1992 Donald Wyrick

KELLY JOHNSON AWARD
Donald R. "Sam" Wyrick

This year the SFTE is proud to award, posthumously, Donald R. "Sam" Wyrick the Kelly Johnson Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Flight Test Engineering.

Sam began his career at Lockheed Flight Test in 1952 where he worked on the following programs: Constellation, all models through 1649; Electra L-188; Jetstar-Instrumental in FAA certification; AH-56 Cheyenne helicopter, instrumental in critical development and demonstration of revolutionary concepts; Special assignment to Lockheed Supersonic Transport program working on flying qualities development; Participated in FAA and AIA rules making for commercial aircraft design, development, test and operation; L-286 Rigid Rotor Helicopter, all versions including compound; P2V Navy Patrol Aircraft series; P3V/A Navy Carrier based patrol aircraft; L-1011 TriStar, entire flight test certification program with special emphasis on development of auto pilot, auto land, and active controls, in both analog and digital version. This was to be his final and probably most demanding task in flight testing and suffice it to say that the 1011 was the first commercial aircraft to receive certification of the auto land system as a part of the basic certification. A monumental and very demanding task and a very successful one.

Later Sam participated in the 4D flight operations concept development and glass cockpit design and development. He had been demonstrating one in the 1011 for a couple of years before he retired. He also worked on the flight line assisting in delivery of early production aircraft, and he directed a world wide sales tour for the L-1011.

During his entire career he dealt with many representatives from many companies and agencies, and he never failed to gain their utmost respect. This was true even though he was working on very difficult and challenging technical tasks with critical and severe consequences in financial and operational areas. He was always successful in finding a solution which was technically acceptable and correct. His personal contribution to these programs was simply outstanding. His dedication, perseverance, technical capability was matched only by his integrity and sense of fairness.

Sam retired in 1983 at an unusually young age and enjoyed only a few years of retirement when he was taken by cancer at the age of 62. He made his mark in the flight test area throughout the world and it is only fitting that he should be suitably recognized for his accomplishments. He was an outstanding individual and all who knew him can attest to this.