Aviation Pioneers
Kansas Aviation Museum 2011 Hall of Fame and Governor’s Honor Awards! In honor of those who have made outstanding contributions to Kansas aviation, the Kansas Department of Aviation through the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) had realized years ago, that a function be created to recognize individuals who played a major role in the contribution and development of Kansas Aviation. James Jabara James "Jabby" Jabara (October 10, 1923 - November 17, 1966) was the second-highest-scoring U.S. ace of the Korean War. He was the first American jet ace in history. 2nd Lt. Erwin R. Bleckley Second Lt. Erwin R. Bleckley, a U.S. Army Air Service observer, and his pilot rose above the call of duty, flying close to the tree tops over enemy positions entrenched with rattling machine guns during two attempts to help save more than 500 American Soldiers who were completely surrounded. MAJOR GENERAL JOE HENRY ENGLE Maj. Gen. Joe Henry Engle (U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard) was born in Dickinson County, Kan., on Aug. 26, 1932. After attending grade school in Chapman, Kan., and graduating from Dickinson County High School, he went to the University of Kansas, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering in 1955. John Glenn John Herschel Glenn Jr. (born July 18, 1921, in Cambridge, Ohio) is a former astronaut who became the third person and first American to orbit the Earth, and later, United States Senator. Aviation Legend: Lee Atwood 1904 - 1999 Aviation legend Lee Atwood -- who was instrumental in designing the P-51 Mustang; the F-100, world's first operational supersonic jet fighter; the X-15 rocket plane; and the Apollo Command Module that took astronauts to the moon -- died on March 5, 1999, at the age of 94. Alexander Velovich - MiG Designer Alexander Velovich joined the Mikoyan Design Bureau in 1978 after graduating from the Moscow Aviation Institute with a background in mechanical engineering, flight dynamics, and flight testing. Tribute To John R. Boyd Boyd, as a combat pilot in Korea and as a tactics instructor at Nellis AFB in the Nevada desert, observed, analyzed, and assimilated the relative energy states of his aircraft and those of his opponent's during air combat engagements. Albert Scott Crossfield Albert Scott Crossfield (October 2, 1921 – April 19, 2006), normally referred to as Scott Crossfield, was an American naval officer, aviator and test pilot. William E. Boeing William E. Boeing left Yale University in 1903 to take advantage of opportunities in the risky and cyclical, but financially rewarding, Northwest timber industry. That experience would serve him well in aviation. The 2004 Kansas Aviation Honor Awards The Kansas Aviation Museum (KAM) and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) through the office of Director of Aviation, have honored Kansans for the year 2004 who have contributed significantly to aviation in the state of Kansas. Walter J. Boyne Walter J. Boyne, former director of the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, retired in 1974 as a Colonel with more than 5,000 hours in a score of aircraft including the B-50, B-47 and the B-52. Drew Steketee President and Chief Executive Officer of the BE A PILOT Foundation in Washington D.C. JULIUS EARL SCHAEFER Known for his innovative leadership skills and entrepreneurial abilities, he became an internationally respected aviation executive. Edward H. Phillips Edward H. Phillips is a general aviation researcher, historian and author. Clay Lacy, President, Clay Lacy Aviation While other Midwest boys were riding bicycles, building treehouses and spending lazy summer afternoons fishing in the Arkansas River, Clay became interested in model airplanes at age 5. FRANK E. HEDRICK As a former president of Beech Aircraft Corporation in Wichita, Frank E. Hedrick believed that a person should do any job assigned better than the job had ever been done before. Russell W. Meyer, Jr. A native of Davenport, Iowa, Meyer graduated from Yale University with a BA in 1953 and received his Doctor of Law degree from Harvard Law School in 1961. RONALD D. RYAN When Ron was growing up in Burlington, Iowa, he fantasized about becoming a pilot. Not only did his dream come true, he is the sole owner of a very successful airline. LLOYD C. STEARMAN On October 26, 1898, Lloyd Stearman was born in Wellsville, Kansas. As a college student he attended Kansas State College in Manhattan, Kansas and studied engineering and architecture. MOYA OLSEN LEAR Moya shared in his discouragements as well as his spectacular triumphs with the Learjet Co. in Wichita. They were deeply dedicated to Kansas aviation. A Day In the Life of Paul Bowen Upstairs in old corner building near the heart of Wichita, is the office of the international aviation photographer, Paul Bowen. WALTER H. BEECH Soloing in 1914, Beech served as an instructor in the aviation section during World War I. CLYDE VERNON CESSNA For his insight and outstanding contributions to AVIATION, Clyde Vernon Cessna has achieved the honor and respect of his fellow countrymen and others throughout the world. William Powell Lear, Sr. In the late 1950's, William P. Lear, Sr. envisioned a small private jet airplane for business travelers that would equal the performance of commercial jetliners Lionel D. Alford Mr. Alford has had a unique and distinguished engineering career, his contributions to progress and to excellence make him an outstanding role model for students and practicing engineers. James Jabara: Hero Reprinted by the kind permission of the author Craig Miner, Professor of History at Wichita State University. |
