Tubal Claude Ryan (January 3, 1898 – September 11, 1982) was an American aviator born in Parsons, Kansas. Ryan was best known for founding several airlines and aviation factories.

Early years

Ryan began his flying career in 1917 when he enrolled in the American School of Aviation in Venice, California. After making his first solo flight, he was accepted into the Army Air Service with an under-age waiver. The day that he was to report, the armistice was signed, ending his prospects for a military flying career. Instead, Ryan went to Oregon State College and studied mechanical engineering, then was accepted into the Aeronautical Division of the U.S. Army (later known as the United States Army Air Corps). While in the Army, Ryan learned to fly at March Field, California, from where he graduated in 1921.

Ryan flew forestry patrol duty in northern California and Oregon until 1922, when he formed the Ryan Flying Company. His flying service operated in San Diego using a Curtiss JN-4 Jenny for joy-rides, flight instruction and charter trips. In March 1925, Ryan Airlines, Inc. started flying passengers on round trip flights between San Diego and Los Angeles. Working with Hawley Bowlus, Ryan converted six government surplus Standard J-1 biplanes into Ryan-Standards. Capable of carrying four passengers in a forward cabin, they were powered by a 150-hp Hispano-Suiza. but it is known that he was not present for the planning and development of Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis or the related Ryan Brougham, although they were enclosed and enlarged developments of the M-1.

The Ryan Aeronautical Corporation

On 1 May 1928, Ryan opened the Ryan Flying School in San Diego. Ryan Airport at Dutch Flats, also offered charter flights and other flying services. The names of these services became known as the T.C. Ryan Flying Service, the T.C. Ryan Flying School, and the T.C. Ryan Aeronautical Corporation. This company was one of many around the country that served the government's need for pilot training through the Civilian Pilot Training Program as they were increasing their readiness prior to World War II. Ryan decided to produce his own trainer aircraft, and returned to manufacturing.

Ryan died September 11, 1982, in San Diego, California. His wife, Zeta Gladys Bowen Ryan, died in 1997.

Honors

  • 1948 - Presidential Certificate of Merit, given by President Harry S. Truman in recognition of Ryan Aeronautical's contribution to the Allied war effort
  • 1958 - Horatio Alger Award
  • 1965 - International Aerospace Hall of Fame inductee
  • 1966 - Mr. San Diego, awarded annually by Civic Leaders of San Diego
  • 1970 - Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
  • 1971 - Service to Aviation Award, awarded by the National Business Aircraft Show
  • 1974 - National Aviation Hall of Fame inductee
  • 1975 - Honorary Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots
  • 1981 - Aerospace Life Achievement Award, awarded by AIAA San Diego to a living aerospace pioneer with more than fifty years' experience advancing the frontiers of aeronautics
  • 1982 - Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

References

Citations

Bibliography

  • Bowers, Peter M. "The Many Splendid Spirits of St. Louis." Air Progress, Volume 20, No. 6, June 1967.
  • Cassagneres, Ev. The Untold Story of the Spirit of St. Louis: From the Drawing Board to the Smithsonian. New Brighton, Minnesota: Flying Book International, 2002. .
  • Hall, Nova. Spirit and Creator: The Mysterious Man Behind Lindbergh's Flight to Paris. Sheffield, Massachusetts: Safe Goods Publishing, 2003. .
  • Sprekelmeyer, Linda, editor. These We Honor: The International Aerospace Hall of Fame. Donning Co. Publishers, 2006. .
  • Aerospace Memorial Biography
  • Horatio Alger Association Membership Profile