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Bird aviation museum flying high Posted: Sunday, Jul 08, 2007 - 11:46:14 am PDT By MARLISA KEYES Staff writer
Crowds pack grand opening SANDPOINT -- Flying upside-down and 20 feet above ground, Patty Wagstaff sliced a ribbon into red confetti at the grand opening of the Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center.Holding the ribbon up in the air across the runway of the Bird Airport Saturday morning were Drs. Forrest and Pam Riddle Bird. But before Wagstaff, a three-time U.S. National Aerobatics champion, chopped the ribbon to bits with the tail of her Cirrus Access Extra 300S plane, she put on a surprise show for Forrest Bird at his wife's request.
Wagstaff gave the audience a play-by-play as she stalled the plane, letting it drop through the blue sky in an inverted spin and flying it inverted with Lake Pend Oreille in the background. "Oh, I hope I don't lose count," she said as she rolled it eight times through the sky, counting each time she maneuvered the plane. "I usually do 35 in a row," she said. The inventors, scientists and aviators present for the event, and the Birds who are encouraging children to focus more on math and science, are today's "real heroes," Wagstaff said. "She looks like she's one with the plane," said Corinna Lockwood, a Kootenai resident. Lockwood's husband Dale, who works for Interstate Concrete, said he's worked on several jobs for the Birds and just had to attend the event, calling Forrest Bird a nice man. "It's an honor to get to see her (Wagstaff) perform," he said. Wagstaff is considered not only the best female stunt in the world, but one of the best in her field, period. Oz Osborn, a retired school teacher, said he felt fortunate to witness the air show. "What a humbling experience to sit there and see that," he said. Osborn said it was a memorable day and that the Birds should be thanked for opening their museum and invention center to the public. Wagstaff took to flying at an early age. Her father was a captain for Japan Airlines. Five years after earning her pilot's license, she was selected to the U.S. Aerobatics Team. A couple of year's earlier, Wagstaff attended an airshow in British Columbia and decided she too could fly a stunt plane. She is rated to fly World War II war birds and jets, and also is a commercial, multi-engine, seaplane and commercial helicopter pilot. Wagstaff also is an inductee of the National Aviators Hall of Fame and was inducted into the International Aerospace Hall of Fame this year. Her sister, Toni, is a pilot for Continental Airlines. One woman joked about Wagstaff's flying. "I think she likes to show off a little bit." At first, the audience thought the person flying the plane was a male pilot who was talking over the loudspeaker, then Wagstaff began speaking to Forrest Bird. Wagstaff even attended a party at the Bird's residence the night before without Forrest Bird knowing she was there. Wagstaff not only is a flight instructor, but the green-eyed, petite blond is a poster child for encouraging young women to take up flying lessons. After the show, she taxied her airplane toward the Bird Museum, climbing out to sign autographs and have picture taken. The grand opening, which also takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, also includes NASA representatives like Dr. John Grunsfeld, an astronaut, astronomer and astrophysicist, Hubble telescope servicing idea men Frank Cepollina, former Top Gun Christopher T. Wilson, and Living Legends of Aviation inductees Joe Clark and Clay Lacy. It also includes inventors Philip Bart, Forrest Bird, Dr. James West. Dr. Tedd Hoff, Bob Smith and Robert Parker. The Birds' guests can be found stationed in and around the museum where people can get their autographs or study the framed signatures of Amelia Earhart, Howard Hughes and Orville Wright (obtained by Forrest Bird when he was a child). Items in the Bird's collection include a signed electric guitar from its inventor, Les Paul; the first artificial heart invented by Dr. William Kolff; 10 original patent models from the collection of Alan and Ann Rothchild, including a wood auger. The museum also includes tributes to the country's female and African American pilots. In addition, it also includes displays for several of the area's highly successful, homegrown businesses including Coldwater Creek, Diedrich Coffee Roasters (manufacturers of roasting machines) and Litehouse Foods. At least 1,000 people attended the event. Be prepared for lots of traffic today and prepare to follow directions from volunteers directing traffic, which includes parking off the side of the road. The museum will be open from Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through early October. A series of lectures geared toward children and adults are planned for this summer. A Friend wrote on Sep 7, 2007 4:27 PM: " I think Dr. Bird is an awesome person. He has invented a life saving device worthy of praise. So what? A little noise won't kill you. And to Sagle Sam, guess what? HE INVENTED A LIFESAVING device. What have you done for your community? I love Dr. Bird and His family. He is one of the world's greatest inventors for sure! " an oldtimer... wrote on Jul 14, 2007 9:48 PM: " Good show this last weekend at the Birds! I had fun!
Doc Bird has been out there in Martin Bay about as long as I've lived here. He has a right to land his planes or helicopter any time he feels like it. Sure he's made a couple of bucks more than I have, but who cares? He's a victim of the Entrepreneurial spirit, something we all ought to catch...
Forget the naysayers, You Go Doc!!! " Mary Kate wrote on Jul 11, 2007 9:09 PM: " I am very proud to be related to Drs. Forrest and Pam Bird. Forrest has contributed to the world in the greatest of ways; saving lives. Also, if you are going to comment, please have the intellegence to know his last name is spelled B-I-R-D. That *definatly* shows your intellegence on him. And he does not fly his helicopters and planes everyday. Some of the neighbors are very uppity and rude to him. Rachel, Pam's daughter and Forrest's stepdaughter, told me a story about how Dr. Bird used his fire truck to put out a fire on one neighbor's house. That neighbor is complaining about the museum. Until you meet Dr. Bird, you have no right to even say his name cruely. Check out the museum, learn about him, and then post about him. Dr. Bird, thank you fo everything. A great time, hospitality, and not letting the foolish insults getting to you. " Been There wrote on Jul 11, 2007 12:59 PM: " I know from experience how small-minded and mean-spirited some local residents can be, and how lies can take on a life of their own. It's so much easier to repeat gossip and fabricate slander than, say, invent technology that saves countless lives, EARN a fortune, and build a museum (at your own expense) that enriches everyone. The Birds have quietly proven their generosity and humanity in many different ways over the years without making a public show of it. If envy (one of the seven deadly sins, last time I checked) and spite are all you are capable of in the presence of success and grace, then you should keep your opinion to yourself. You only embarrass yourself. " Serving in Iraq wrote on Jul 10, 2007 9:20 AM: " TO: Saywhat,
Women Soldiers are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, getting shot up and dieing daily just as our male comrades. Your comments have absolutely nothing to do with this article. Grow up. " Idaho Spud wrote on Jul 9, 2007 8:56 PM: " Sugar Shane; Dr. Bird is a billionaire (not a millionaire), because of his inventive mind, which CREATED technology that has saved MILLIONS of lives (perhaps that's where you got confused; billions of dollars, millions of lives). You, on the other hand, have created nothing other than waste material from your own body and lifestyle, and, perhaps a few offspring. What do you contribute beside whining? Shut yer pie hole. " Asset to Community wrote on Jul 9, 2007 8:33 PM: " Dr. Bird is a long time resident of the area. He has contributed much to those who need assistance to breathe. Congratulations on the museum. Although I did not have the chance to attend the opening celebration, I know it is a first class operation. Thank you, Dr. Bird. " Air Field wrote on Jul 9, 2007 8:31 PM: " Since this is a private field they don't need special permits to put on an Air Show or protect the neighbors? As a nurse and my previous life as an Air Race crew member I know all too well the contributions the Birds have made to society. " Bonner County Taxpayer wrote on Jul 9, 2007 8:11 PM: " The Bird Museum is a wonderful educational resoruce, and I found it to be also a remarkable repository of culture. No one has mentioned here that a number of individuals who have served our country with courage, honor and great distinction in the U.S. military were also honored at the museum openning. Thanks, Drs. Bird! " idunno wrote on Jul 9, 2007 6:21 PM: " Sugar shane would be speaking praises for the Birds if they had only offered marijuana. It's the only thing he writes positive about. " Proud to be a Bird supporter wrote on Jul 9, 2007 1:11 PM: " Hello? did any of the people complaining about the museum opening, attend the affair or have they ever met Mr. & Mrs. Bird? The article was about a wonderful addition of culture to our beautiful north Idaho. There was no mention of monies spent or asking for you to bow down to the rich. Are these people so bitter about being poor that they can't see how this will enrich the lives of all that visit the museum? Mr. & Mrs. Bird are some of the most giving people in the area: they just choose not to toot their horn when they do support the local businesses and people. I challenge those who have doubts about the impact the new museum will have on our area children or make negative comments about Mr. & Mrs. Bird to visit the museum and learn more about how the Drs Bird have impacted the WORLD as well as our little corner of it. Then a few inconviences of noise now & then won't seem so important. Thank you Forrest & Pam Bird for supplying us with a great museum. " Dr. Bird supporter wrote on Jul 9, 2007 12:02 PM: " One weekend out of 52 there was some noise. Two days out of 365. I say hooray for the Drs. Bird. What a triumph! Thank you so much for bringing so many innovative and inspiring people to our neck of the woods for a fabulous weekend. The museum has something for all ages. Maybe the naysayers should wake up and see who the real heros of this world are - or should be. At least they could learn to spell Dr. Bird's name correctly. It's B-I-R-D, and he has saved countless lives with his repirators, and improved the quality of life for millions of people around the world. He would be the first to come to the aid of people who have targeted him if they were in need of help to get their 18,000 breaths per day! Unfortunately they seem to have enough hot air to go around already. " Sugar Shane wrote on Jul 9, 2007 10:38 AM: " And so the playground of the rich unfolds. Must be nice to be a millionaire. Lets all sing their praises as we lie down for them to walk on the backs of us poor. Hoooray!! Id like to wag my staff at them. " Sagle Sam wrote on Jul 8, 2007 10:17 PM: " Yea the neighbors love his constant noise pollution. The constant noise of aircraft is very irritating. Each fall he holds a picnic and fly’s a helicopter over all day long. Never mind if you have a child you just put down for a nap or a sick person trying to rest.
There are several self made millionaires in Sandpoint who have given much to the community. What has Dr. Byrd given?
This is the great Forest Byrd and we should all be grateful to live in his shadow.
" Idahodad wrote on Jul 8, 2007 6:22 PM: " This was an event perfect for the kids. My kids got the opportunity to meet and read about notable persons who made a positive impact in our world. I feel fortunate to have this around for the kids.
Well done Dr. Bird. " Thanks Birds!! wrote on Jul 8, 2007 3:38 PM: " What a great show Saturday and what an outstanding museum. You are treasures and future scientists, astronauts and inventors will someday thank you for exposing them to your collection. " saywhat? wrote on Jul 8, 2007 12:33 PM: " A M-A-N invents a marvelous medical device that has saved who knows how many lives. Do we get to read about him?No. Instead there is a running tribute to a ho-hum female stunt flyer. What feminine chauvinism. Did any males who get shot up daily in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hell holes get any consideration? " POST YOUR OPINION
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Bonner County Daily Bee
P.O. Box 159 / Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 / 208-263-9534
Bonner County Daily Bee Online is updated at 10am PST.
MMR wrote on Oct 8, 2007 11:37 AM: