The legacy of the late Pat Napolitano, the charismatic avionics salesman, pilot, and mechanic who flew a classic Beech D–17 Staggerwing when paying calls on clients for Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics, will be honored with a scholarship established in his name.
Napolitano died on May 25 when the Staggerwing called Queenie crashed near Santa Fe, New Mexico, on a flight from Wichita, Kansas, to his home in Fresno, California.
“Through this scholarship, Pat’s legacy will inspire a new generation of aviators,” the company said in a news release.
Napolitano, a fleet support representative, worked for Mid-Continent for more than 15 years, and had more than 4,500 hours of flight time, the company said.
“I am personally saddened to lose a close friend and colleague,” said Todd Winter, president of Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics. “Pat’s love for aviation was contagious. He was a passionate and caring person; an impressive pilot and technical expert. He helped make flying fun. We will miss him greatly and remember him every time we fly.”
The Pat Napolitano Memorial Scholarship for Aspiring Technicians will be available to all graduating seniors or current college students pursuing aviation technician certification. Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics has joined with the Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation to administer the scholarship program.
More information about the scholarship is available by contacting Julie Lowrance, director of communications, Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics.