2009
I had the privilege of working with and for Lew for many years and flew on many flights with him. He was a superb pilot and a great leader(not a manager, but a leader}, but above all he was a gentleman. He treated everybody with respect. The world will miss him. My condolences to Sara and the family.
Scott Linn
August 26, 2009
It was a pleasure and a privilege to have worked with Lew Wallick in Boeing Flight Test. He was a consummate aviator and test pilot, but he also had a gift for leadership I once thought common but have come to realize is very, very rare.
Once while ferrying people from Seattle to Palmdale, California for remote-base testing in the Company 727, E209, Lew and Jesse Wallick were up front. They were making several flights that day and were having a friendly competition to see who could land smoothest. Lew was flying on my ride to Palmdale, and the landing was a complete greaser. You couldn't tell where the sky ended and the ground began. He did that a lot.
My sincere sympathies to the Wallick family and to his many good friends.
Blue skies and fair winds, Lew.
TC Howard
August 25, 2009
Our condolences to the Wallick family from the Museum of Flight Restoration Crew that is restoring the first 727 built up at Paine Field. Lew flew this airplane on its first flight from Renton Field.
Bud Granley
August 25, 2009
Dear Mrs Wallick and family: It was my honor to have Lew sponsor me in QB's. His flying career was a great enjoyment to him. I enjoyed listening to his test flying stories, and spending time with him at the meetings. God Speed to him and blessings to your family.
Ward H Zimmerman
August 25, 2009
My condolences to the Wallick family; I came to know Lew when I presented my "wild idea" to apply all-electronic propulsion control to commercial airplanes. Lew is the only Flight Test pilot who, without experiencing its operation first, recognized the potential value of this system as an aid to the pilots, just based on my description of the concept and its characteristics. He even tried, to no avail, to convince his fellow test pilots at the time.
Some 13 years later when the Pratt-powered 757 was certificated (Delta Airlines October 1985) with this system on it, Lew confided to me that he always thought this (EPCS) was of great benefit for pilots.
I regret that, to my knowledge, Lew never had the opportunity to fly the EPCS-equipped 757 before age forced his retirement.
I consider Lew to be one of my most respected and valued "angels".
Frank Santoni
August 25, 2009
How can I ever forget Lew who hired me as a pilot with Boeing in 1980. He not only gave me the great opportunity to pursue a flight test career but he was also the Captain on my first landing at Boeing in a 727. Lew was one of the best pilots I ever flew with and one of nicest people I have ever met.
My best wishes to the Wallick Family.
Thomas Edwards
August 25, 2009
Dear Sara,
Donna and I lost touch with you and Lew when we left Gig Harbor to pursue a flying career. We are so sorry to see this news and send our thoughts and condolences at this time of your loss. Lew was such a great guy. We wish you peace.
Tom Edwards, DDS
Ferndale, WA
Becky Burns
August 25, 2009
Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of loss. May God give you the comfort you need.
Kelly Beckwith Verduin
August 25, 2009
I will never forget Lew flying Becky and me (at about age 13) on the Widgeon up to a couple remote lakes in Canada - and catching fish like crazy - what a thrill.
My sincerest condolences to the Wallick Family.
Robert Blankenship
August 24, 2009
August 24 2009
It was a privilege to have worked on the flight line and serviced and prefighted many of the aircraft for his flights. You have my sympathies and know the memories of him and his achivements will not soon be forgotten.
Larry Heckman
August 24, 2009
The Heckmans, Larry, Lora and Anita express our sorrow at Lew's passing.
Mom and I enjoyed seeing Lew in Kansas
at a recent family reunion(enjoyed the DVD of the Chanute award with flying tales). Encouraged Lew to have Becky write a book about his flight exploits.
August 24, 2009
Rick, Terri, Sam & Becky,
My condolences to each of you. Rick was my roommate and friend throughout college and had the opportunity to meet Sam and Becky many times as well. I remember a time or two that Rick's father would fly to Ellensburg and take us out to lunch and for a leisurely flight around the area. I also visited their home on occasion. Lew was always very gracious and generous.
Take care,
Pat Geiger
Melinda Koethe
August 24, 2009
Lew was a wonderful boss and a great friend. I have a scrapebook full of pictures and a heart full of memories. I shall miss him.
My condolences to the family.
John Spady
August 23, 2009
A message for Tim and Becky (who I knew from next door growing up on Lake Sammamish)... My condolences to you both, and your entire family, on the passing of your father.
Flip Wingrove
August 23, 2009
Some of the best times of my 27 years at Boeing Commercial Flight Test were spent flying with Lew. This year, that organization has completed 50 years of intensive flight operations without a fatal crash. As chief test pilot and director of flight test for a good number of those years, Lew has been directly responsible for a culture of flight safety that lives on. He lived the good life.
Norman Mosier
August 23, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I worked on airplanes Lew flew from 1966 to the time he retired in 1986. I also worked with his son, Rick until 1995 when I retired. A flight to Minneapolis on a 727 demostration flight for North West Airlines was a memorable experience with Lew.
Al Luberts
August 23, 2009
I did not know "Lew" Wallick Jr., but I used to know a Tim Wallick, and we used to set pins at Renton Bowling and Recreation. Tim, I'm sorry for your loss. If you would like to contact me, my email address is [email protected]
Al Luberts
Larry R. O'Leary
August 23, 2009
I enjoyed working with you,Lew, on many different planes over the years at Boeing. You will be missed and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Larry R O'Leary,
Air Worthiness
August 23, 2009
The Armstrongs, John and Eris, wish to send our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Wallick family. Lew was a great friend, great to work for and with and a great teacher. I learned more about flying just sitting behind and with Lew in a lot of different airplanes. It was an all time honor to know Lew Wallick. Knowing Lew, he is still fling somewhere.
John Armstrong
Pat Duvall
August 23, 2009
I remember Lew and his brother Jesse from my days as a flight test engineer at Boeing (1965-1972). I had the opportunity to fly with Lew on numerous test flights in 727 airplanes and his brother Jesse on the 747 "B" model certification program. Lew was always the perfect gentleman, a pleasure to work alongside and an excellent engineering test pilot. I always thought that in addition to his piloting skills, Lew was one of Boeings most accomplished airplane salesman with his sense of humor and outgoing personality.
I sincerely offer my condolences to his family.
Pat Duvall
Bill Critch
August 23, 2009
May flights of angels guide thee to thy rest.
Richard Gilliam
August 23, 2009
The Gilliam family wishes to extend our condolances to the Wallick family. My father, Stanley O. Gilliam ( wife Eunice ) preceeded Lew in passing but shared many of the test flights at Boeing on the 707, 727 and 747 aircraft. I had the honor to launch, recover and maintain several of the aircraft that Lew flew out of North Boeing Field. Together, they set many aviation records. Go with God, may he rest in peace.
Richard L. Gilliam
August 23, 2009
"Spread your wings" Lew".....Will see you in a while~
John Hendrix
FCT/Flt Engr(Rtd)
Scott Wallick
August 23, 2009
I'm very sorry to hear about Lew's passing. I got to know Lew in the early 1980s when I was doing research into my Wallick family history. He and his brother Jesse had and old family bible that had their Wallick ancestors listed back to a Samuel Wallick born in 1799. I was eventually able to find the direct link between our Wallick families so we truly are distant cousins. Lew showed his appreciation by giving my family a fly-over tour in his private plane of Mt. St. Helens one year after it erupted. Now when I think of Mt. St. Helens, I think of Lew - I was glad to have known him.
August 23, 2009
Lew always encouraged others to persevere to reach their goals. Lew especially believed in improving flight safety.
He was the first Boeing pilot to test the Ground Proximity Warning System (1973). He selected Tiger Mountain to fly at and made meaningful suggestions to improve pilot acceptance.
I will always admire Lew. He was one of Boeing's finest and a true leader in aviation safety.
My condolences to Sara and his family,
Don Bateman
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