In Memoriam
April 22, 1953 - September 9, 2023
Born in Buffalo, New York in April of 1953, Ross grew up in Buffalo, then Chicago, and eventually sunny Los Angles, California. Started flying in high school when he was 16 at Van Nuys Airport in November of 1969.
Received his Private Pilot Certificate at age 17. Went to college at San Jose State University while working on additional Certificates and Ratings including an A&P
Mechanics Certificate. Flight instructed and flew Air Taxi while at school to build time and took his ATP check ride on his 23" birthday in 1976 with around 2000 hrs of flight time. Graduated from San Jose State in 1976 with a BS Degree in Aeronautical Operations.
Worked for Zantop Airlines out of Ypsilanti, Michigan from August 1977 to September 1978 as a Flight Engineer on the Douglas DC-6 and later on the L-188, Lockheed Electra. Hired by Flying Tigers in 1978, starting as a Flight Engineer on the DC-8. FedEx and Tigers merged in 1989 and Ross retired in 2018 as a 777 Captain. He was fortunate to have the opportunity to fly as Captain for almost 25 years out of a 40 year airline career.
Ross became a member of the Aircraft Electronics Association which posted this recent picture of him in full chops.
A Memorial was held for Ross on November 18, 2023. Jon Casello, FedEx 777 Captain, spoke of his good friend and colleague. To view the transcript of his tribute click below:
Anyone else wishing to contribute to this page with archived pictures or testimonials is encouraged to contact us at email@flyingtigerline.org
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