Walter Beech facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walter Herschel Beech
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| Born | January 30, 1891 |
| Died | November 29, 1950 (aged 59) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Test pilot, entrepreneur, United States Army Air Forces aviator |
| Known for | Co-founder of the Beech Aircraft Corporation |
| Spouse(s) | Olive Ann Beech |
Walter Herschel Beech (born January 30, 1891 – died November 29, 1950) was an American pilot and a smart business person who loved airplanes. He helped start the Beech Aircraft Company in 1932. He created this famous company, now called Beechcraft, with his wife, Olive Ann Beech, and three other people.
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Walter Beech's Early Life and Flying
Walter Beech was born in Pulaski, Tennessee, on January 30, 1891. He started flying very early, at just 14 years old in 1905! He even built his own glider, which is a type of aircraft without an engine.
After flying for the United States Army during World War I, Walter became a test pilot. A test pilot flies new airplanes to make sure they work correctly and are safe. He worked for the Swallow Airplane Company and later became its general manager.
Starting New Airplane Companies
In 1924, Walter Beech teamed up with two other famous airplane builders, Lloyd Stearman and Clyde Cessna. Together, they created the Travel Air Manufacturing Company. This company built many successful airplanes.
Later, Travel Air joined with another big company called Curtiss-Wright. Walter Beech became a vice-president there. But he still had dreams of building his own aircraft company.
Founding Beech Aircraft Company
In 1932, Walter Beech decided to start a new company. He worked with his wife, Olive Ann Beech, and a few friends: Ted Wells, K.K. Shaul, and an investor named C.G. Yankey. They founded the Beech Aircraft Company in Wichita, Kansas.
Their first airplanes, called Beechcrafts, were very good. Some of them even won the Bendix Trophy, which was a famous air race.
Beechcraft During World War II
During World War II, Beech Aircraft became very important. They built more than 7,400 airplanes for the military. One of their most famous planes was the twin Beech AT-7/C-45. This plane was used to train over 90% of the navigators and bombardiers for the U.S. Army Air Forces.
Beech Aircraft grew to be one of the "big three" airplane makers in America for general aviation. This means they built planes for regular people and businesses, not just the military. The other two big companies were Cessna and Piper.
Walter Beech's Legacy
Walter Beech passed away from a heart attack on November 29, 1950. He and his wife are buried in Wichita, Kansas.
Walter Beech's contributions to aviation were recognized many years later.
- In 1977, he was added to the National Aviation Hall of Fame. This is a special place for people who have done amazing things in flying.
- In 1982, he was also inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame.
- In 2023, both Walter and his wife, Olive, were honored at the Paul E Garber First Flight Shrine in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.
