- State: Michigan
GLADEN, Carl F. of Bay City, Michigan. Carl died Wednesday, March 24, 2010, age 93. Carl was born in Hamtramck, Michigan on April 12, 1916 to Selma & Constanty Gladkowski and was a graduate of Cass Technical High School in Detroit majoring in Aeronautics. He went on to mechanic and flight training acquiring an aircraft and engine mechanics license, commercial pilots license with flight instructor single engine land, sea, multi-engine land, instrument rating and glider rating along with ground school instructor ratings in navigation, meteorology and aircraft and engines. He was a designated pilot examiner for the Civil Aeronautics Administration. In 1940, Carl was employed by Dow Chemical of Bay City as a supervisor on an experimental aircraft project for the Army Air Force. He was a 2nd lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol auxiliary of the Army Air Corp. and later served in the Army Air Force Air Transport Command. In 1946 Carl founded Gladen Aero Service, a flying and maintenance school at James Clements Airport. In 1951 he and his wife Audrey founded Gladen Enterprises, Inc. to manufacture various proprietary products, retiring in 1974. They also founded Aerocar of Michigan Corp. Carl was an avid airplane and glider pilot until age 84. He also loved boating and was a yachtsman for 40 years and is Past Commodore and life member of Saginaw Bay Yacht Club and club historian.