The Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award

presented to

Capt. Ralph S. Johnson

For his development of equipment and procedures, including such key concepts as the stabilized approach and crew resource management, that have brought lasting improvements in aviation safety.

As a United Airlines captain and chief test pilot in the 1930s, Capt. Johnson developed a propeller deicing, which used grooved rubber boots and alcohol. From 1940 through 1943, he supervised United’s experimental work with pulsating boots for wings and heated leading edges for deicing and anti-icing.

During World War II, he developed the stabilized approach and helped promote its safety advantages by producing, directing and starring in a film that demonstrated it. His innovations included the systematic use of a checklist and the flight deck coordinator, a scrolling checklist that became standard on aircraft of most airlines and the military.

Capt. Johnson pioneered techniques that gave specific duties to the pilot not flying, which led to what is now called crew resource management, an essential safety component of airline pilots’ flight training.

His many legacies to the aviation community have saved countless lives and will continue to do so.

Flight Safety Foundation is pleased to recognize the achievements of Capt. Ralph S. Johnson.

FSF 58th International Air Safety Seminar
Moscow, Russia
November 9, 2005

Stuart Matthews
President and CEO
Flight Safety Foundation

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