Who are the top 10 in experimental aviation?

[N941WR]

Originally Posted by sprucemoose

Greg Richter? I'll see that and raise you Jim Bede.

I'll raise you Troy Woodland!

For those that don't know who Greg Richter is, he started Blue Mountain Avionics, basically the forbearer of all of our modern experimental EFIS's.

I might even add Klaus from Light Speed to the list because he was the first "successful" electronic ignition manufacture for experimental aircraft.

[David-aviator]

He/she who has built and flown an experimental airplane is a 10.

All the notable gurus are in the first 9.

[Jim Sinkbeil]

Dean is on Van's list.

[HeliCooper]

I know it's a fixed wing forum but Mr. Igor Sikorsky has to be top ten for his work in rotorcraft as well as some pioneering work in airplanes. Probably have to include Wernher von Braun for aerospace engineering even though he got his start with the Nazi party and didn't believe in staged rockets for the moon mission.

[plehrke]

tony bingelis. He wrote the book on experimentals.

[gerrychuck]

Chris Heintz of Zenair is certainly worthy of consideration. Maybe Lance Neibauer too.

[AK4x4]

The listed names are very appropriate, however I think only us experimental aviation types will know all these names. My Wife is a 2100hr CFII, but not really into the experimental side of aviation, and she knows less than half the listed names. Outside of aviation circles (as the OP suggested) only the Wright Brothers, out of the current list, are widely known. I would suggest Chuck Yeager and just maybe Billy Mitchell for the WW2 generation are widely known by non-aviation types.....go ahead and ask someone outside of aviation circles, you will be surprised by who they don't know. Sadly the general public knows very little about aviation, its history and notable names. This is a good opportunity to raise awareness regarding our corner of the aviation world. Forward progress on many issues near and dear to the aviation community may benefit from a better educated and informed public. my .002 Russ

[DanH]

Here's a starter list:

http://www.eaa.org/en/airventure/abo...t-raspet-award

Hard to pick a Top Ten, but what the heck...in no particular order:

Dick VanGrunsven

Burt Rutan

Bob Bushby

Dean Wilson

Curtiss Pitts

Alan and Dale Klapmeier

Ray Stits

Homer Kolb

Steve Wittman

Lance Neibauer

[SHIPCHIEF]

I always think of Steve Wittman first, but I really like the whole list. I actually recognize most of the names.
I just want to add: There are many aviation legends alive right now (although they would likely deny it) so go meet them while you can!
I should talk (flying hermit) but my wife is a social flier, and has us joined to Washington Pilots Association, Western Antique Fliers, she's a 99, and I'm in EAA 326.
These are some of the people that will be on the next issue of 'the list'.
Vlad; Thanks for opening up the border, so to speak.
I liked the first person description of Montgolfier's first balloon flight in the movie Highlander.

[JonJay]

Jimmy Doolittle
Among his many achievements, the first experimental instrument flights.