Page 6 - Volume 15 Number 10

Honoring Aviation Innovator
James Raisbeck
Sept. 29, 1936 – Aug. 31, 2021
by Kim Blonigen
After working several years at Beech Aircraft, I had heard the Raisbeck name in relation to the King Air, but I didn’t realize the impact that James Raisbeck had on the ever-popular turboprop until I became editor of the King Air magazine. I interviewed James shortly after the magazine was launched in 2007. That conversation has stayed with me over the years because of the amazing mind and entrepreneurial passion he possessed.
He told me, “With my life, I decided to influence the face of aviation – primarily beginning in safety and then performance and productivity – through breathing currently available technology into airplanes in current or recent production.”
I heard from James earlier this year and responded that I hoped he was “enjoying his much-deserved retirement.” I had assumed that since he sold the company in 2016, he would gradually retire. His response was an insight into his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to improving aviation. He said he was still working at the company and was exploring a particular improvement for commercial airplanes. “Maybe there will be a time I can share our progress ... plenty of time yet, as I won’t be 85 until September!”
Since the King Air Gathering was taking place at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum, I thought it would be nice to have our historical columnist, Ed Phillips, interview James and highlight his impact on the King Air. The article starting on page 6 came from some of the discussions between James and Ed in May 2021.
I’m glad we were able to capture his spirit and share it with readers. I think you’ll agree that James did what he set out to do – influence the face of aviation in safety, performance and productivity – and was still working on that goal up until his last moments.
4 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
OCTOBER 2021