Eugene Howard Schweitzer

Eugene Howard (Gene) Schweitzer was born on June 20th, 1915, in Kincardine, Ontario, where he was educated. He moved to Glendale, California, to study at the Curtiss-Wright Technical Institute. After graduating, he returned to Canada, earned his Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's Licence, and joined the fledgling Pratt & Whitney Aircraft of Canada Ltd. (P&WC) at Longueuil, Quebec, in July 1940. After becoming familiar with the company's engines and Hamilton Standard propellers, he was made responsible for field support across Canada.

World War II escalated quickly, and the need for aircraft for crew training and combat became critical. To speed up deliveries from North America, the Royal Air Force Ferry Command (RAFFC) was created to deliver the desperately needed airplanes overseas, at a time when trans-ocean flights were still newsworthy, and pilots feared the often-stormy Atlantic.

Initially, ferry pilots returned to Canada by ship, but the pilot shortage demanded faster returns of the flight crews. In May 1941, under C.H. 'Punch' Dickins of Canadian Pacific Air Services, a two-way scheduled service on the North Atlantic route was started. Schweitzer became involved in the modification and flight testing of seven Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft at St. Hubert, Quebec. The Liberator became the first land plane used for trans-Atlantic year-round scheduled service.

Ferry Command depended heavily on his crew for engine maintenance and handling operating problems such as severe icing and flying with extended use of high-power settings. Schweitzer provided technical service and training for the introduction of PBY Canso aircraft on North Atlantic Patrol. Long hours were needed to maintain the rigorous delivery schedules. The technical staff, by their resourcefulness and diligence, contributed in large measure to the success of the ferry service.

At the end of WWII, he became the Sales and Service Representative for P&WC serving major airlines, bush operators and regional carriers throughout Canada. With his experience and knowledge of the R-1830 engine, he advised airlines which had acquired surplus DC-3 aircraft on engine handling techniques, and greatly improved their success and safety record. He assured P&WC support for CPA when they acquired a fleet of DC-4's. As the airlines added DC-6 and Convair aircraft to their fleets in the 1950's and 1960's, Schweitzer's Operations Engineering and Services staff were key in the successful operation of the R-2800 engines.

Several new aircraft emerged soon after the war, all of them featuring P&WC engines. The Fairchild Husky and de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver were both equipped with the Wasp Junior R-985 engine. Schweitzer worked closely with DHC's engineers to adapt the engine to the Beaver which, because of its short take-off and landing (STOL) features, caused unique cooling problems. In 1950 de Havilland began production of the Otter aircraft, selecting the P&WC Wasp R-1340 engine based on the company's reputation for product support.

By the late 1950's, transition from piston to turbine power was proceeding rapidly, and the business sector was beginning to understand the utility of corporate aircraft. As owners faced new equipment, personnel and training needs, they demanded dedicated support from the manufacturers, and under Schweitzer's direction as P&WC Service Manager, their expectations were fully met. His responsibilities were for service and support for engines, propellers, Sikorsky helicopters and all technical services, including technical publications.

In 1966 Schweitzer was appointed Vice-President of Product Support. As the company's international business expanded with the design and production of the PT-6 and PW-100 turboprop engines, he established a complete and comprehensive turbine engine training centre. With the rapid growth of the commuter airline market, he was selected in 1980 to lead P&WC's Commuter Airline Group as Vice-President. He coordinated the company's response to the needs of commuter airlines around the world.

He retired as Vice-President, Commuter Operations in 1981, but continued to serve as an airline's consultant until his full retirement in 1982. He was a member of the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute since 1954. In post-retirement he has volunteered with Canadian Executive Services Overseas in Central America and provided assistance to aircraft companies. He worked on various historical projects until his death on February 25, 2007, at Kincardine, Ontario.

Gene Schweitzer's career spanned over forty years at Pratt & Whitney Canada. He pioneered complete customer support for both commercial and military operations as new equipment and uses developed.

Eugene Howard (Gene) Schweitzer was inducted as a Member of Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame in 1996 at a ceremony held in Toronto, Ontario.