The Enduring Classic
Fred W. Hotson & Matthew E. Rodina Jr.
Hotson and Rodina’s history of this outstanding aircraft has been greeted as one of the finest aircraft “biographies” to appear in recent years. The handsome amphibian, built in the 1940s and ’50s, has seen a variety of roles, from stylish executive transport to Caribbean island-hopping to coastal air service in British Columbia. Today it is prized by wealthy collectors, and some of the finest examples, with sweeping lines, bright colours and meticulously detailed interiors, have been lovingly restored to their original configuration. One Mallard, magnificently restored in the hands of expert Steve Hamilton, was Grand Champion at the 2001 Oshkosh gathering of classic aircraft. The Grumman Mallard lives on as one of aviation’s enduring classics. This book, based on years of experience and research, is full of details, anecdotes and photos of its many lives.
“This labour of love is a superb record of an attractive and enduring airplane – and a book to treasure.” Airways
Fred W. Hotson began his career at de Havilland Canada in 1935. After war service training pilots and delivering aircraft to the war zones, he continued flying in the Quebec and Ontario north and took charge of the first Mallard to come to Canada, operating it for private and corporate owners for 18 years. In his retirement he has completed four books, including the history of de Havilland in Canada.
Matthew E. Rodina Jr. was born in the Chicago area. His early career involved financial work but his interest was aviation research and his specialty the Mallard. He combined both when he joined the Virgin Islands Shuttle Service, which lasted five years until Hurricane Hugo put it out of commission. He has written a number of articles on the Mallard for the American Aviation Historical Society.
