Charles Ray Dunn

United States of America

 

1938 - 2012

Born in Northumberland, England, Charles graduated from grammar school with honors. He immigrated to the United States as a young teen and won a scholarship to Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School where he also graduated with honors. After studying engineering at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, he joined the Air Force, became a jet pilot, helicopter pilot, and graduated from the Navy Test Pilot School. He earned a BA in electrical engineering and MBA from the University of South California. He served two tours in Vietnam as a rescue pilot with the Jolly Green Giants and was a crew member of the first non-stop flight of a helicopter across the Atlantic Ocean. He retired from the USAF after 28 years, a decorated soldier. He then worked at Boeing for 15 years as manager of Flight Test Operations and chief test pilot for the V-22. Up until his death, he was a certified flight instructor and proud member of Condair Flying Club, Quiet Birdmen, The Society of Experimental Test Pilots, and AHS International, now the Vertical Flight Society.

Charles Ray Dunn, Ret. Col. USAF, died on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at age 64.

AHS Updates: Vertiflite September/October 2012