Michael Paul Gilles ferried people in a taxi before piloting a hot air balloon for a hotel magnate. Frank James Wright Jr. turned a wrench on trucks before dedicating himself to fixing classic airplanes.
The families of the men who died in the crash of a vintage airplane at Chino Airport on June 15 are remembering them for their passion and skill in all manner of things — whether it was ballroom dancing, fishing or, of course, aviation.
An American flag flies at half-staff at the Yanks Air Museum at the Chino Airport in memory of Michael Paul Gilles and Frank James Wright Jr., who died in the crash of one of the museum’s airplanes on June 15, 2024. (Brian Rokos, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Aliso Viejo resident Gilles, 71, was piloting the twin-engine Lockheed 12A Electra Junior when it went down on takeoff during a test flight before the Father’s Day weekend’s Yanks Air Pops & Props show. Co-pilot Wright, 67, of Riverside, was the chief operating officer of the Yanks Air Museum, which owned the World War II-era aircraft.
The museum lowered its American flag to half-staff in memory of the men and closed for 12 days.
The families provided their recollections in written statements through a friend, Chuck Gardner.
Gilles showed an interest in flight as a child and would eventually learn to pilot almost anything that could go airborne.
“He was an ‘early flyer,’ jumping out of an upstairs window into a snowbank at a young age,” the family said.
Despite those soft landings, Gilles ventured into other pursuits. He piloted a taxi cab and worked as a sales rep. He made money as a professional ballet and ballroom dancer. And he was a lead actor with Theatre Under the Stars in Houston. Guitar and judo came later, as did a degree from Cal Berkeley, the latter a rare accomplishment for the family at the time.
Gilles was flying during college and became an instructor.
“He continued educating hundreds of others in their pursuit of aviation goals and careers. Many of his students remember him as a diligent and dedicated professional, who had approximately 16,000 hours as a flight instructor,” the family said.
Gilles developed a friendship with Barron Hilton, who according to the National Air and Space Museum earned a pilot’s license at age 19. Gilles flew Hilton’s Citation Ultra while managing and flying Hilton’s fleet of hot air balloons, gliders, helicopters and airplanes. Not surprisingly, he rubbed elbows with famous folks.
“(Gilles) entertained and taught distinguished guests that were comprised of astronauts, WWII heroes, and many legends in the world of aviation,” the family said.
Gilles’ ability to fly a variety of aircraft led him to the museum, where he was the primary pilot of the Beechcraft Staggerwing and Lockheed 12A.
Frank James Wright Jr. is shown stepping out of a Lockheed 12A Electra Junior. Wright and Michael Paul Gilles were remembered by family members recently as people with passions for aviation and other pursuits. The two men died in the June 15 crash of the Lockheed at Chino Airport. (Courtesy of Craig Rembold)
Wright, who graduated from Whittier High, has a legacy that “is one of love, dedication, and passion for life that touched everyone he knew,” family members said.
He first repaired trucks for the family business and Caterpillar construction equipment before joining the museum, where he worked for 23 years restoring airplanes. The museum has hundreds on display that show off Wright’s handiwork.
“His work was not just a job, but a calling that allowed him to spend cherished moments with his family and share his love for aviation with everyone including all of the museum’s friends and visitors,” his family said.
Wright was married to Christen for 37 years. They raised their children, Casey and Tiffany, in Riverside. He still found time to fish, shoot and hunt.
“These activities were more than hobbies; they were ways for him to connect with those he loved. Known for his friendly demeanor, Frank was always ready to strike up a conversation, share a story, or offer a helping hand,” the family said.
Wright is survived by his wife, Christen Wright; son, Casey Wright; daughter, Tiffany Agard; and grandchildren Collette, Greyson, and Andalynn Agard. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mavi C. Wright and Frank J. Wright Sr.
The family asked that donations be made in Wright’s name to the Pixley Lions Club.
