In 1928, at the age of 15, Tony LeVier took his first flying lesson, beginning a life-long devotion to aviation. By 1932 he had a commercial pilot's license and was successful in several major air racing events, attracting considerable public notice. LeVier's association with Lockheed Aircraft Corporation began in 1941. In 1942 he joined the Flight Test division as a test pilot, where he conducted a major test program on the P-38 fighter's high speed flight characteristics. As a technical representative, he also presented high speed flight demonstrations and lectured to P-38 pilots in England to maximize the aircraft's combat capabilities and flight safety. LeVier's experience in jetpowered aircraft began in June 1944 when he flew the initial flight test of the XP-80A, America's first operational jet fighter. During the ensuing eleven years, as chief engineering test pilot, he went on to fly the first test flights on most all of Lockheed's jet-powered aircraft. He was the third person to reach the speed of sound, and was the first pilot to reach the speed of 1,000 miles per hour in a turbine-powered airplane, the F-104. In 1955 he was appointed director of Flying Operations and retired from Lockheed in 1974. Tony LeVier made substantial contributions to aviation. His flight test work over the years has greatly assisted in the advancement of airplane design. His continued emphasis on thorough pilot training and 2-seat jet trainers have no doubt saved many young pilot's lives. In retirement, this emphasis on flight safety has had a very positive impact on aviation. LeVier passed away on Feb. 6, 1998.
Inducted in 1993.
Portrait Location: Hall of Fame Hallway