Biographical Sketches

SYLVESTER J. "Steve" WITTMAN

Born: April 5, 1904    In: Byron, WI
Died: April 27, 1995    In: Airplane crash, Stevenson, AL

Learning to fly in 1924, Steve Wittman’s interest soon focused on competition. His very first air race was in 1926, in Milwaukee, in which he placed second.

Known as the "Golden age of air racing," the 1930s was a time when racing plane designers were developing aircraft that in many cases were faster and more reliable than the best military planes. It was also a time when Wittman became only a major contender in air races all around the nation, but a designer and builder of raceplanes, notably Chief Oshkosh and Bonzo, both of which were well known to both racing audiences and competitors alike. Of his many designs, perhaps most popular among home-builders was the Tailwind, and Cessna’s single-strut, steel-spring landing gear was developed from Wittman’s early experiments in that area.

In 1931, Wittman became operator of the Oshkosh airport and ran a flight school there where military pilots were trained during WW2. The airfield was also base for the Experimental Aircraft Association, in whose formation and activities he was deeply involved. He remained as field manager until his retirement in 1969, after which the airport was renamed in his honor: Wittman Regional Airport.

Wittman continued racing after the war and became a top competitor in the Goodyear and Formula One classifications. He was the foremost advocate for the new Formula V air racing category in the ’70s, and continued his involvement in racing until 1989 when, at age 85, he flew his final pylon race at Daytona Beach, Forida.

On a routine cross-country flight from his winter home in Florida to Oshkosh, his plane’s wing fabric separated over Alabama, causing a crash that killed him and his wife, Paula.

Enshrined in National Aviation Hall of Fame 2014.

Denotes an individual known to have soloed an aircraft prior to December 16, 1917, whether they were members of the "Early Birds of Aviation" Organization or not.