J. Parker Van Zandt; Aviation Pioneer

J. Parker Van Zandt, 96, an aviation pioneer who founded an airline company at the Grand Canyon and helped establish Pan American Airways’ trans-Pacific routes. Van Zandt, who held the 17th pilot’s license issued by the government, served on the Civil Aeronautics Board, was director of aviation research at the Brookings Institute and wrote widely on aviation. He began flying with the U.S. Signal Corps during World War I. In 1927, he flew over the Grand Canyon to deliver a plane for Ford Motor Co. and later established Scenic Airways. Van Zandt also bought three cotton farms on the outskirts of Phoenix and built a landing strip, hangar and offices. Phoenix kept the name Sky Harbor when it purchased what has become its main airport. On Sunday in Santa Barbara.