Sharing Some Memories of Another Hero of Mine

Unsung innovator Bill Conrad helped to shape modern aviation.

Martha Lunken

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Bill Conrad [Credit: George Fredlund]

Key Takeaways:

Bill Conrad (1909-1989) was a remarkable aviation pioneer, active for 59 years as a pilot, teacher, inventor, and designer, notably creating the heated pitot tube.
He founded Airline Training Inc., which trained an astounding 26,000 airline pilots over two decades, and was known for his rigorous instruction and flight checking.
Conrad engineered the "Conrad Ten-Two" modification, significantly increasing the gross weight and load-carrying capabilities of Beech 18 aircraft to 10,200 pounds.
A visionary in environmentally friendly aviation, he conducted a pioneering hydrogen-fueled flight in a modified Grumman Cheetah in 1989.

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How about we discuss a name you don’t often hear in tales about iconic aviation heroes?

I wish I knew even more details about this intriguing man, but there’s more than enough to share and, I hope, catch your interest and admiration. Hopefully, any of my readers who knew or worked with Bill Conrad could fill me in with those early details. One thing’s for sure: I’m the only living person around Lunken Airport (KLUK) old enough to remember this gentle, talented and brilliant giant of a man.