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William H. Durand, engineer and designer, has
designed, built, and flown gliders and airplanes since 1934. He served as
professor of Engineering at Omaha University and established their Aeronautics Unit. He
instructed student pilots and sponsored the University Flying Club. His C-40
solo sport monoplane was built in 1942 by his aviation classes, giving
students experience in
aerodynamics, drafting, and fabrication. Durand helped found
the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 80, serving two terms as
president. He developed the Durand Sky Ranch airfield in northwest Omaha, where many student pilots learned to fly. In the
1950s he formed his own engineering and design firm and a street in the
Offutt Air Force Base was named Durand Drive in his honor. The Durand Sky Ranch is known for ultralite flying and innovative wind tunnel experiments.
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