Dr. W. Royce Hodges, II, was a prominent Cumberland physician and a designated Federal Aviation Administration Medical Examiner who learned to fly following World War II. His flight instruction was provided by George Ruhl in an Ercoupe aircraft purchased from W. Donald Smith. Dr. Hodges was among those enthusiastic individuals who supported local aviation for many years by his influence and tireless efforts.
In the late 1940’s Dr. Hodges purchased a new Ryan Navion for his personal use. Later, in the 1950’s he owned a Cessna Skylane and followed that with a sophisticated Beechcraft Bonanza. He used his aircraft to travel to medical conferences and meetings as a member of the Flying Physicians Association and also to his various musical activities. A member of the Cumberland Airport Commission during that period, Dr. Hodges also maintained a close personal friendship with Air Force Major General Joseph D. ‘Smokey’ Caldara.
When the ‘Algonquin Soarers’ soaring group was in need of financial assistance in 1961 to purchase a training glider, Dr. Hodges and W. Donald Smith jointly contributed the needed funding to help with the purchase. It is believed that, after this generous act and as honorary ‘Alqonquin Soarer’ members, neither of the benevolent individuals actively participated in the club and had but one or two flights in the new craft.
Upon his retirement from flying, Dr. Hodges sold his cherished Beechcraft Bonanza to his friend and medical colleague, Dr. Leland Ransom. Dr. Ransom, who learned to fly late in life, was active in the local Civil Air Patrol and, as a modern sailplane owner and soaring pilot, was intimately involved with the Cumberland Soaring Group.
Dr. Royce Hodges, well known Cumberland physician, in front of his Ryan Navion.
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Wings Over Cumberland 