Okay, here’s a breakdown of Mike Magnell’s life, as detailed in the provided text, organized into key areas.This is essentially a biographical summary.
I. Early Life & Career Beginnings (1946-1973)
* Birth & Background: Born in 1946. (Implied by age 26 in 1972)
* First Flight in Alaska (1972): At age 26, Mike began his commercial flying career in Alaska, flying a Helio courier between villages and to Nome. This marked a pivotal moment in his life.
* Meeting Iris (1972): While in Nome, he met his future wife, Iris Foster, at the NC Store. Their initial encounter was a bit shy, but thay reconnected at a hangar gathering hosted by Iris’ brother, Richard.
* Marriage & Early Family Life (1973): Mike and Iris married six months after reconnecting and settled in Fairbanks, Alaska in 1973.
* Pacific Alaska Airlines: Mike flew fire patrol for Pacific Alaska Airlines in an Aero Commander.
II. Western airlines & Building a Life (1973 – late 1980s/early 1990s)
* Career Advancement: He secured a position with Western Airlines in California, a significant step in his career.
* Home & Family: Mike and Iris built a life in Laguna Hills, california, including raising a dog named Bandit who enjoyed “co-piloting.”
* Travel & Leisure: They enjoyed numerous trips, including visits to Graceland, the Greenbriar bunker, England (to see a nephew), Mexico, and frequent flights to Catalina island in Mike’s own airplane.
III. Continued Flying & Entrepreneurship (1990s – 2000s/2010s)
* alaska Connection: Mike continued to return to Alaska, flying for foster Aviation (owned by Iris’ family) and visiting the Foster gold mine at Hannum Creek.He cherished the memories of his time there, especially the home-baked goods from Iris’ mother, Jane.
* Delta Airlines: Western Airlines was acquired by Delta, and Mike rose to the rank of Captain.
* “Transoceanic Aircraft Ferry”: Rather than fully retiring, Mike started his own business ferrying airplanes internationally.He flew over 200 aircraft to diverse locations like Senegal, Brazil, Namibia, Afghanistan, New Caledonia, and Christmas Island.
* Risky Missions: He flew jets for Kam Air out of Kabul, Afghanistan, requiring steep, corkscrew descents into Baghdad, Iraq, to avoid potential attacks.
IV. Passion for Aviation & Recognition (Late Career)
* Favorite Aircraft: He loved flying Cessna 180s and 185s.
* Helio Courier Reunion: He reacquired the Helio Courier he originally flew in Alaska, restoring it and discovering a decades-old leak of seal oil.
* Aviation Honors: He received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from the FAA and a 50-year pin from AOPA at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh,Wisconsin – a highlight of his life.
V. Family & Legacy
* Predeceased: His mother, Peggy sax, and father, Marion Magnell.
* Survivors: Wife, Iris (Foster) Magnell; sister, Jackie Magnell-Thrasher; brother, Kent Magnell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
* Final Flight: His ashes will be buried at the family plot in Hannum creek, Alaska, symbolizing his deep connection to the place where his commercial flying career began.
Key Themes:
* Lifelong Passion for Flying: Mike’s entire life revolved around aviation, from his early days in Alaska to his international ferrying business.
* Strong Family Bonds: His relationship with Iris and her family was central to his life, and he maintained close ties with his siblings and extended family.
* Adventure & Resilience: He embraced challenging flying situations and wasn’t afraid to take risks, as evidenced by his work in Afghanistan and his entrepreneurial spirit.
* Nostalgia & Connection to Alaska: Alaska held a special place in his heart, and he consistently returned throughout his life.
Let me know if you’d like me to elaborate on any specific aspect of his life or create a different type of summary!
