Charles Logan Flynn

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by John P Conway, Jr. on September 19, 2021:

I was a Aeronautical Science student at ERAU-Prescott from 1986 - 1990. My two favorite classes there were Aerodynamics and Gas Turbine Engines. Col. Flynn was my GTE Instructor and I remember him fondly. For a retired professional military officer, he struck me as quite open, friendly and approachable. I clearly remember his stories: how he was a graduate of the USMA at West Point and chose an Air Force Career; was a fighter pilot who flew F-86's, flew Spads/Skyraiders during the Vietnam War and finally ended up as a Wing Commander of F-4's in Europe. I also remember how he'd draw upon past experience in delivering a lecture that would really hit home any point(s) he'd be trying to make. One that stands out for me was how he described the means by which they'd clean a jet engine by having it ingest apricot pits (powder). I laughed out loud and observed that for all the money, and high tech equipment it could buy, it really seamed poetic the USAF would employ such agricultural means, but he just smiled and insisted it was a natural abrasive that would get the job done with the least fuss. I graduated in April 1990 and sadly learned of his passing a couple years later. Here I am over 30 years later and still find myself thinking of him. He certainly made an impression. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

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