Neal V. Loving — "Loving's Love"
"I guess I have a history of people telling me what I can't do. So far they're all wrong."
​ —Neal V. Loving
Inspired by Charles Lindbergh and driven by an early passion for flying, Neal V. Loving overcame adversity, racism and disability to become an aircraft designer, builder, pilot, engineer and educator. Loving was the first known African American member of the Engineers Club of Dayton. (NOTE)
Loving's Love
A Black American's Experience in Aviation.
By Neal V. Loving
Recounts the author's experiences as a black man and aviator, detailing his efforts at building his own experimental aircraft, the loss of both his legs in the crash of a prototype, his later career as an aerospace research engineer, and more.
Neal V. Loving—"Loving's Love"
Neal Loving describes "what it's like to be black and physically handicapped in a world of white aviation". The song "Plucky Lindy's Lucky Day", recalls Charles Lindbergh, "Lindymania"and fits the play on words "Loving's Love" with its line "All the world they say just loves a lover." Credits
He fell in love with aviation at the age of 10 and built model airplanes and then gliders. After losing both legs in a glider accident, Loving designed, built, and qualified his own midget racing aircraft. As an aerospace engineer, Loving became the Air Force expert in High Altitude Clear Air Turbulence (HICAT) and later in life was a motivational speaker.
Neal V. Loving
A Tribute by Carlton Spitzer
Neal Loving in Context: African American Aviation Pioneers. By Mark Martel (PDF)
Neal Loving's Innovation Techniques. By Mark Martel (PDF)
"Standing Tall, Flying High". Monologue on the life of Neal V. Loving. By Carlton Spitzer (Script)(PDF)
Neal V. Loving - Timeline (PDF)
Wright State University Department of Special Collections and Archives: The Neal V. Loving Collection (PDF)
Loving/Wayne WR-1 Racer "Love" N351C - Photo and Specs. EAA
Loving's Love: A Black American's Experience in Aviation, by Neal V. Loving. Smithsonian History of Aviation and Spaceflight Series book.
Neal V. Loving—Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Wall of Honor
Blacks in Aviation: Neal Loving. AvStop Magazine Online
Black Wings - African American Pioneer Aviators