James S. Kishi

United States of America

 

James S. Kishi was an aerospace engineer and test pilot with the Federal Aviation Administration's Aircraft Certification Division starting in 1982.  Most recently, he worked in the ACD's Project Support Section-Domestic.

A native of Orange, Texas, Kishi received his master's degree in aerospace and mechanical engineering from the University of Texas. While at Texas, he played football for the Longhorns as a tackle on two Cotton Bowl teams.

Kishi was a veteran of World War II and Korea.  Prior to joining the FAA, he served 10 years as Director of Research and Development for the US Army Aviation Test Board at Ft. Rucker. As a test pilot, Kishi had few peers.  He had nearly 17,400 hours of flight time and achieved ratings in 60 helicopters and 100 fixed-wing aircraft.  Kishi became a Master Aviator in the FAA Accident Prevention Wings programs, and he held an A & P mechanics' license. Kishi died in Kansas City, Missouri on March 28.  He was 67.

AHS Update: Vertiflite September/October 1992