Logbooks of the Lafayette Escadrille 103rd Pursuit Squadron
Recently the library undertook the process of restoring and digitizing two logbooks of the Lafayette Escadrille 103rd Pursuit Squadron from World War I. The project was completed on October 15, 2006 and now the diaries are open to the public for research. The logbooks record the day-to-day lives and combat details of the members of the 103rd Squadron. One of the books is dated from June 1, 1918 to December 15, 1918 and contains notes, flights, and kills. The other, dated from February 19, 1918 to March 19, 1919 is a diary of patrols and other activities.

Burdett Fuller Collection
Recognized as a pioneer commercial pilot, licensed as Transport Pilot #538, Fuller logged 10,031 hours, 38,225 flights, and 18,259 passengers during his commercial pilot career. Burdett Fuller never lost a passenger or student. Fuller sold his interest in Burdett Airline and Airport to Jack Frye in 1927 and later worked for Douglas Aircraft as a test pilot. [more].

Charles Babb Collection
The Library and Archives at the San Diego Air & Space Museum recently received a very important historical collection. The Museum is the honored recipient of papers, patents, and photos from the estate of Charles H Babb, a man who played a very significant role in the history of Southern California Aviation. [more].

Mark Irwin Photograph Collection
Mark Irwin worked for Convair as the Chief of the Film and Video Group from 1944 to 1977, during one of the most innovative and productive time periods of the company’s existence. His work covers Convair's premier programs such as the Seadart, the R3Y Tradewind, the Atlas ballistic missile, the POGO and the Tomahawk cruise missile.[more].

Birdie Draper Collection
Birdie Viola Draper was born in 1916 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At age 20, Miss Draper began training as a parachutist with Stub Chrissinger, an instructor for Hincks Flying Service. Mr. Chrissinger was one of two licensed parachute riggers in Minnesota at the time. After her training, Miss Draper joined a stunt group of Thrill Day Performers. She became known as the "Queen of Daredevils", performing at thrill shows and fairs throughout the country. [more].

Eugene P. Rankin Collection
A graduate of the Naval Academy, Rankin earned his wings at Pensacola, Florida, in 1941. Two years later, he became commanding officer of a squadron of Consolidated PBY Catalina patrol aircraft in the Pacific, known as the Black Cat Squadron, and earned the Legion of Merit. [more].