HAROLD L. ABRAMS

Enshrined 2006

Harold "Bud" Abrams enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in 1942. He became a glider pilot, and then transferred to Cadet School flying the Stearman, B-25, and C-47. He flew the C-46 in the Pacific Theater during WWII, leaving the service with the rank of Captain. Bud continued private flying, aircraft repair, and parts kit designs for general aviation through his entire career. In 1965 he founded Abrams Airborne Mfg. He designed and manufactured parts for the Apollo missions, space shuttles, space station Alpha, Mars Rover, and medical and commercial products. He founded Pima Aviation, an airport development company, and Tucson Aeroservice Center, an airport FBO.

Bud was a founding member of the Pima Air & Space Museum, and served on the Board of Directors for nine years, including three years as President. He was the primary advisor to the museum on the acquisition of the SR-71 Blackbird. Bud designed the cabinets for the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame, where he served as a Trustee. He continued to fly for his entire life.