Aerodynamicist, STOL pioneer, entrepreneur, businessman, and aviation innovator James Raisbeck was born in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. He enrolled at Purdue University, but, spurred by his love of aviation, left school to join the Air Force. After a successful Air Force career, Raisbeck re-entered Purdue to study aeronautics and mathematics. After graduation, Raisbeck began work as a research aerodynamicist at the Boeing Airplane Company in Seattle, Washington. While at Boeing, Raisbeck worked with a team designing and testing an advanced trailing edge flap system for the 707 prototype, intended to allow flight at speeds as low as 60 knots. He was then assigned as Boeing liaison at the Aeronautical Laboratories at Wright- Patterson AFB. Raisbeck left Boeing in 1969 to become a consultant, and later, President and Chief Engineer at Robertson Aircraft Corporation. Raisbeck led Robertson's design and its certification of its innovative Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) concept for twin engine aircraft, installed on Cessna and Piper aircraft. He founded Raisbeck Engineering in 1973, working with Boeing on 727 noise reduction and with Airbus on cabin efficiency. Raisbeck Engineering also developed enhanced security systems for aircraft, including a new armored cockpit security system. This was a cost effective solution, allowing aircraft companies to comply with post 9/11 Federal Aviation Administration safety requirements. Raisbeck has received a number of awards and honors, including Purdue University's Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award, and the Outstanding Aerospace Engineer Award. Purdue also awarded Raisbeck an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering. He is also a noted Pacific Northwest philanthropist. Raisebeck passed away at the age of 84 on August 31, 2021.
Inducted in 2011.
Portrait Location: Modern Jet

Induction Video