We just learned that a good friend and pioneer Bell Helicopter Test Pilot Owen Q. Niehaus has passed away at age 91. He was the only pilot to fly the Bell Model 47C. After serving as a fighter pilot in WWII and also qualified in the R-4 & R-5 helicopter. He joined Bell as production test pilot, and the transfered to the helicopter division where he conducted early tests on helicopter flight controls. We lost another great American hero and test pilot. God Speed Owen. Owen donated his early test reports, photographs, and manuals to the Niagara Aerospace Museum.

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / We just learned that a good friend and pioneer Bell Helicopter Test Pilot Owen Q. Niehaus has passed away at age 91. He was the only pilot to fly the Bell Model 47C. After serving as a fighter pilot in WWII and also qualified in the R-4 & R-5 helicopter. He joined Bell as production test pilot, and the transfered to the helicopter division where he conducted early tests on helicopter flight controls. We lost another great American hero and test pilot. God Speed Owen. Owen donated his early test reports, photographs, and manuals to the Niagara Aerospace Museum.