Langhorne Bond

Langhorne Bond

1937-2022

It is with profound regret that I must inform you that I just learned that Langhorne Bond, former FAA Administrator and champion for eLoran passed away peacefully in his sleep last night. 

Langhorne was a unique and special person. I first met him in Montreal, where he “dropped in” at the Navigation Services Panel to hear my briefing on Loran. I was told before lunch that my briefing would be the second one on the agenda, following the introductory remarks of the German delegate, who had requested the meeting. Returning after the break, I was told that I would be the third, as Langhorne had asked to speak first. It was an interesting way to be introduced to the energy and determination that was Langhorne Bond, and the start of a personal friendship that has spanned over twenty years. 

Langhorne was kind and generous and supported Aviation in so many ways. As the FAA Administrator, he was responsible for the second generation Ground Based Navaids, which support the NAS to this day. He was responsible for the Tech Center building, and, to the chagrin of the designers, had it “rotated” so that the Director’s office overlooked the ACY runways (which unfortunately messed up the solar loading calculations and, thanks to the growth of the pine trees, no longer offers clear runway views). 

Langhorne was the product of his family, a part of which you can read about in the book “China’s Wings”. 

Langhorne, you will be missed. You brought a dedication and energy to everything you did. You set an example of what leadership should look like. You were, for me, most importantly a kind and giving friend and mentor. You will be missed.


Langhorne was one of the key sponsors of the Virginia Gold Cup Races. Every year he was quick to offer me tickets and access to the members are, an offer I accepted gratefully on a number of occasions. He also hosted many dinners at the Metropolitan Club in Washington for the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO) and the Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation (RNTF) and invited quite a few of us out to his house looking out on the Blue Ridge Mountains for drinks and food and, best of all, great conversations and cherished memories. I remember one time in London, following an RIN meeting at Church House, a dozen or so of us found a nice place to have a “proper dinner.” After hours of eating and drinking and laughing and comparing about bureaucracies and the like, Langhorne disappeared for a few minutes, returning with waiter carrying some appropriate nightcaps, after which time he spoke of his age and wished us all a good night.  In the end, when we were ready to depart and asked for the check, we were informed that “the gentleman had already settled the account.”


Langhorne was a great man, friend, mentor, and civil servant, whose guardianship of the FAA’s safety culture never waivered. A true example to all who followed and to those who hold positions of responsibility today. Longhorns never apologized for actions that ensured the safety of the aviation community and never let economic factors — not in the government sector and not in the private sector, impinged on FAA’s mission — to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world! I can only hope that those who take up his mantle will signify the position of authority trusted to them. Your job now is to watch over us from above and let your legacy help guide future generations of aviation regulators and service providers. Rest In Peace, my friend.


- A tribute from Mitch Narins

Read more about Langhorne's life and achievements here.