Michael Doades Inducted into Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame for Distinguished Aviation Career
Michael Doades has been inducted into the Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. Honored as a decorated Army veteran and ATA Airlines L-1011 Fleet Manager, Doades's career spans from military service in Vietnam to a significant tenure in commercial aviation. His journey began in 1962 when he earned his first pilot certificate, inspired by an introductory flight with future Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame member George Mikelsons. In 1964, Doades joined the Army, earning his aviator wings and serving in Vietnam as a warrant officer flying the UH-1 Huey. During his service, he accumulated over 950 hours, conducting numerous missions including command and control, medevac, re-supply, and rescue operations, earning 16 Air Medals. After his military service, Doades reconnected with Mikelsons, working for Voyager 1000 and later Ambassadair Travel Club, where he served as Director of Operations. He eventually joined American Trans Air (ATA) in 1981, becoming the fleet manager for DC-10 and Lockh...