Jeppesen Mourns the Passing of Noted Aviation Pioneer Paul E. Sanderson

Jeppesen Mourns the Passing of Noted Aviation Pioneer Paul E. Sanderson, founder of Sanderson Films, a Jeppesen heritage company, and father of modern multimedia flight training programs.

Englewood, Colo. | 27 Oct 2009 | By Jeppesen

With sadness, Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc. announces the passing of noted aviation training pioneer Paul E. Sanderson, who died of natural causes at age 86. Mr. Sanderson is survived by his wife, Pauline and children Paul M., Bruce, Randall and Amy. He passed away peacefully on October 23.

“We have lost a visionary, a pioneer and a dear friend to aviation,” said Mark Van Tine, Jeppesen president and chief executive officer. “He will be sorely missed. Paul’s lifelong passion changed the face of general aviation flight training, and he was instrumental in establishing Jeppesen as the premier provider of high-quality training products. More than anything, though, I will always treasure Paul’s kindness and generosity. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word.”

Mr. Sanderson was recently inducted into the National Association of Flight Instructors’ Hall of Fame in recognition of his life’s work training pilots, developing flight training curricula and serving the aviation community.

Paul Sanderson’s Legacy:

Paul Sanderson developed a passion for aviation and education while serving in the Navy during World War II. Upon his discharge, he held several flight instructor positions and eventually led the Link Trainer Department at Embry Riddle School of Aviation (now Embry Riddle Aeronautical University).

In 1956 Mr. Sanderson founded his own ground school, offering private pilot training through airline transport pilot courses. His was focused on fostering the best possible learning environment for his students. In the process, he was one of the first to recognize the effectiveness of technology as an aviation training tool. He began taping himself in the classroom using then state-of-the-art reel-to-reel tapes to which he added a series of more than 800 35-millimeter slides and preprinted notes for his students to follow along with. This became the basis for the highly respected Sanderson Audio Visual Training System, which would train millions of pilots worldwide. Not only did Mr. Sanderson see the advantage of technology, but he was also the first to develop programs featuring specific types of aircraft. Cessna management was the first to see the benefits of such programs and in 1960 contracted Mr. Sanderson to create 100 complete courses featuring the Cessna 150. Mr. Sanderson would go on to create customized courses for Piper, Beech, Grumman, Hughes Helicopters and numerous other manufacturers. With the delivery of these courses, Sanderson Films, Inc. was an integral part of the extraordinary run of student starts between 1962 and 1967, which stands as the largest in the history of general aviation.

As his business grew, Mr. Sanderson shared his passion for aviation and teaching by working closely with teacher groups and departments of education to create materials and activities that held student interest in the classroom, while teaching the principles of science and mathematics in the context of aviation.

Mr. Sanderson sold his business to the Times Mirror Company in 1968, who merged it with Jeppesen in 1974. The resulting company today is a leader and innovator in aviation training. Mr. Sanderson served for many years in an executive capacity, including 30 years as vice-chairman of Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc., but teaching and training remained his passion. He actively guided the development of every significant training program the company launched, including the acclaimed Guided Flight Discovery series, until his retirement in 1998.

Paul Sanderson has received numerous awards and recognitions for his achievements and service to aviation training:

Grateful Appreciation Award, Cessna Aircraft Company – 1986

Educator of the Year Award, Experimental Aircraft Association – 1992

Outstanding Contribution Award, National Association of Flight Instructors – 1992

The Ong Award, National Air Transport Association – 1998

Elder Statesman of Aviation Award, National Aeronautic Association – 1999

Mervin K. Strickler Jr. Award, National Coalition for Aviation Education – 2004

National Association of Flight Instructors Hall of Fame Induction – 2009