Floyd Nathan Perry — National Agricultural Aviation Hall of Fame
Biography
- Died: July 29, 1990.
- Family Contact: Bob Perry (son).
- Founded and operated: Serv-Aero Engineering, established in 1945 at Eagle Field, near Dos Palos, California.
Major Contributions & Achievements
- Engineering Innovations:
- Specialized in aircraft engine conversions and dispersal equipment for agricultural aviation.
- Produced the Viper 1200 conversion for the Ayres Thrush, mating the Wright R1820 engine to the Thrush.
- Developed other aircraft for Ayres Corporation: Turbo, Pezetel, and Bull Thrushes.
- Designed and produced the spring steel tail gear (over 700 units for use in ag aircraft).
- Conversion Kits Designed:
- For Grumman Ag Cat aircraft: Kits for Pratt & Whitney R985 and R1340 engines.
- Designed multiple conversion kits for the Schweizer G-1640 (notably the Wright R1820-powered “King Cat” for Richard Reade and Mid-Continent Aircraft Corp.).
- FAA Certifications:
- Awarded over 60 Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) during his 45-year career—for both ag and non-ag aircraft.
- Examples: Conversion of 100 Cessna T-50s to Lycoming R680 engine, and work on Stinson 108, V-77, Globe Swift, Grumman Widgeon, Fairchild 24, and more.
- Last major project: The Vasar Dash Three (PT6A-135 engine on the DeHavilland Otter).
Industry Impact
- Helped meet the need for performance improvements in agricultural aircraft after World War II.
- His designs and modifications contributed directly to the performance and reliability of a huge part of the ag aviation fleet, visible today in aircraft like the Turbine Thrush and various Ag Cats.
- Recognized as a major force behind many aircraft advancements in crop-dusting and aerial application.
Recognition and Awards
- Delta Airlines Puffer Award (NAAA, 1977) for outstanding achievement in engineering development.
- CAAA Allied Industry Pioneer Award (1984).
Personal Traits and Legacy
- Had only eight years of formal education.
- Relied on intuition and practical skills—a “seat-of-the-pants” approach to engineering.
- Remembered by his peers as a true pioneer, generous, creative, and humble.
- His legacy continues as long as airplanes fly in agricultural aviation, according to tribute.
- Known for his faith in others and integrity (“a handshake was often his only contract”).
