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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Kelly Axelson

Bill Cutter narrowly missed being born at the old Albuquerque Airport located east of the present International Airport. During World War II the Cutter family lived in the former terminal building at the West Mesa Airport, until expansion of the C.P.T., Navy primary acrobatics, and the inter-American flight training programs required the entire facility.

After acquiring his private license in 1949, Cutter was primarily engaged in General Aviation. Except for a 2-year stint as a tank driver in the army, he flew or served those who do. His rating included: airplane single and multi-engine land, rotorcraft-helicopter, instrument, instructor, lighter than air-free balloon, and a recent type rating in the Beech Starship.

Cutter won the silver medal in the first World Balloon Championship in 1973 and the second and third places in the U.S. Championships thereafter. Thus his brother, Sid referred to him as the "world's second greatest balloonist." That rating has consistently slipped as Bill grows older.

Bill was Chairman of the Board of Cutter Holdings, Inc. As the third generation he assumed day-to-day management of the family business. With locations in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona until California opened in January 2000, Bill's lack of seaplane rating is understandable. However, his love of scuba, fishing, and boating did not preclude that possibility.

He served two terms on the Board of Directors of National Air Transportation Association, the first term in the 1960s and the second term in the 1980s. He additionally served on the Board of Visitors of the Air Safety Foundation and was Beechcraft "Man of the Year" in 1983.

Bill is the loving father of son, Will, and daughter, Kay, both active in the family business; and is the proud grandfather of the four children of Will and Camilla.