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Norman William Ralston (November 28, 1916 – November 14, 2007) was an American pilot.[1]
Norman "Swede" William Ralston | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 28, 1916 |
| Died | November 14, 2007 (aged 90) |
| Occupation(s) | Aviator Airshow pilot Businessman Flight instructor |
| Spouse | Radah Ardath Ralston |
| Children | Dana Jean McCullough Radah "Sissy" Ardath Bentson Norman William Ralston Jr. Mary Louise Ralston |
| Parent(s) | William Grey Ralston and Ester Josephine Mortenson |
During World War II, Ralston, known as "Swede", trained hundreds of Army pilots at Rankin Field in Tulare, California. Rankin Aeronautical Academy was a civilian flight school for the United States Army Air Corps.
As a stunt pilot, he operated a fleet of aircraft for Ralston Airshows. He became famous for flying an AT-6 Texan through Naval Air Station Tillamook, a World War II blimp hangar, in Tillamook, Oregon. Ralston constructed the first commercial hangar at Hillsboro, Oregon and helped found the Hillsboro Airport. He co-founded the airline company Aero Air, a successful full-service fixed-base operator.[2]
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- Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award[3]
- International Council of Air Shows Hall of Fame Award[4]
- Federal Aviation Administration's Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award[5]
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