Biographical Sketches

ALEXIS BRENIER McMULLEN

Born: February 22, 1896    In: Livingston, IL
Died: December 30, 1979    In: Fairfax, VA

Alexis Brenier McMullen. Pilot and administrator involved in the development of American aviation at state, local, and national levels. He learned to fly during WW1, became a flight instructor and Base Engineering Officer. He barnstormed with Mabel Cody after the war and owned or operated flying schools, aircraft distributorships, and other aviation-related companies. As Florida’s first State Director of Aviation (1933-36) he planned and implemented the first state-wide aviation development plan in the U.S.

He joined the Bureau of Air Commerce, Airports Section (Chief, 1936-41), retaining his post when this office joined the CAA as the Airports Division. During and after WW2 he served in the USAAF in several capacities related to Air Traffic Control (1941-47), both in the continental U.S. and in North Africa. After retirement from military service, McMullen founded the National Association of State Aviation Officials in 1948 and remained with the association until he retired in 1970. He also was active in the Air Reserve Association of the U.S. (Executive Director, 1949-53), CAP (National Flight Safety Committee, 1953-58), and Aviation Employees Insurance Co (AVEMCO; Director, 1960-65).

Denotes an individual known to have soloed an aircraft prior to December 16, 1917, whether they were members of the "Early Birds of Aviation" Organization or not.