About The Millen news. (Millen, Jenkins County, Ga.) 1903-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 25, 2024)
themillennews.com The Millen News Wednesday, December 11,2024 - Page 9 Leonard Ray celebrates a heritage of aviation DEBORAH BENNETT Millen News Editor Christmas came early for Leonard Ray! On October 15th he achieved a long-time dream and soared off the runway at the Jenkins County Airport for the first test flight of the experimental aircraft he built. The project was two years in the making. And, Leonard, a first-time builder, admits, “It’s quicker if you know what you’re doing!” But he had a big dream and he has aviation in his blood. Leonard earned his pilot’s license at the age of 17 while still in high school. And, he previously owned a J3 Piper Cub, a 1946 Classic warplane that his grandfather, Edward F. Mitchell, loaned him the money to buy. So, he is by no means a novice when comes to soaring into the wild blue yonder! “My dad, Judson E. Ray, always told me that the Lord gives us a dream and the vi sion to do it. He became a pilot at the age of 15, entered the Marine Corps, and worked on Corsairs at the age of 20, getting his A and P License at Embry Riddle Mechanic School after the Korean War. He then had a career with East ern Airlines until he retired,” Leonard said. “Virgil Gaston Ray, my dad’s cousin, was a pilot in the VMF 214 Black Sheep Squadron and was MIA in the Pacific Theater, WWII. I built this plane in memory and honor of them.” He purchased the kit from Just Air Craft LLC in Wahala, S.C. in 2020, but due to the COVID pandemic, it was not delivered until 2022. Leon ard attributes his selection Leonard Ray is shown in the Highlander experimental airplane that he built from a kit, with numerous modifications. He re cently flew the plane from the Jenkins County Airport for the first time. of aircraft, a Highlander, to pilot Steve Henry, a dealer and participant in “Wild West air shows”, and his mentor. “He is the world champion in Stoll Competitions. That’s when you see who can take off and land in the shortest distance. He also competes in Stoll Drag. It’s kind of like drag racing but in planes,” Leonard said. In order to build the airplane, he first needed a garage to build it in. Again, Leonard had a vision. He wanted a Quonset Hut which has a metal outside. But he wanted wooden walls inside. So, he bought a sawmill and what happened next still amazes him. “People just started bringing their trees and lumber to me. I didn’t have to buy any wood to build the garage,” Leonard said. Once the garage was built and the kit delivered, Leonard began thinking about modifica tions and upgrades he wanted to make as he assembled the airplane. “I just wanted to build the best airplane occ I could for the money,” RAY he explained. “I bought 12 DURDEN May God bless your home with Peace, Joy, Hope and Love during the holidays. Thank you for the privilege of serving you all year long. From left, Kirk Rocker, Kim Lane, Skylyn Joyner, and Jessica Suggs. Not Pictured: Will Gay 111 N. Railroad Ave., Twin City 478-763-2121 318 S. Main St., Swainsboro - 478-237-2121 900 S. Lewis St., Metter - 912-685-2265 815 Highway 25 North. Millen - 478-249-1221 Towing Service yrs. ol Hwy. 56 North [706-554-9821^01^706-871-7621 142 South Liberty Street Waynesboro ■ ® T 1 a _ Jk * i> m II BEST OFFIfl SOLUTIONS 706-437-9771 877-533-BEST (2378) www.bestofficesolutions.com
