Two Deservng Aviators Receive Proper Recognition

B.J. Schramm

B. J. Schramm (below, left), founder of RotorWay Aircraft and creator of the Scorpion and Executive kit helicopters, and Edgar James Lesher, pioneer of the pusher prop design, will both be posthumously inducted into the EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame on October 27.

Debuting in 1967, Schramm's one-of-a-kind design led to the Scorpion, a breakthrough in sport flying. It became the first successful kit helicopter on the market, incorporating affordability and simplicity. By 1972, 600 kits had been produced.

In 1980, Schramm unveiled the Rotorway Executive, which refined the building process that put a reliable helicopter as an achievable goal for the homebuilder. Schramm continued to be very active in the homebuilt community until his death in 2004.

Ed Lesher

Lesher (above, right), a longtime member of EAA Chapter 113 who passed away in 1998, was a distinguished aviation teacher and engineer. He joined the University of Michigan's Department of Aerospace Engineering in 1942, and through his teaching decided to begin designing airplanes.

Lesher's "Teal" broke numerous world record setting flights for speed, and won many distinguished awards. He is remembered for his dedicated service as an educator and engineer who advanced the science of aircraft design.

The Homebuilders Hall of Fame, established in 1993, honors those who have made significant lifetime contributions to the aircraft construction community. On October 27, Schramm and Lesher will be inducted to the Hall during a special ceremony at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh.

FMI: www.eaa.org