Warren Native to be Inducted into Aviation Hall of Fame

Zane Anderson

Three Arkansas pilots will be inducted into the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame.  Among them is Zane Anderson, a son of the late Max and Thelma Anderson.  Born in Warren, Arkansas in 1948, Zane has been an aviator his entire life. After teaching himself how to fly, Zane has served in multiple capacities: owner, operator, flight instructor, mechanic, Designated Pilot Examiner and mentor to many who desired a career in aviation.  Zane is rated in gliders and sea planes as well as hot air balloons. He has been the leading helicopter operator in the state since forming his company, Aerial Patrol, Inc. in 1983. He has flown for hospitals, TV stations, law enforcement and for over thirty years conducted powerlinepatrol and other hazardous operations for Entergy Arkansas.

Also being inducted is Harold Robinson and General William Smith.

Born in Saline County in 1935, Robinson served as pilot and flight instructor from 1955 to 1965 when he joined Southern Airways as an airline pilot.  In 1972, while serving as copilot on a DC-9, his flight was hijacked and after thirty hours and multiple stops ended in Cuba.  Although Johnson was wounded by a hijacker, none the passengers were injured.  Harold was the founder of the Wings of Honor Museum in Walnut Ridge and has served as President to this day.


General William Smith was born in in Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1925. He flew combat missions in Korea - being wounded on his 97th mission.  Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Silver Star for gallantry, General Smith served as Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers, Europe (SHAPE) and later Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command. He died on January 19, 2016.

The induction ceremony will be held November 9, at the Ron Robinson Theater, 100 Rock St., Little Rock, at 7:00 p.m.