Part 52, page 292

Transcript

The scan is the source; the transcript is machine-generated from it.

Russ Gunby - ParachuteHistory.com Page 2 of 3

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Russ Gunby wrote a book called "Sport Parachuting - a basic handbook of sport parachuting" in 1960 when at age 38 while still in the Army. He mortgaged his home to produce the first printing. Later printings were underwritten by Jeppesen.

More than 80,000 copies were sold. Gunby says of "Sport Parachuting" ... "In the beginning the book filled the void in the absence of knowledgable instructors. Today it's used to augment and reinforce student instruction, and that's good. it has done much more than I originally anticipated."

His book was a cornerstone in writing down methodologies and procedures for the safe training of jumpers.

Gunby's Army career included enlisting as a private, infantry combat leader, combat intelligence officer. He attained the rank of Major in 20 years of service. Gunby resigned from the Army in Dec. 1960 to become full time Executive Director of PCA. He had a salary of about $2000 per year.

PCA was headquartered in Mt. Kisco, NY and Gunby lived in Monterey, CA. He stipulated that PCA had to be run from Monterey in order for him to accept the position of Executive Director.

PCA headquarters was relocated to Monterey, CA in 1960. PCA membership was 859. Gunby served as Executive Director from 1958 (?? sources conflict) to 1963.

In 1964, Gunby ran for PCA President and relinquished the Executive Director position. Also in 1964, Parachute Club of America (PCA) was changed to United States Parachute Association (USPA) because the word club did not properly express the stature of the organization. Membership was over 10,000.

USPA presented Gunby with its Achievement Award in 1977. The inscription reads: "A founding spirit who saw the future when others doubted. As author, Executive Director and PCA President, he gave countless hours to build the early framework of our sport."

Gunby was awarded PEIA's (former name of PIA) first Achievement Award in 1981. Don Beck, PEIA Secretary said, "When the Parachute Equipment Industry Association first decided to create an Achievement Award,

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http://parachutehistory.com/men/gunbyr.html

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5/22/2008 DB Cooper-21975