John W. Underwood

John W. Underwood, better known as John Underwood, is an aviation writer, photographer, and historian specializing in United States aviation. He is the author of more than a dozen books on the subject, and writes articles published in aviation history journals and magazines.

Early life Underwood has had a lifelong fascination with airplanes since age 7. Underwood has said "I was always crazy about flying."

In his teenage years, Underwood lived near Grand Central Air Terminal in Glendale, California, the first official air terminal for the Greater Los Angeles area. His first full time job was there, packaging engines overhauled by the U.S. Air Force. (He would later base his personal plane there, until the airfield's closure, later writing two books about it, and then serving as a key consultant and resource for the terminal's historic restoration and commemoration.)

In 1949, at age 17, Underwood learned to fly at the Glendale School of Aeronautics, while working for Grand Central Aircraft, refurbishing surplus World War II aircraft, including (North American P-51 Mustang fighters, Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando transports, and North American B-25 Mitchell bombers.

Aviation communications career

Underwood became an aviation technical writer and illustrator, and began to amass a collection of thousands of aviation photographs and aeronautical materials.

In 1953, Underwood published his first book, The World's Famous Racing Aircraft: 1925–1953. In 1956, at age 23, he was a college student studying mechanical engineering. ), and pioneer aviator Douglas "Wrong Way" Corrigan. While working for Lockheed Aircraft, he befriended Lockheed's chief test pilot, Tony LeVier, working with him to restore a 1927/1928 Velie Monocoupe). and the Vintage Aircraft Association (of the EAA). and contributed to the EAA's Sport Aviation magazine. He also wrote for Air Progress and Air Trails, and served as a correspondent for various foreign aviation magazines. The 1990 PBS/American Experience television documentary, Lindbergh, used images from Underwood's collection.

Between 1953 and the present, Underwood has published at least 13 books, mostly through aviation and history publishers, on various topics of aviation history and historical aircraft, chiefly American. San Diego Air and Space Museum

Publications Books (partial list) The World's Famous Racing Aircraft: 1925–1953, 1953, John W. Underwood, publisher. Experimental light aircraft and midget racers, 1958, Aero Publishers, World Aircraft Illustrated, 1961, Aero Publishers, The Art Chester Story, (with John W. Caler), c.1968, John W. Caler Publications The Vintage & Veteran Aircraft Guide: Over 400 Pre-1945 Aircraft Described and Illustrated, (with Peter M. Bowers), 1969, Heritage Press, The Stinsons: the exciting chronicle of a flying family and the 'planes that enhanced their fame, 1969, 1976, 1982, Heritage Press, Glendale, California, , Light Plane, 1909–69 (with George B. Collinge), 1970, Aviation Book Company. Acrobats in the Sky: Aerobatics since 1913, 1972, Aviation Book Co., , Of Monocoupes and Men: The Don Luscombe, Clayton Folkerts Story, 1969, 1973, 1975, Heritage Press, The Lightplane Since 1909, (with George B. Collinge), 1975, Heritage Press The Stinsons: Air Pioneers & Aircraft, 1976, Aviation Book Co. Madcaps, Millionaires and "Mose": The Chronicle of an Exciting Era When the Airways Led to Glendale, 1984, Heritage Press, Grand Central Air Terminal, 2007, Images of Aviation Series, Arcadia Publishing

Articles (partial list) Search for "Underwood", American Aviation Historical Society Journal and Flightline newsletter

Honors and recognition 2011 Inductee, Vintage Aircraft Association (EAA) Hall of Fame 2016 "Lifetime Achievement Award," American Aviation Historical Society