David W. Bridgens
4/6/1937 – 12/16/2018

Dave was the first born son of the late Albert and Florence Husted.A natural adventurer and self-starter, Dave enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.While a Marine his love for aviation grew and he earned his private pilot license.Dave attended Northrop University and received a degree in Aeronautical Engineering in a remarkable three years.
During his 42 year career with American Airlines, he retired as Director - Flight Technical Liaison, where he managed a technical operations support staff.His work included Federal Aviation Regulations Part 121 pilot operational procedures, Extended-Range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards (ETOPS), risk analysis/risk management, deicing and minimum equipment lists (MEL).His airplane experience includes all types of Airbus, Boeing and Fokker airplanes.He also has extensive experience with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved maintenance and engineering programs and planning.
Dave influentially participated in many industry and FAA programs.He chaired the Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Training subcommittee for the B-747 and DC-10, the FAA/ ATA MEL subcommittee and the ARINC Electronic Library committee.He served on the FAA/ATA ETOPS subcommittee, the ATA Technical Information Coordinating Committee, the SAE Deicing Committee and on several problem-solving task forces, one of which was established to inspect airports throughout Russia to determine acceptability for use as diversion airports on Polar Routes.
In his consulting role, he has provided technical support for The Boeing Airplane Company, Omni Air International, Ryan International and Primaris Airlines. He provided DC-10 support to Hawaiian Airlines and a DC10 lease program to Transaero Russian Airlines.Dave also has in-depth experience assisting F.A.R. Part 135 and Part 125 operators.
Dave held an FAA Commercial Pilot Multi-Engine certificate with instrument rating and an FAA Powerplant license.
Beyond his technical proficiency and superb work ethic, Dave was a loving father, grandfather, son, brother, mentor, and teacher.He was a friend to everyone, always cheerful, and at the ready to share a joke or humorous story.He belonged and contributed to many organizations including the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Loyal Order of Moose; American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Quiet Birdmen.
He was predeceased by his father, Albert; mother, Florence; brothers Wayne and Paul.Survivors include his sister Glenda van der Zagg and brother Robert; sons David and Stephen, and daughter Barbara Lewis and the grandfather of six.
He loved life and sharing his love for life.In this spirit, the family asks in lieu of flowers or donations to do something unexpectedly kind for someone in need.