Howie Keefe

Howie Keefe started his flying career in 1941 flying a Piper J-3 Cub on skis while in the Civilian Pilot Training (CPT) program. After the Navy gave him a pair of gold wings, and retiring from military service in 1950, Howie found a surplus North American P-51 and highly modified it--then flew it to victory at the air races under the name "Miss America." The airplane became an icon within racing circles and is still racing today.

Howie Keefe started his flying career in 1941 flying a Piper J-3 Cub on skis while in the Civilian Pilot Training (CPT) program. After the Navy gave him a pair of gold wings, and retiring from military service in 1950, Howie found a surplus North American P-51 and highly modified it--then flew it to victory at the air races under the name "Miss America." The airplane became an icon within racing circles and is still racing today. See less