Wayne Wiesner

United States of America

 

1916 - 2007

Wayne Wiesner was an early founder of the American Helicopter Society and an active member since 1943. During his career, he worked for several firms noted for their achievements in pioneering vertical flight, including Kellett Autogyro Corp., Hiller Aircraft, Boeing and Vertol’s Helicopter Research Department. His work spanned 15 helicopters, three autogyros and three wind turbines. An expert in his field, he consulted with NASA and various government agencies even after his retirement.

Wiesner was born in Silverton, Oregon on July 5, 1916. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1940 and subsequently received advanced degrees from lectured at Stanford and published several technical papers on rotary wing structures and wind energy technology. While in the National Guard, he became an expert marksman, which led to a hobby of collecting rare guns dating as far back as the American Revolution. He received many awards during his career, among which was the prestigious AHS Alexander Klemin Award in 1982. Wiesner was a member of several honorary societies, including Tau Beta Pi, Pi Mu Epsilon, Sigma Zi and Phi Kappa Phi. He loved fishing, economics, and writing poetry. He loved to golf and was a member Meridian Valley Country Club.  Wayne had a great mind and a wry sense of humor.

Mr. Wiesner passed away December 6, 2007 at his home in Kent, Washington.

AHS Updates: Vertiflite Spring 2008