Resting not on his laurels, but in the pilot's seat of his newest channel wing aircraft, designer Willard R. Custer celebrates the 25th anniversary of his remarkable high-lift configuration.

The prototype twin-engine all metal CCW-5 (photo, upper left), flying since 1953, took off in less than 100 feet on its maiden flight, and the company reports that it has hovered at from zero to 11-mph, although the craft is actually a STOL type. (Remaining six photos here are of the latest Custer).