Navy Air Depot,
Lost Horizon, PA

Birthplace of Aviation
in Pennsylvania

 

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Seven years after the Wright Brother's first flight, Lost Horizon became the birthplace of aviation in Pennsylvania, when Navy Lieutenant Rudolph "Buzz" Tratsch, crash landed here. He was immediately ordered to receive flight instruction from Wilbur Wright's second cousin, Wilma. Another seven years after that historic moment, the Navy Air Station, Lost Horizon, was established.

The Navy Air Depot (NAD) came into existence in 1919, and was originally called the Aircraft Repair Department. Considering the quality of the aviators here, it was a desperately needed addition to the air station.

The history of NAD Lost Horizon covers very nearly the entire life span of aviation itself. Today, Lieutenant Tratsch's descendants remain in Lost Horizon, carrying on a proud association that manifests itself in both pioneer spirit, and commitment to mediocrity.