passed away in July 2006. We were deeply saddened to lose
that most valuable friend and colleague.
Dr. Little was Managing Principal of CA Advisors. He also served as President of
California Airlines. He was Professor and Chair Emeritus of the Department of
Aviation at San Jose State University.
Dr. Little was Vice President of Corporate Development and Assistant to
President and Chairman of the Board at World Airways, where he held critical
operating responsibilities, such as introducing the Boeing 747 Combi and the
McDonnell Douglas DC-8-63 to the airline’s fleet. He represented the Chairman's
office in the airline’s operational and safety matters.
Prior to World Airways, Dr. Little was a senior official at the Federal Aviation
Administration with responsibilities in operations and planning. He also served
as Chairman of the Aeronautics Department at the College of San Mateo. Dr. Little
was President of California Aerospace Association, Vice Chairman of Governor
Reagan's Aviation-Aerospace Education Task Force, a member of Air Transport
Association Maintenance Training Committee, a member of Airport Technical
Committee of CaliforniaTransportation Commission, and a member of the board of
directors of Aviation Technician Education Council.
Dr. Little had an Airframe & Powerplant Certificate, and was a private pilot, with
single-engine land ratings. He also held a Ground Instructor Certificate, with
aircraft and engine ratings. Dr. Little held a doctorate in Technical Aviation
Administration from Nova University, a masters in Quality Assurance Management
Systems from San Jose State University, and a bachelor in Industrial and Technical
Education from San Jose State College.
Gene lived in San Jose, California. He was an avid sailor, and could often be found
navigating his sail boat on the San Francisco Bay. We miss him much.