N. L. Avery

Although N.L. Avery wrote what is universally accepted as "the" book on the B-25, information about him is hard to come by. His book "B-25 Mitchell, the Magnificent Medium" is one of the most complete technical reference manuals ever written on the bomber. Every historian, including myself relies heavily on the information that Norm put into that book. The history of the B-25 survives because of his work.

Norm was born in Iowa in 1919. As many young boys of that era, he was inspired by the newly emerging flight industry. In 1937 he moved to Pasadena, California to study aero technology at Pasadena City College. In 1941 he joined North American Aviation, Inc. as a draftsman. Later, he was promoted to a design engineer. After 40 years in the California aircraft and atomic energy industry, Norm retired in 1980 to Mount Shasta, California.

While working as a design engineer, Norm worked on many influential aircraft. He worked on the BT-9, AT-6, P-51, P-82, FJ-1, F-86, B-70, B-1, and of course the B-25. Lockheed saw his work on the L-1011. Norm also worked on Northrop's Radio Plane projects MX-2013 and MX-2144.

Along with his book, released in 1992, Norm wrote many articles for the American Aviation Historical Society. He was married to his lovely wife Barbara, and raised three children. In his leisure time, he enjoyed high power rifle competition. The latter part of the war, 1944-1946, was spent with the U.S. Army in the Western Pacific.