Chasing a Whirlwind

About the Book

Charles (Chuck) Dixon wrote “Chasing a Whirlwind” to share his adventures during the 75 years of his life and career in aviation. His life is a story of ambition and determination to reach goals that were often challenging and adventurous. God, family, country, and aviation were the driving factors in his life. He almost lost his life due to rogue whirlwinds or vortices created by powerful military aircraft early in his career. Vortices are necessary for an airplane to fly, and as an aerodynamicist, Chuck was determined to learn how to maximize their effectiveness. During his years working at two major aircraft companies Chuck thought out of the box and created patents that enhanced his work for the rest of his career. His sense of adventure gave him many opportunities to explore the great outdoors and kept him fit during his long life. After an early retirement, and the death of his wife Mary, Chuck won two proposals. First to the Air Force to pursue the creation of a specialty software that could predict stability and control effects of most types of aircraft. The second proposal was marriage to Frieda who would be his lifelong partner in his new business and the co-author of this life story. Sharing his faith in God with co-workers and others became a cornerstone of Chuck’s life. His belief in the power of God to bring abundant life to everyone he met, inspired him to invite others to find God’s peace in this world.

About the Author

Charles J. Dixon or Chuck, as his aviation peers call him, has over 70 years’ experience in the aviation business. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Mississippi State University and a Master of Science Degree from the University of Southern California both with a major in Aeronautical Engineering. He is also an Instrument Rated Pilot and has a master’s degree in Business Administration. That did not come easy. Chuck’s life began in 1930 during the Great Depression. Finances to accomplish all the above were not available, but his parents did teach him determination to accomplish his goals. World War II began and ended during his school years in Whitehaven, Tennessee. He was inspired by aviation that was on the ground and in the air. During high school he joined the Naval Air Reserve. He served as an aircraft mechanic for two years during the Korean War. His first wife was a great young lady that helped and encouraged him for 44 years in his aviation career. Chuck took advantage of the GI Bill and began studies at Mississippi State College when released from active duty. His aeronautical engineering career consisted of working for two major aircraft companies for 36 years plus 31 years with his own company. Chuck demonstrated his creative ability by being the prime inventor for five United States Patents. The last two, obtained while doing business in his own company, have been proven with full-scale flight tests. Chuck has written and published many technical papers. Much help for this book was provided by his second wife, Frieda, and by the members of the Christian Authors Guild and Word Weavers International.