LOUISE TIMKEN

Enshrined 1994

Louise Timken is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and a graduate of Wellesley College. She earned her pilot's license in 1943 and was active in the Civil Air Patrol During the latter stages of World War II. For years she and her late husband, Henry H. Timken, Jr., were familiar figures at major aviation events in the U.S. and abroad. In 1965 she became the first woman to be type-rated in a Learjet. She continued to fly her own Learjet, N88B, until 1992 when she generously gave it to the Pima Air & Space Museum. Widely known for her efforts to advance programs that benefit fliers and flying, she's one of the air industry's most active supporters. In 1973 she chaired the FAA's Women's Advisory Committee on Aviation. She's a trustee of the AFA's Aerospace Education Foundation, member of the EAA President's Council and past president of the Akron-Canton Regional Airport Board. She also serves as an honorary director of Tucson-based Wright Flight, among other affiliations. There is no greater champion of worthy aviation causes that Louise Timken.