Page 28 - Index

NEWS ROUNDUP

In Memoriam ation Safety and Security Archive Assistantships and Fellowships
A legendary advocate for aviation safety has flown west. Dr. S. in Crashworthiness at ERAU’s Prescott campus. The fellowship
Harry Robertson died on October 9. He was 87 years young. program is an impressive cap to ISASI’s educational efforts. The
On April 30, 2015, a record number of members and guests evening’s celebration also included the introduction of the first
attended the ISASI Mid-Atlantic Chapter Dr. S. Harry Robertson recipient of the fellowship, Raymond-Anthony Gallardo. The fellow-
Tribute Night in recognition of Robertson’s continuing endeavors ship awards tuition aid and access to research and related travel
to strengthen air safety, for his continuing efforts to reduce avi- funding for approved crashworthiness projects.
ation accidents, for his work to enhance accident investigation Other attendees of the tribute night included Harry’s family
techniques, and for his untiring efforts to help make ISASI the members, ERAU and RSI associates, and executive representatives
professional organization that it is. Harry accomplished many from the San Diego Air & Space Museum and the Army Aviation
things in his air safety investigative career. Association of America. A full contingent of ISASI International
Most noteworthy on a national scale was his development of Council members was also present among the 95 attendees. Har-
the Robbie Fuel Tanks, which have saved countless lives of heli- ry’s son, David, introduced his father to the group by summing up
copter crewmembers and race car drivers throughout the world, in snippets the experiences of his dad’s life. Recapping his life as an
and for which he was enshrined into the National Aviation Hall engineer, teacher, and writer, when coupled with the honors that
of Fame in 2011. The U.S. Army estimates that 8,000 lives were have been bestowed upon him, would take almost the entire dinner
saved over a 20-year period due to the Robbie Fuel Tanks. ISASI hour, David said, apologizing for the briefness of his comments. He
recognized Harry’s dedication to air accident prevention by talked about his dad’s life as an Air Force and Air National Guard
awarding him the Society’s coveted Jerome F. Lederer Award in pilot, the time during which his interest in safety heightened.
1981 for “using his extensive experience in accident investigation Recognizing that “accidents will happen,” he asked himself, “How
and crash rescue to develop improved techniques for investiga- do you survive them?” After a great deal of study, research through
tion....” simulated crash tests, and crash survival work, he succeeded in
Harry joined ISASI in March 1968 and became a Life Member negating the threat of fuel tank fires in a crash by developing the
in January 2011. He was always true to the objectives of ISASI, lifesaving Robbie Fuel Tanks.
which include providing for professional education and the free Harry then took to the lectern and thanked all for the evening’s
exchange of information concerning development and improve- tribute. He accepted the ISASI Award of Merit plaque in a most
ment of aircraft accident and incident investigation. For exam- humble manner that matched his character. He noted that the use
ple, he helped found the Robertson Safety Institute (RSI) on the of high-speed cameras in crash tests, which allowed him to see
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Prescott, Arizona, what was happening, and continued study and learning led to the
campus that graduates many new aircraft investigators and development of the fuel system that has saved so many lives. ISASI
funds critical research projects affecting air safety. President Frank Del Gandio said during the tribute night, “I can’t
Harry endowed and formed the ISASI-Robertson Family Avi- overstate ISASI’s pleasure in paying tribute to Harry and in joining
with him in the ISASI-Robertson Family Aviation Safety Fellowship
Program.”
Regarding Harry’s death, Del Gandio noted, “It’s a sad loss for
anyone involved in aviation safety—those of us who knew him,
thousands of people whose lives were saved due to Harry’s
efforts, and millions of people who use air transportation for travel
throughout the world.” He added, “I first met Harry Robertson
while I was attending the Crash Survival Investigators School in
Tempe, Arizona. The class was held at Arizona State University and
sponsored by Harry Robertson. He taught a 2-hour block of instruc-
tion. We had lunch together and discovered that we both had an
avid interest in aviation safety.
“Following the ISASI Mid-Atlantic Chapter tribute to Harry Rob-
ertson in 2015, we reconnected and stayed in contact since. Harry
Robertson made a tremendous contribution to aviation safety. His
main influence was in reducing fuel tank hazards following a crash,
mainly in helicopters. This moral and financial support of ERAU
allowed the school to train thousands of aviation-bound students,
thereby instilling the need for safety. Harry Robertson will long be
remembered as an ultimate advocate for aviation safety.”
Jeanne (Koreltz) Elliott, remembering Harry, said, “It was nearly
During retirement, Harry tended cattle at Pine Springs Ranch in 60 years ago that I had the opportunity to make the acquaintance
Williams, Arizona. of Harry Robertson. There I was a young, wide-eyed aviation enthu-

28 • October-December 2021 ISASI Forum