Text and Photo by Bruce Estes

Dave Magaw started flying in 1999. He had been building radio controlled models and wanted a bigger challenge, so he purchased a Whitman Tailwind project. Dave figured (correctly) that if he could build models, he could build a full size airplane. He then decided it would be a good idea if he got his pilot’s license.

Since then, Dave has completed the Tailwind, which he flew for about 350 hours and then sold. Then, he completely rebuilt a Thorp T-18 project which he flew for a while and sold, He also rebuilt a Pitts S-1C single seat biplane (which included rebuilding the engine), rebuilt parts of a two place Pitts that he recently sold, and is currently building a RV4. In addition, Dave owns a 1958 Cessna 172 that had been converted to a tail dragger. It too is currently getting some upgrades. Dave currently owns the Cessna, the Pitts S-1C, a Christian Eagle project that resides in his hangar
and the RV4 project. He flew his Cessna 172 to Oshkosh twice, and has traveled to many other spots in the U.S. also.

Dave has so far logged a little over 1,700 hours of flight time, of which about 2/3 is in tail wheel aircraft. On many weekends, Dave can be seen at Byron Airport where he tows gliders for the local glider club. He has been towing gliders for about six years and has about 850 tows. Dave (and the other tow pilots for the NCSA club) does not charge for piloting of the tow plane. Dave explained that gliders introduce a lot of young people to aviation, and he feels strongly that not charging for his piloting services is a way that Dave can contribute to exposing more people to aviation. Plus, Dave really enjoys watching these new glider pilots learn the excitement of flying.

Dave graduated from University of Nevada in Reno with an degree in electrical engineering, then went to law school and got his law degree. While working for the government and a couple of companies, Dave and some friends started restoring a steam locomotive. Yes, a full size, real locomotive. This was another hobby of Dave’s. He and his friends then got the bright idea of starting a railroad company, forming the Yolo Shortline Railroad in 1989. The company was in operation by 1991. In 2003 the Yolo Shortline merged with the Sierra Railroad Co., another short line railroad, and it is now known as Sierra Northern Railway. Dave retired 2 years ago after hiring his replacement, but is still on the Board of Directors and serves as Corporate Treasurer.

Dave obviously stays very busy. Earlier this year he spent three months in Europe, where he was able to fly with some friends. On the day that I interviewed Dave for this article, Dave had ridden his bicycle 63 miles in the morning. Dave has a large hangar two rows East of Tony K’s hangar. Stop by and chat with Dave. You will enjoy it.