Founder, Former Chairman and CEO of Raisbeck Engineering, Passes

James Raisbeck passed away Tuesday, August 31st, 2021.

James was an iconic figure in the aviation industry and the founder of Raisbeck Engineering with a sixty-seven year long career. “I am honored to lead the company that bears James Raisbeck’s name. I enjoyed meeting and getting to know James and I valued his input, insights and wisdom. We will miss James tremendously and our hearts reach out to his family and friends,” said Hal Chrisman, the President of Raisbeck Engineering.

Impossible to fully summarize his amazing accomplishments, some highlights of his career are listed below...

In 1954 James’s career in aviation took off in the US Air Force as an Airman Basic E-1 before enrolling in Purdue University to pursue his dream career of aircraft design. He graduated in 1961 with his degree in Aeronautical Engineering. After working with Boeing, he worked as President and Chief Engineer at Robertson Aircraft Corporation and then began focusing on improving the Learjet wing.

In 1973, Raisbeck left Robertson and officially launched his own company.

In 1981, James turned his focus to the Beechcraft King Air family. Often described as the man who could see air flow, James saw possibilities for improving the King Air’s productivity, performance, safety, and overall customer usefulness. Raisbeck’s engineering team began design work on what was later to be certified as the Mark VI system for the King Air 200 series which included several systems that are still in use today: the Ram Air Recovery System, Dual Aft Body Strakes, and High Float Gear Doors.

A year later, Raisbeck Engineering was incorporated and the name Raisbeck has become synonymous with the King Air. 

James’ legacy abides in his generous philanthropy and enthusiasm for his community, particularly education and the arts. James and his wife Sherry, through their Foundation, have given significant grants over the years in support of Education, the Arts, the Museum of Flight, Medical Research, and the Raisbeck Aviation High School. 

He and Sherry have two daughters, a son, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

FMI: www.raisbeck.com