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Rare Primary-Source Aviation Research Archive from Ohio University Avionics Engineering Center
Offered here is a substantial, cohesive original archive from James D. Nickum (Project Engineer, Ohio University Avionics Engineering Center) documenting early 1980s FAA and NASA-related avionics flight testing. This is not a generic collection of airplane pictures - it is a working technical and photographic record of pioneering work on cockpit weather data dissemination and related avionics challenges in thunderstorm conditions.
Historical SignificanceIn 1981–1982, Ohio University’s Avionics Engineering Center conducted independent evaluations and supporting flight tests for the FAA/MITRE Cockpit Weather Dissemination System (CWDS) — also known as the FAA/MITRE Weather Data Device. This early datalink system uplinked processed weather radar reflectivity maps and text data to aircraft cockpits via VOR voice channels, providing pilots with near-real-time synoptic weather views to improve thunderstorm avoidance and safety in general aviation.
Nickum played a key hands-on role as Project Engineer. His own FAA-sponsored report (“The Effects of Precipitation Static and Lightning on the Airborne Reception of LORAN-C,” OU/AEC/EER-54-2, April 1982) explicitly references installing and using a prototype FAA/MITRE weather radar uplink receiver aboard the university’s DC-3 flying laboratory (N7AP) during thunderstorm flights. The archive visually documents exactly this era of work: test aircraft, cockpit and cabin avionics installations, electronics racks, weather data printouts, field operations, and engineering activity.
Related Ohio University research by Richard H. McFarland, James D. Nickum, and Daryl L. McCall (including the 1983 paper “Weather Data Communication and Utilization”) built directly on these efforts and is preserved in NASA’s NTRS. This lot captures the behind-the-scenes reality of that foundational avionics research — work that helped lay conceptual groundwork for modern datalink weather systems (FIS-B, graphical cockpit weather, etc.).
Provenance Highlights (This is what makes the lot exceptional)
- Many of the large-format photographs are personally dated/stamped “Photo by James Nickum” or “Jim Nickum” on the back, with dates on numerous images.
- Includes an original hand-signed letter from R.W. Lilley (Associate Director, OU Avionics Engineering Center), dated June 2, 1981, explaining a May 29, 1981 damage incident to DC-3 N7AP (wing burned/arc damage) during FAA precipitation static (p-static) noise testing. The letter references attached photographs — several dramatic airframe damage images are present in the lot.
- Two dated original test flight receiver printouts/diagrams showing weather patterns (August 29 and 31, 1981) — these directly tie to the MITRE weather uplink hardware used in the tests.
- An August 1982 presentation slide naming McFarland, Nickum, and McCall under the “Weather Data Communication and Utilization” project.
This depth of stamped, original, dated, and internally documented material from a named participant in a specific FAA/NASA-linked program is exceptionally rare.
Contents (Approximate Counts)
- ~100 large-format high-quality photographs (mainly 8×10", a few 6×9"/9×6", ~12–15 duplicates). These are stunning documentary images of aircraft, equipment, staff, and test operations.
- ~137 smaller color photographs (roughly 3.5×5").
- 21 black-and-white high-resolution photographs (~7×5", including a few duplicates and 4–5 with production flaws).
- 12 black-and-white contact sheets (200+ images).
- 99 Kodachrome / slide transparencies (many related to the research, with some duplicates and age-related color shift on a few).
- 51 film negatives (some matching prints, others unique).
- Contact sheets, original photo sleeves, and supporting materials as found.
- Technical items: 2 dated weather receiver diagrams/printouts + the signed Lilley incident letter.
Subject MatterExcellent and varied: DC-3 N7AP test aircraft (interior/exterior), cockpit/cabin avionics installations, electronics racks and modules, weather-data receiver/display equipment, flight test operations, field sites, instrumentation (oscilloscopes, etc.), crew and staff activity, dramatic airframe damage photos tied to the p-static incident, and technical documentation. Several images align with the weather-data communication presentation and the exact hardware referenced in the 1981–1982 reports.
This archive will appeal strongly to aviation historians, avionics collectors, researchers in meteorology/aviation data links, Ohio University alumni, FAA/Mitre retirees, and institutions building collections on the history of cockpit weather systems or general aviation safety research. Material of this depth and direct provenance from a documented 1980s FAA test program almost never appears on the open market.
Features
- Original Ohio University Avionics Engineering Center archive
- Associated with James D. Nickum / Jim Nickum
- Early 1980s FAA/MITRE-era cockpit weather / avionics research
- Includes DC-3 N7AP aircraft photographs and test documentation
- Includes signed R.W. Lilley letter about 1981 damage/testing incident
- Includes 2 dated weather receiver diagrams from August 1981
- Includes 99 slides, 51 negatives, 137 color photos, 12 contact sheets
- Includes 100 large prints plus 21 black-and-white high-resolution prints
- Many items stamped Photo by James Nickum
- Strong crossover appeal: aviation, avionics, FAA, research, technical history
Shipping & Returns
- Free US Shipping (insured, well-packed in sturdy box with acid-free protection for prints/negatives)
- 30-day returns accepted
Local pickup available in the Sanford, Florida area if preferred.
This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to own a piece of early digital weather datalink and avionics test history. Feel free to message with questions or requests for additional scans.
