Calvin Jay Butler — National Agricultural Aviation Hall of Fame

Introduction

Calvin Jay Butler, born in Redmond, Oregon in 1918, is a true aviation pioneer whose career spans the formative decades of both military and agricultural aviation. Known for his unyielding passion for flight, Butler’s journey took him from model airplanes and his first solo flight in a Curtiss Pusher to wartime heroics, the postwar expansion of aerial application, and ultimately to lasting contributions in equipment innovation and industry leadership.

Major Achievements and Contributions

Early Aviation and Military Service: Butler began flying at 14 and earned his private license in 1938. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1940, serving as a flight instructor and fighter pilot in WWII. During the war, he took part in advanced training, flew various aircraft including the P-38 and B-25, and was a squadron instructor. He was shot down over Germany, survived as a prisoner of war, and was liberated by General Patton’s forces in 1945.
Founding Butler Farm Air: After WWII, Butler established Butler Farm Air in 1946, pioneering crop spraying and dusting in Oregon. He started with a J-3 Piper Cub and expanded his operations to cover potatoes, mint, wheat, and grain in several counties, employing Piper Cubs, Stearmans, and helicopters. He led operations in Oregon and Canada, including a massive 200,000-acre project in New Brunswick.
Expansion and Equipment Innovation: Butler flew a range of aircraft and was instrumental in adapting and innovating agricultural application equipment. He transitioned to air tanker operations for fire control, founded Butler Aircraft, and fielded fleets of TBMs, F7Fs, B17s, and DC-7s for firefighting and sagebrush spraying. He patented several pieces of application equipment including a combination container with disposable closure, a container washer for pesticide cans, and a liquid measuring device, all still in use today.
Industry Leadership and Partnerships: Butler’s influence extended through leadership as the first president of the Air Tanker Association and a past president of the Oregon Ag Pilots Association. He led partnerships, co-founded Greg’s Crop Care in Washington, and was a driving force in company and industry growth.
Continued Learning and Recognition: Even in his later years, Butler continued taking lessons (such as sailplane training at age 59), traveling, flying, and innovating. In 1990, he was invited to speak on freedom as an ex-POW and was recognized with awards for informative presentations at international technical conferences.

Recognitions and Awards

Patents and Product Success: Butler’s patents for container washing and measuring systems have made a continuing impact on safe pesticide handling and application standards.
Industry Honors: As a founder, innovator, and business leader, Butler was lauded for his honesty, integrity, and willingness to help others—including many who started their own successful businesses under his mentorship.
Peer and Family Recognition: Butler’s peers and family recognized his determination, drive, and enduring passion for aviation, describing him as a young man in spirit who inspired all those around him.

Conclusion and Legacy

Calvin Jay Butler’s life and career exemplify passion, persistence, technical vision, and industry leadership. He helped shape the transition of aerial application from its early, precarious days into a highly respected, technologically advanced field. Butler’s commitment to flight, innovation, and mentoring ensures his legacy as a foundational figure in the National Agricultural Aviation Hall of Fame.