San Diego Air & Space Museum mourns the loss of Aviation Legend Bill Gibbs

Gibbs – a significant part of the legacy of aviation in the San Diego region – was 106.

Gibbs lived through almost the entire history of aviation, and certainly through the history of aviation in San Diego.

Bill Gibbs was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in 2011.

San Diego, CA – San Diego aviation legend Bill Gibbs – a significant part of the legacy of aviation in the San Diego region – passed away on October 29. He was 106.

“Bill Gibbs lived through almost the entire history of aviation, and certainly through the history of aviation in San Diego,” said Jim Kidrick, President and CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum. “He will always hold a special place in the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.”

Bill Gibbs was born on October 6, 1910 in Fallon, Nevada and 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.

During the 1935 California-Pacific Exposition, Gibbs took patrons on short flights above Balboa Park in a three-seat biplane. In 1937, Gibbs purchased a Taylor Cub and 25 acres of land in Kearny Mesa, 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 another 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. Today, the airport is named Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport after both San Diego aviation legends.

Also a noted philanthropist, Gibbs actively supported 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 awarded $252,500 in scholarships to 108 students, all given to San Diego area high school seniors who have gone on to attend four-year colleges or universities. Gibbs also supported the Salvation Army’s Joan Kroc Center and the San Diego Zoo, among other local San Diego organizations.

Bill Gibbs was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in 2011.

For more about the International Air & Space Hall of Fame, visit http://old.sandiegoairandspace.org/exhibits/online_hall_of_fame/app.html.

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The San Diego Air & Space Museum is California’s official air and space museum and education center. The Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and it was the first aero-themed Museum to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Now showing: Da Vinci: The Ultimate Innovator, a special exhibition showcasing more than 90 robotics, machines and artworks from the greatest inventor of all time. The Museum is located at 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101. The Museum and gift store are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with admissions until 4:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.