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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. William C. Lunde

Robert E. Trimble was an outstanding pioneer in the development of safer and more effective techniques of flying helicopters at high altitudes and/or in mountainous terrain. This saved many lives in helicopter operations and during rescue flights. An annual award, "The Salute to Excellence" Robert E. Trimble Award, is given at the Heli Expo, honoring a distinguished pilot in mountain flying.

Mr. Trimble was raised in California, graduated from San Jose State in Industrial Arts, and spent most of his life flying fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

He served as a pilot in the Army Air Forces in World War II. Trimble initially flew fixed wing aircraft as an instructor and crop duster and then became intensely interested in helicopters when he became a pilot for Hiller Helicopters in Palo Alto, CA. He was gifted at flying helicopters, and soon became prominent for his techniques in mountain helicopter flying. Pilots came from all over the world for his instruction.

He was a member and officer of the Helicopter Association of America. He is best remembered for his friendliness, support, and influential impact in the 1950s which inspired many men and women in the aviation industry.