By Nicholas Mathes & Nicholas Toney

Born February 22 1896, Alexis Brenier McMullen became the first Director of Aviation for Florida, Director of Airports and Airways for the WPA, and Chief of the Airports section of the Bureau of Air Commerce, the predecessor for the FAA. Alexis developed an airport and airway system that became the model for the aviation industry in the United States.

Both a pilot and administrator, McMullen became involved in the development of American aviation at the state, local, and national levels. He learned to fly in WW1 and would quickly move on to become a flight instructor and Base Engineering Officer. Additionally, he barnstormed with Mabel Cody and was the owner and operator of a variety of aviation companies including flying schools and aircraft distributors. After becoming Florida’s first state Director of Aviation, he crafted and implemented the first state-wide aviation development plan in the US.

McMullen’s legacy would continue into WW2, as he served the USAAF in several capacities related to Air Traffic Control in the continental US and in North Africa. After retirement from military service, McMullen founded the National Association of State Aviation Officials in 1948 and remained with the association until he retired in 1970. He was active in the Air Reserve Association of the US, CAP, and Aviation Employees Insurance Co. McMullen passed on December 30, 1979 in Fairfax, VA.