Former Gulfstream Chief Dead at 78

Allen E. Paulson, a man who rose from humble beginnings to bring Gulfstream to the forefront of business jet manufacturing, has died in California at age 78 after a long battle with cancer.

Paulson created the modern Gulfstream Aerospace in 1978, by combining Rockwell's Oklahoma City-based general aviation division with Grumman Aerospace's corporate jet division in a $52 million deal.

"From 1978 until the company's sale to General Dynamics in 1999, Allen Paulson was the leader of, or involved in some significant way with, our company," said Bill Boisture, Gulfstream's president and chief operating officer. "Gulfstream's employees will be remembering his family in their thoughts and prayers."
Born in Clinton, Iowa as the youngest of five boys, Paulson spent his early years working on the family's 40-acre farm, developing a fondness for horses that would resurface later in life.

But his greatest passion was for airplanes, and Paulson would hitch rides with local barnstormers when they came into town. This interest culminated in a 30-cent-per-hour job as an entry-level mechanic for TWA.

Paulson next spent a year studying engineering at the University of West Virginia, served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, and returned to TWA as a flight engineer.

In 1952, Paulson formed California Airmotive, a company focused on aircraft refurbishment, design and construction, and by the 1960s, he had contracted to become Learjet's main distributor.

Paulson formed American Jet Industries in 1970 to develop the Hustler, a corporate aircraft that featured a propeller in front for short runway use, and a jet in back for high-altitude cruising.

Though not a commercial success, the venture ultimately led to Paulson's creation of Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. Along the way, he became a commercial and instrument-rated jet and helicopter pilot, establishing 35 international records in Gulfstream IVs.

Success in aerospace allowed Paulson to pursue his longtime interest in horse racing, and over the years he built a horse racing empire that included 32 Breeders Cup starters and eight winners.

"Everything I did always went back to what I learned at an early age," Paulson said. "The best way to get ahead is to put more effort into things than the other fellows did."
Paulson is survived by his wife, three sons, four grandchildren and one brother. A private family funeral is planned.

By Paul Richfield