Michael E. McLean
I was born in Spokane, Washington on May 8, 1936, and graduated from the University of Washington in September 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. My grade point average was 3.38.
In December of 1958, I entered the U.S. Air Force and graduated 7th in my pilot class. I then flew F-100’s in Europe for three years and was discharged in February of 1964.
While employed as a stockbroker for two major brokerage houses from April of 1964 to March of 1967 I flew in several AF Reserve C-119 squadrons. I then joined Northwest Airlines, my sole civilian flight employer, in March of 1967. In June of 1967, I decided to join the Iowa ANG in Sioux City, flying F-100’s.
I was recalled to active duty in January 1968 and flew 255 missions in Southeast Asia before being discharged in June 1969 and rejoining Northwest Airlines.
I was a B–747–200 captain with Northwest Airlines until reaching mandatory age 60 retirement in May 1996.
After Mike’s forced retirement from Northwest, he was not ready to end his flying career. On his resume, he wrote, “I’m fit. I love flying, seeking challenges and responsibilities, and am not ready to resort to recreational flying. I am seeking a flight position anywhere which offers challenge and responsibility.”
Michael E. McLean Headed West on April 14, 2020.
Mike’s wife Connie tells us that he had a pacemaker installed in February to improve his heart function (afib). It seemed to be working for he looked great and felt much better, but he passed away at 2:00 pm on the 14th.
Mike served with the 79th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Sioux City Air Guard, in Iowa, and the 174th Tactical Fighter Squadron out of Phu Cat AB, in Vietnam where he flew the F-100.
Capt. McLean also flew with Northwest Airlines out of Washington State for many years.
He asked to be cremated with no services. He will be buried at Fairmont Memorial in Spokane next to his Dad, Stepmother, and Sister.
Connie says, “He was my life and I loved him with all my heart.”
He will be missed.
Units Assigned
- 1958 Entered USAF, Graduated 7th in pilot class
- 1961-1964 79th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Sioux City Air Guard, IA (F-100)
- 1964-1967 AF Reserve (C-119)
- 1968-1970 174th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Phu Cat AB, Vietnam (F-100)
Awards & Decorations
Silver Star
Distinguished Flying Cross (2)
Air Medal (12)
Flight Info
F-100
C-119
Civilian
B-747-200
DC-10
B-757
B-727
Total Flight Hours (Military and Civilian) 14,435
Military & Civilian Education
- 9/1958 BA/Business, University of Washington
