1909-1978

American aviator who advanced navigational science. A mechanical engineer and U.S. Naval Flying School graduate, Blair was a military and commercial airline pilot, testing new aircraft and routes. He completed the first trans-Atlantic nonstop commercial flight in 1951, assessing the jet stream's effect on aircraft. Next, he became the first pilot to fly solo over the Arctic and North Pole. He devised and tested a polar navigational system and received numerous aviation awards acknowledging his achievements.