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Martins Creek Few people in life take an airplane up into the sky, only to head back down toward earth while rolling the aircraft repeatedly for entertainment. Meet Dan McClung, a local business owner and man of many talents.
Born in Logan, W.Va., in 1951, he would be a recipient of worldwide travel at an early age as a result of his dad’s relocations with the U.S. Navy. McClung spent time in Hawaii and graduated from high school in Norfolk, Va.
The world traveler earned a bachelor’s of science degree in forestry management at Auburn University. He moved from Jasper, Ala., to Cherokee County almost three years ago.
His first job as a youngster was delivering newspapers while in the third grade.
As a young man, he enlisted in the Navy in December 1973, which paid his way through college. He flew missions from an aircraft carrier. McClung retired from his military service as a commander in 1996.
McClung spent 25 years as a Delta Airlines pilot and, along with the average traveler, he has transported the San Diego Chargers football team and members of golfing’s elite Masters.
Among his many hours of flight training are also hours spent training how to perform death-defying air acrobatics. He even built a red and white bi-plane he named “The Talon Eagle”.
His stunt training has afforded him the opportunity to perform in numerous airshows and alongside the Blue Angels.
The self-proclaimed “adrenaline junkie” has had his share of scary situations over the years, which included the crashing of two planes while being able to walk away from near death. In one incident, he not only survived a crash leaving him banged-up, but then had to cross a field with a bull that chased him until he could reach safety.
Today, one may see McClung with his wife, Maria, who was born in 1966 in Marietta, Ga., at their business – Appalachian Electric Bikes & Frameworks downtown on Tennessee Street. They make custom frames for photography and other works as well as cater to the outdoor enthusiast with their Rambo and other electric bikes.
The bike’s frame sits atop large tires and is pedal-assisted, with a battery pack capable of reaching a top speed of about 20 mph. They host one- and two-hour guided and scenic tours so those interested can familiarize themselves with how the bikes operate.
The McClungs enjoy raising Labradors, hunting, fishing, boating, skiing and hiking.
McClung and his wife have two children and four grandchildren. In 10 years, “We’ll see where God takes us,” he said.
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