H. Frank Gregory
Born: United States of America
Primarily active in: United States of America
Col. H. Frank Gregory played one of of the most significant roles in launching the helicopter as a vital part of the US military. He was the first serving member of the US Armed Forces to fly a helicopter and accepted the first helicopter to be assessed by the US miltary.
He subsequently played a significant role in the development of the helicopter operations.
A short biography for Gregory is provided in the AHS 2017 Calendar for the month of February.
Related milestones
July 24, 1940: First helicopter flight by an American military pilot (VS-300 2nd configuration)
April 20, 1942: Demonstration of the Vought-Sikorsky XR-4 to the US military and Government
May 30, 1942: The US Army Air Corps accepts its first helicopter (Sikorsky XR-4)
May 6, 1943: Col. Frank Gregory performs first shipborne trials with a Vought-Sikorsky XR-4
October 7, 1944: First Honorary Fellowships of the American Helicopter Society (AHS) awarded
October 7, 1944: First Annual Dinner of the AHS
