Norman Ralston
Norman William Ralston (November 28, 1916 – November 14, 2007) was an American pilot.[1]
Norman "Swede" William Ralston | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 28, 1916 |
| Died | November 14, 2007 (aged 90) |
| Occupation | Aviator Airshow Pilot Business Man Flight Instructor |
| Spouse(s) | Radah Ardath Ralston |
| Children | Dana Jean McCullough Radah "Sissy" Ardath Bentson Norman William Ralston Jr. Mary Louise Ralston. |
| Parent(s) | William Grey Ralston and Ester Josephine Mortenson |
Biography
During World War II, Ralston, known as "Swede", trained hundreds of Army pilots at the Rankin Air Academy in Tulare, California. Rankin Aeronautical Academy was a civilian flight school for the United States Army Air Corps.
As a stunt pilot, he operated a fleet of aircraft for Ralston Airshows. Ralston became famous for flying an AT-6 Texan through Naval Air Station Tillamook, a World War II Blimp Hangar, in Tillamook, Oregon. Ralston constructed the first commercial hangar at Hillsboro, Oregon and helped found the Hillsboro Airport. He co-founded the airline company Aero Air, a successful full service Fixed Based Operator.[2]
Awards
- Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award
- International Council of Air Shows Hall of Fame Award
- Federal Aviation Administration's Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award
References
- Aircraft and Artifacts Hall of Honor Members
- McNichol, Bethanye (July 27, 1995). "West Zoner: Our Town: Hillsboro Community Close Up". The Oregonian. p. 1.
External links
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