Jack G. Real

May 31, 1915 – September 6, 2005

During his career, Jack Real worked with many pioneers of aviation and for many aviation industry giants, including Lockheed and McDonnell Douglas. A native of Michigan, Real graduated from Michigan Tech in 1937. Shortly after he went to work for Lockheed, a California Company. While at Lockheed, Real spent his time designing, developing and testing many aircraft including the B-14 Hudson Bomber, the XH-51, the Lockheed model 286 and model 475, and the Cheyenne Helicopter. In 1960 he became the Chief of Engineering Flight Test, in charge of all flight test activities and two years later became Chief Engineer of Research, Development and Testing. During 1964, Real spent most of his time working on the SR-71 project with Lockheed’s engineering genius Kelly Johnson in the Skunk Works. In 1965 he became Vice President and General Manager for the AH-56A Cheyenne Helicopter project, and by 1968 he was responsible for all rotary wing programs at Lockheed. While at Lockheed, Real met Howard Hughes. From 1957 until Hughes’ death in 1976, Real served as his personal advisor. Hughes appointed Real as the Senior Vice President of Aviation, Howard Hughes Corporation (formerly Hughes Tool Company) in 1971; he lived and traveled abroad with Hughes from 1972 to 1976; and in 1979 he became President of Hughes Helicopters, where he guided the AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter program. In 1983, under Real’s leadership, Hughes Helicopters received the Robert J. Collier trophy, aviation’s highest honor for achievement in aeronautics in America. He shared the award with Jack Marsh, U.S. Secretary of the Army, Department of the Army. In 1984, Real became President and Chief Executive Officer of McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company (formerly Hughes Helicopter Company) where he remained until his retirement in 1987.

Mr. Real was instrumental in using his influence to locate the Hughes Flying Boat “Spruce Goose” at the Evergreen Aviation Museum. He served as Chairman of the Evergreen Aviation Museum and Captain Michael King Smith Educational Institute from 1993 until 2001 when he was appointed Chairman Emeritus of the Museum.

Mr. Real has received numerous awards and honors, in addition to the Collier Trophy including the following to name a few:

The Chuck Yeager Award, The Howard Hughes Memorial Award, 1996
Pioneers In Aviation’s Flight Path, Los Angeles Airport,1996
Elder Statesman of Aviation, National Aeronautical Association, 1989
Honorary Doctorate Degree Northrup University, 1985
Honorary Doctorate Degree in Aeronautical Science Selma College, 1983
Honorary Doctorate Degree Michigan Technological University, 1968
Oregon Aviation Hall of Honor,2003
HAI Honorary Lifetime Member Award, 2004

He put up a very long and courageous fight and we are so grateful that we got to know Jack and be a part of his very full life. We will all miss him very much.