Charles Joseph Ferrari

LIEUTENANT COLONEL CHARLES JOSEPH FERRARI
U.S. Air Force Academy, Class of 1959, Cadet Squadron 9

Charles “Chuck” Joseph Ferrari, a native of Iowa, attended Iowa State University before receiving his appointment to the inaugural class of the Air Force Academy. His arrival at Lowry AFB in 1955 marked the beginning of a lifelong devotion to the Air Force. Known for his technical mind and a rebellious streak that favored the cockpit over the parade ground, Chuck helped define the spirit of the 'First Class'—a group that didn't just follow traditions but built them from the ground up.

THE ROAD TO THE "FIRST CLASS"
Chuck was a "Falcon" through and through, but like many in the inaugural class, he arrived at the temporary site at Lowry Air Force Base with some prior experience. Before joining the Academy in 1955, Chuck attended Iowa State University. It was there that he met CV Miller, his future roommate and partner-in-aviation-crime.

When the call went out for a "new kind of officer" to join a brand-new service academy in Colorado, Chuck jumped at the chance. He was part of the original 306 cadets who arrived at Lowry AFB in July 1955. His motivation was simple: he wanted to fly, and he wasn't willing to wait for graduation to start.

THE "UNAUTHORIZED" AIR FORCE
The story of Chuck and CV Miller's private airplane is a staple of Class of 1959 lore. Because the Academy regulations strictly forbade cadets from owning cars, but notably failed to mention airplanes, Chuck and CV exploited the loophole. They purchased a small aircraft and kept it at a local airfield. Chuck famously used it to fly back from leaves, occasionally cutting it so close to "Taps" that he would have to sprint from the airfield to the cadet area, sometimes earning him "Class III" punishment (marching tours) for late arrivals. This daring spirit was a hallmark of his time in CS-09 and foreshadowed a career spent at the cutting edge of flight.

MILITARY SERVICE AND TEST PILOT CAREER
Following graduation in 1959, Chuck entered pilot training, earning his wings in 1960. His early career saw him flying the F-102 Delta Dagger with the 525th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Bitburg Air Base, West Germany, where he honed his skills in the demanding environment of the Cold War.

Chuck’s exceptional piloting abilities led him to the prestigious Aerospace Research Pilot School (ARPS) at Edwards Air Force Base in 1965. He was among the elite "’59ers" to qualify for space flight training during the height of the Space Race. Following graduation, he served as a Test Pilot at Holloman AFB and later returned to Edwards as an instructor at the Test Pilot School (TPS), where he shaped the next generation of experimental flyers.

COMBAT AND LEADERSHIP
In 1968, Chuck transitioned to the F-105 Thunderchief, preparing for combat at McConnell AFB before deploying to Southeast Asia. Serving with the 34th and 44th Tactical Fighter Squadrons out of Korat and Takhli, Thailand, he flew high-threat missions over North Vietnam. His technical expertise was invaluable during this period; records show him providing critical student progress checks and instructor evaluations during combat workups (RTU).

He later returned to Thailand in 1973, serving as the Detachment Commander for the famed "Triple Nickel" (555th Tactical Fighter Squadron) at Udorn Air Base. Chuck concluded his military career at Headquarters Air Force Systems Command (AFSC) as the Chief of the Aircraft Requirements Division, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

POST-MILITARY AND PERSONAL LIFE
After hanging up his Air Force uniform, Chuck’s love for the cockpit never waned. He moved to Denver, Colorado, where he served as the Chief Test Pilot for United Airlines, ensuring the safety and performance of commercial fleets.

Beyond the cockpit, Chuck was an avid outdoorsman. In his later years and during his time living in Denver while flying for United Airlines, he became a dedicated mountain climber. He helped organize class mini-reunions and was frequently "coming down from climbing the latest 'fourteener'" (peaks over 14,000 feet) in the Colorado Rockies.

Chuck remained an active member of the Class of 1959 community, often sharing stories of the "early days" at the Academy—including the time he served "Class III" restrictions (marching tours) for signing in late from leave while piloting his own plane. He was remembered by his peers not just as a skilled aviator, but as a man of humor, spirit, and unwavering dedication to the "Wild Blue Yonder."

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SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS
Year Duty Location
1959–1960 Student, Pilot Training Various
1961–1965 Pilot, 525th Fighter Interceptor Squadron Bitburg AB, West Germany
1965–1966 Student, Aerospace Research Pilot School Edwards AFB, CA
1966–1968 Test Pilot Holloman AFB, NM
1968 Pilot, 563rd Tactical Fighter Squadron McConnell AFB, KS
1968–1969 Pilot, 34th/44th Tactical Fighter Squadron Korat / Takhli AB, Thailand
1969–1972 Test Pilot Edwards AFB, CA
1973 Detachment Commander, 555th TFS Udorn AB, Thailand
1973–1978 Instructor Pilot, Test Pilot School Edwards AFB, CA
1978–1980 Chief, Aircraft Requirements Division HQ AFSC
1980–Post Chief Test Pilot United Airlines (Denver, CO)

MEDALS & AWARDS:
• Defense Superior Service Medal
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Bronze Star Medal
• Meritorious Service Medal
• Air Medal 7
• Air Force Commendation Medal 2