One of the first commercial helicopter pilots in the U.S. died June 15. Joseph Seward got his commercial helicopter certificate in 1947, while still a carrier-based Navy pilot. His company, Rotor Aids, did everything from crop-dusting to servicing oil platforms. He helped found the California Helicopter Association, which became the Helicopter Association of America (he was founding president) and finally Helicopter Association International. Seward retired from the helicopter business in 1980 and operated a hotel on Bora Bora for nine years, but the bug hit again and in 1991 he built and flew a kit helicopter. His ashes will be spread at sea from a helicopter.
Pioneering Helicopter Operator Dies
Key Takeaways:
- Joseph Seward, a pioneer in U.S. commercial helicopter piloting, died on June 15, having received his commercial certificate in 1947.
- He founded Rotor Aids, a company offering various helicopter services, and was the founding president of the Helicopter Association of America (now Helicopter Association International).
- After retiring from the helicopter business in 1980, he returned to aviation in 1991 by building and flying a kit helicopter.
- Seward's ashes will be spread at sea from a helicopter, reflecting his lifelong connection to the industry.
See a mistake? Contact us.
