A San Diego legend, Bill Gibbs has almost lived through the entire history of aviation. Gibbs was nine when his family relocated to San Diego. He learned to fly from a local pilot while working at a service station, owned by the pilot. Soon, Gibbs became co-owner of the service station owner's airplane, a small tandem two seater. Then, during the 1935 California- Pacific Exposition, Gibbs took patrons on short flights above Balboa Park in a three seat biplane. Gibbs purchased a Taylor Cub and 25 acres of land in Kearny Mesa in 1937, with the help of a bank loan, which he paid off by giving flying lessons. He cleared a 1,100 dirt strip by hand, and then contracted to build two 2,900 foot runways, and one of 1,200 feet. He named the facility Gibbs Field, also founding Gibbs Flying Service, located at Gibbs Field. In the 1940s Gibbs worked as chief pilot for San Diego aviation legend T. Claude Ryan, also teaching at the Ryan School of Aeronautics. Ryan had rented Gibbs Field as a secondary pilot training facility. In 1948, Gibbs Field was purchased by the City of San Diego, including additional adjacent land Gibbs had purchased, and was renamed Montgomery Field to honor John J. Montgomery, an early area aviation pioneer. The new field was dedicated in 1950, and Gibbs was there to present a plaque to Montgomery's brother and sister. Gibbs Flying Service remained at Montgomery Field, and is still in operation there today, with Buzz Gibbs continuing the standard set by his father. Gibbs Flying Service celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2012. Bill Gibbs is a significant part of the legacy of aviation in the San Diego region. Also a noted philanthropist, Gibbs actively supports the San Diego Air & Space Museum's scholarship program, which is dedicated to excellence in science, technology, and mathematics. Since 1989, his continuing financial support has provided for 93 scholarships, all given to San Diego area high school seniors who will attend four year colleges or universities. Gibbs also supports the Salvation Army's Joan Kroc Center and the San Diego Zoo, among other local San Diego organizations. Gibbs passed away on Nov. 19, 2016.
Inducted in 2011.
Portrait Location: Modern Jet

Induction Video