Robert G. Ferry, 85, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel who flew a record-setting nonstop solo helicopter flight from California to Florida in 1966, died Jan. 15 of natural causes at his home in Lake San Marcos, Calif. The Los Angeles Times reported Feb. 9 that Ferry, born in Minneapolis, flew 90 helicopter missions during the Korean War and then was a test pilot at Edwards AFB, Calif., from 1954 to 1960. He joined Hughes Aircraft in 1964 and worked there for 18 years as chief test pilot. In April 1966, he made his record 2,213-mile flight in a Hughes YOH-6A light observation helicopter from Culver City, Calif., to Ormond Beach, Fla., in 15 hours and eight minutes, without refueling. This record still stands, according to the Times.
Lloyd Austin, President-elect Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Pentagon, spent his Senate confirmation hearing on Jan. 19 pressing his civilian bona fides to lawmakers, with some pledging opposition to the waiver Austin would need to become the nation’s first Black Defense Secretary. Austin spent 40 years in the military…