Charles Alfred “Al” McDaniel,
Jr., SETP Fellow and
Charter Member, made his last flight on 16 January 2013.
Charles McDaniel (right) with Ralph Donnell, Phoenix missile testing on F111B
Planes were his passion from a very young
age. Also a gifted artist and draftsman, he studied architecture at Santa
Monica Junior College and USC for 2 years before entering the Army Air Corps in
1942, followed by a rare opportunity to enter Test Pilot Training at Wright
Field, Ohio.
Al began his testing career in 1943 as Assistant Chief
of Flight Test at San Bernardino Air Base and eventually test flew every type
of plane flown in WWII. A skilled aviator, he never left L.A. during the war, as his combined skills
of aviator, aviation mechanic and draftsman were invaluable in the reparation
of damaged aircraft, so he couldn’t be spared to go off and fight a
war. In fact, during that time he could walk home for lunch.
After the war he joined the California Air National
Guard, under revered commanding officer, General Clarence Schoop; “Shoopy,” as
Al called him. One day in 1949, Shoopy received a call from his good
friend, Howard Hughes. “Hey, Shoopy,” Howard boomed through the phone in
his twangy, demanding voice, “I need two good pilots over here, ya got
any?” Brief moment of silence, then Shoopy said, “I sure do, Howard.” “Well
send ‘em over; your recommendation is good enough for me!” Al and Bart
Warren (later killed in the Grumman F111B) were hired sight unseen.