“To most people, the sky is the limit. To those who love aviation, the sky is home.” —Anonymous
Few words or phrases could better describe Kent Rex Crenshaw. Born on January 21, 1947 in San Bernardino, CA to Rex and Therina Crenshaw, Kent was destined to fly. His father was an Air Force pilot who reached the rank of major. Although his father was often gone for days or weeks on assignments, Kent worshipped him. All he ever wanted to do was follow in his dad’s footsteps and be a pilot. Always a straight-A student, Kent would spend hours in his bedroom studying or following his other passion, building model airplanes (or an occasional ship).
Of course, being an Air Force brat, Kent moved all over the world growing up. His family finally ended up in Littleton, CO, where he graduated from Littleton High School in 1965. In keeping with his dream, Kent applied for admission to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Unfortunately (but fortunately for those of us who got to know and admire Kent), the spot at the Air Force Academy that Kent was after was already filled. Instead, he was offered an appointment to West Point, which he readily accepted.
Kent’s years at West Point were somewhat quiet. He was a member of the Rifle Club, Ski Club, the Military Affairs Club, and he was a Protestant Sunday School teacher. Mostly, he spent his time studying or working out at the gym trying to conquer the weights. Kent’s life changed however, when, at 500th Night during cow year, he met a beautiful nursing student named Judy. They were married shortly after graduation and remained deeply in love until Kent’s death.
Upon graduation, Kent followed his dream and entered into the Air Force. After completing pilot training, Kent joined the 457th Tactical Airlift Wing in Vietnam, where, in the course of his tour, he earned a Distinguished Flying Cross, and three Air medals. After his tour, he served successively with the 348th Bomb Squadron (1972-73) and the 19th Bomb Wing (1973-75). After earning a master’s in aeronautical engineering, he was assigned to the Air Force Academy from 1977 to 1980 and volunteered for Test Pilot school at Edwards AFB, where he finished as the distinguished graduate.
Following his test pilot training, Kent returned to the Air Force Academy for two more years (1981-83) before becoming the commander and an instructor in the 6510th Test Wing. He served there until his retirement for the Air Force in 1989. The end of one career was just the start of a new one in which Kent became one of the best.
Upon retirement, Kent became the chief test pilot on the B-2 Bomber for Northrup Grumman. In 2000, he was recognized by the National Aeronautique Internationale as World Record Holder for “Speed Over a Recognized Course,” flying from Ulaandbaatar, Mongolia to Chicago, IL.
In 1997, Kent joined Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. as its chief test pilot for commercial and special missions test programs. He was one of a small number of test pilots on the leading edge of aeronautical research, highly regarded for his professionalism and dedication. He was instrumental in developing recovery procedures in the face of loss of control events. Tragically, Kent’s passion ended his life. On April 2, 2011, while testing a Gulfstream G650 in Roswell, NM, the aircraft crashed on takeoff, killing Kent and all three other members of the Gulfstream test team on board.
Kent’s character and professionalism was reflected in comments from those who worked with him closely. Joe Lombardo, President of Gulfstream, said of him, “Kent was an extraordinary man who had a tremendous impact on those around him. He was a conscientious pilot, a loyal friend, a respected mentor and an inspiring leader. The picture that emerges from these pages is one of profound professionalism, unwavering enthusiasm and true heroism.”
Fellow test pilot Randy Gaston said that his first impression of Kent was a consummate professional that never changed over 30 years: “He had a presence that just commanded respect from everyone he met, especially the pilots who worked with him.”
A fond memory of Kent from his Company A-1 classmate comes from Pete Mirakian, Kent’s firstie year roommate. Pete asked Kent to be his best man following graduation. Of course, Kent agreed to do it. This entailed Kent and Pete driving together for 26 straight hours from New York to Leavenworth, KS for a Saturday wedding. Of course, upon arrival Kent took charge of organizing the saber arch outside of the chapel.
Kent’s devotion to his faith (perhaps prophetically) led him and Judy on a trip to the Holy Land in March, just before his tragic accident. They were both baptized in the River Jordan during that trip.
Kent is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Judy; his son, Cameron Kent Crenshaw; and his sister, Dr. Paula Crenshaw. Kent had a positive impact on all of the lives he touched along the way and is sorely missed. His sister said that Kent’s growing old and not being able to fly would have been the real tragedy. We know now that he is sitting in that perpetual cockpit without ever having to land.
— Lew Killian