Alex Paul
There are defining moments in any life. For Ernie Pickett, one such moment came in 1936 when his brother, Gene, bought his 17-year-old brother a ride in a bright yellow biplane over the beach in Crescent City, Calif.
That single event kindled a burning passion in the young Pickett that would not die.
Eight years later, that passion for flying instilled in the now Air Corps lieutenant, would lead to a year in…