Dennis G. Yerkey (87) is an Instrument Rated Private Pilot and aviation enthusiast, historian, and former business owner, primarily known for his long-term involvement with the OX5 Aviation Pioneers organization. He is recognized as a dedicated preservationist of early aviation history in the Western Pennsylvania region.
Role with OX5 Aviation Pioneers
Yerkey has served in multiple leadership roles for the OX5 Aviation Pioneers, a group dedicated to honoring the men and women who took part in early aviation, particularly those associated with the OX-5 engine. His roles have included:
- National Governor and Webmaster: He manages the organization’s digital presence, including the national website where he publishes newsletters, reunion details, and historical articles.
- Past National President: He has served at the highest level of the organization’s leadership.
His work for OX5 often involves archiving and sharing rare materials, such as historical home movies from 1930s airshows, digitizing decades of national newsletters, and scanning out-of-print historical books.
Contribution to Aviation History
Yerkey is a key source of historical information regarding aviation in the region surrounding Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His contributions include:
- Biographical Research: In 1985, he provided extensive biographical material for Taylor Publishing Co. on Johnny Evans, a prominent flying circus performer, air show operator, and early air mail pilot who helped Cliff Ball establish service from Pittsburgh to Cleveland.
- Regional Expertise: He has documented the development of aviation pioneers at historical sites such as Bettis Field, Latrobe, Finleyville, Washington, and Beaver.
Personal Background
Dennis G. Yerkey is a 1958 graduate of Monongahela High School and Duquesne University of Pittsburgh. He has been a resident of Jefferson Hills, a borough in the South Hills of Pittsburgh for 30 years.
