William “Bill” McGrath, 60, died in late December, following a battle with cancer. After flying B-52s in the USAF, McGrath began his business aviation career in 1985, joining Dallas-based SimuFlite as director of marketing and sales. He served as president and CEO of Vector Training Systems, and led sales and marketing efforts for SkyPlus Technologies before establishing his own consulting business. Under WJM Consulting, McGrath helped launch the Eclipse Aviation Simulator Training Center as center manager in Albuquerque, N.M. He is survived by his wife, Melinda, six children and seven grandchildren.
Paul Wiater, 64, director of operations of the FAA’s “Hangar 6” at Reagan National Airport for the past 18 years, died on January 28. In 1991 he retired with the rank of colonel from the USAF and joined the FAA, where he continued to pursue his love of aviation. During his career, he flew more than 10,000 military and civilian hours. Wiater is survived by his wife, Debbie, his son and daughter and one grandson.
