Tom Daly, Pilot Opposing Solo

Tom Daly was raised in Queens and now resides in Garden City, New York. His interest in aviation began at 8 years old while listening to his father’s stories as a Turret Gunner on the A-20 Havoc during WWII.

Tom followed his dream to fly and entered the Aviation Program at Dowling College on Long Island in 1968. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he later earned a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice at C. W. Post College.

Before retiring in 2006, Tom spent 33 years as a Patrol and Rescue Helicopter Pilot for the police department on Long Island. He was a first responder during  the September 11th attacks.   His career efforts earned him two Congressional Awards, an FAA Award for Heroism, the Aviation and Space Writers Award for Heroism, and numerous other awards for police related activities.

He continues to fly helicopters, gliders, and various types of vintage aircraft including the WWI Nieuport XXIV, Fokker D.VII, 1914 Cauldron G3, and the vintage Great Lakes 2T and Fleet 16 biplanes.

Today, Tom continues to enjoy flying with the GEICO Skytypers as well as owning and operating Old Time Aviation Air Shows Inc., based in Garden City, New York.