In the middle 1950’s flight activity for the Kelly pilots was minimal so they initiated Allegany Aircraft Service, a Civil Aeronautics Administration certified aircraft repair facility. When not flying the Kelly Lodestar, Bill Holbrook, Earl Wilson, Sr., and Randy Hostetler repaired airplanes in the west end of the still existing Quonset hangar, now occupied by the Cumberland Soaring Group. Two young men who later made their highly respected mark in the field of aviation, Richard ‘Dick’ Roberts and Hugo Bartel were hired to aid in keeping the business flourishing.
Hugo Bartel on the left and Dick Roberts.
Dick Roberts had a adventurous career which involved such activities as flying his Aeronca Chief to Cuba (prior to the Castro regime) as a teenager and flying a four-engine laboratory equipped airliner around the world to check the electronic tracking stations for NASA’s space program, and doing so many times. Among other items in Roberts’ illustrious career was as a crop duster for agricultural crops requirements, flying sailplanes, a certified FAA aircraft inspector, and flying bush aircraft in Alaska. With his varied experience and aircraft knowledge, Roberts was a highly respected aviator and was well known in the national aviation community. He held an unbelievable number of heavy aircraft type ratings including the Boeing 747. He was appointed a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector and when he said, “I am here to help you”, he sincerely meant it. Tragically, Dick lost his life while air racing his Formula I Cassut Racer at the Reno Air Races in 1999. Dick was well known and highly respected locally even though most aviators have a guarded view of anyone associated with the FAA. The flying community lost a great friend.
Hugo Bartel brought many new ideas involving new and novel mechanical techniques to Allegany Aircraft Service. He is a master craftsman who possesses a profound understanding of engineering demands and has a vast knowledge of metals. Hugo’s reputation is well known and respected in the field of vintage aircraft restorations, with Kinner engines his specialty. Bartel holds the STC for various Fleet Aircraft. In the past he has flown for both the airlines and corporate flight operations and holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate in addition to his aircraft inspector’s certificate. Hugo and his wife and their son, Chris, base their operation at their Cove Valley Airport north of Altoona, Pennsylvania.
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Wings Over Cumberland 