Captain Wayne Poulson: Pan Am Pilot
- Bill Travis
- Jul 17, 2025
- 2 min read
Captain Wayne Poulson: Pan Am Pilot, Visionary of Squaw Valley & Gentleman of the Skies
Few pilots have left their mark both in the air and on the mountain the way Captain Wayne Poulson did.
A skilled and respected Pan Am Captain, Poulson was also the founding visionary behind Squaw Valley, the iconic California ski resort that hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. In the 1940s, he and his wife Sandy assembled over 600 acres of high Sierra land and partnered with attorney Alex Cushing to develop what became one of the most celebrated ski destinations in America.
Though Cushing pushed for a major resort, Poulson remained committed to building a smaller, community-focused ski area called Papoose, keeping his dream rooted in simplicity, nature, and the love of alpine life.
I had the pleasure of flying with Captain Poulson in 1968 as a copilot.
He was humble, kind, and always generous. At one crew dinner, he quietly picked up the tab for all the wine — a small but lasting gesture that reflected the grace he brought to every aspect of life.
But Captain Poulson’s career also included one harrowing moment that tested his leadership.
In December 1969, while commanding Pan Am Flight N892PA “Clipper Star King,” a Boeing 707-321B departing Sydney for Honolulu, the aircraft suffered a bird strike during takeoff. Captain Poulson initiated an emergency abort, but with too little runway remaining, the aircraft overran the end and came to rest nose-down in the mud.
Miraculously, all passengers and crew were safely evacuated. Captain Poulson personally walked the cabin to ensure everyone was off before exiting himself — a testament to his character and calm under pressure.
Among the crew that day was Elizabeth Turlington who was pregnant with her first child. She was married to Pan Am pilot Dwain Turlington. Her second child, born years later, would go on to become supermodel Christy Turlington.
There’s more to that remarkable story — and we’ll share it soon.
From navigating international skies to building snowy slopes into Olympic history, Wayne Poulson’s legacy remains etched in both flight and mountain lore.
If you remember Captain Poulson or ever visited Squaw Valley, share your memories below — or tag someone who should see this tribute.
More Pan Am tributes are coming — Follow Me at https://facebook.com/captainbilltravis91 for the next one. ________________________________________
Comments