Charles F. Blair, Jr.
| Charles F. Blair, Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born |
July 19, 1909 Buffalo, New York, United States |
| Died | September 2, 1978 (aged 69) St. Thomas, Virgin Islands |
| Place of burial | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy United States Air Force
|
| Years of service | 1932–1960 |
| Rank |
Captain (USN) Brigadier General (USAF) |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Harmon Trophy |
| Relations | Maureen O'Hara (wife) |
| Other work |
Pan American World Airways Antilles Air Boats |
Charles F. Blair, Jr. (July 19, 1909 – September 2, 1978) was a United States Air Force Brigadier General, United States Navy aviator Captain, a test pilot, an airline pilot, and airline owner. He died in a Grumman Goose seaplane crash in the Caribbean.
Blair was born in Buffalo, New York. He learned to fly in San Diego and made his first solo flight at the age of 19. In 1931, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Vermont, and the following year was commissioned an Ensign as a naval aviator. He served with the Naval Reserves at the same time as flying for United Airlines for seven years. In 1940, Blair became a chief pilot at American Export Airlines, later renamed American Overseas Airlines, where he trained the pilots.
In World War II Blair flew with the Naval Air Transport Service and the Air Transport Command as well as being a test pilot for Grumman Aircraft, testing the Grumman F6F Hellcat, Grumman F7F Tigercat, Grumman F8F Bearcat and the Martin Mars flying boat.
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