Terry Welshans
There is a small cadre of people who help this blog to be what it is and Terry’s contributions, both on and off the pages and posts, were more than significant. He recently passed away, leaving an immense gap in the lives of many people—aviators, family, friends, historians as well as aircraft restorers.
Terry lived a marvelous life quite full of adventure, trial and interest. He knew more about the SR-71 “Blackbird” engines than he was allowed to say. He was also expert in radial engines—those wonderful, powerful, oil leaking, enduring aircraft engines—and avidly supported the Aircraft Engine Historical Society–writing articles, discussing them with me on occasion (but mostly erasing as much of my ignorance as he could), as well as rebuilding an historic Wright Brothers built Hispano-Suiza aircraft engine which is over a century old.
And did Terry restore that engine, having to suss out tolerances as well as sourcing or fabricating innumerable parts. But restore it he did and to flying condition. His intimacy with this engine gave him insight not known by many, if any at all. His observations of the valve seats and piston rings, for one example, showed him the Wright Brothers simply did not build these engines under license but dramatically improved them in terms of power as well as reliability. The Wright Brothers-built engines could run thousands of rpm higher and for hundred of hours longer than the OEM engines. In the age of aircraft engines routinely quitting this was a huge leap forward in aviation reliability which is difficult for most of us to imagine with engine technology of the day.
Terry also helped this blog by proofreading the drafts of the more detailed posts where his knowledge of history as well as writing abilities were invaluable. I will miss our telephone conversations which were wide ranging, always tinged with humor and amazement of this world. Yes, no more nights on the patio enjoying a cigar (they aid my creative thinking) on the phone with Terry. I miss that talking. Mostly, though to be honest, I miss most his warm and sincere signing off of “Good night my friend.”
Travel for Aircraft 
So sad to learn of Terry’s passing. Thanks, Joe, for honoring his life.
Thanks Nick, Terry was one of those few who contributed to the field without seeking recognition–entirely selflessly. He will be missed.
Terry was a polymath, a true renaissance man. A Vietnam combat vet, he experienced horrors that haunted him until his last days. He was a victim of Agent Orange, and had an unusual form of cancer that was being held at bay through aggressive treatment at the VA.
He loved all things mechanical. He was the proud owner of a WW2 era Weasel tracked vehicle, built by Studebaker. He wrote about it in a story he called “Strange Tracks in My Yard Today.” He drove the Weasel in local parades, usually with a full load of excited kids.
He loved to fly, and was able to fly his little C-172 right up until the end.
Blue skies and tailwinds on your flight to forever, Buster. We miss you already.
Yes we do miss him. Great friends have that effect. We were lucky to know him.
Joe: Condolences on your loss. This is a beautiful, well-expressed tribute to your aviation friend Terry… Thanks for sharing, sir!
Thank you David. As a member of the cadre I mentioned your words are especially welcome.