Richard A. Henson: Aviation Pioneer and Founder of Henson Aviation
Aviation has always been a source of fascination and exploration. Throughout history, it has inspired countless individuals to launch their own innovations in the field. One of the most noteworthy individuals was Richard A. Henson, a pioneering entrepreneur who forever changed the aviation industry by founding Henson Aviation.
An Icon of Aviation
Richard A. Henson was born on March 4, 1872 in Salisbury, Maryland. From a young age, he was passionate about aviation, frequently watching birds soar through the sky. In 1910, he opened his first airfield in Salisbury and began training pilots, quickly catching the eyes of government officials seeking to learn more about aviation.
In 1920, Henson founded Henson Aviation and in 1926 he opened the Henson Flying Service (HFS), becoming the first civil operator of an airplane in the United States. During this time, Henson pioneered a new way of flying, providing reliable air transport for travelers, mail and cargo.
Innovations and Contributions
Henson provided the aviation industry with a number of unprecedented innovations. He was the first to introduce ‘air taxis’ into the aviation industry and his company HFS went on to launch the first-ever charterplanes and developing night-flying services. In addition, Henson broke congressional barriers by introducing the use of passenger trans-Atlantic flights.
To further drive the expansion of the aviation industry, Henson was an essential early pioneer of commercial air travel. Henson built state-of-the-art airports across the United States and trained a new generation of aviators who were the first to fly regularly scheduled flights. He was also part of the first team of pilots who flew mail across the Atlantic, with his flights becoming the most widely acknowledged in history.
A Legacy of Honors
The achievements of Richard A. Henson are remembered and honored today. He was a prime recipient of the National Aviation Hall of Fame Award, which honors individuals who have made important contributions to the progress of aeronautics. Henson’s nam is also immortalized with the Richard A. Henson Memorial Airport and the Richard A. Henson Flight Museum, both of which host displays that feature some of his pioneering achievements in the industry
In addition, the Henson Aviation Memorial is located in Salisbury, Maryland and bears the motto “Forever Soaring with Innovation” to highlight the extraordinary accomplishments of Richard A. Henson and his incredible contributions to the aviation industry.
Richard A. Henson is an iconic figure in aviation history, having founded Henson Aviation in 1920 and going on to pioneer civil air travels and new ways of flying. His achievements and contributions are honored to this day, with the Richard A. Henson Flight Museum, the Richard A. Henson Memorial Airport and the Henson Aviation Memorial celebrating his legacy. Clearly, Henson’s pioneering spirit and innovation will continue to inspire generations to come.
