Bulgarian Aviation Legend: Assen Jordanoff Recounted
Bulgarian-American Pioneer Assen Jordanoff: A Trailblazer in Aviation
Assen Jordanoff, a Bulgarian-American aviation pioneer, made significant contributions to the development of aviation technology and pilot training in the early to mid-20th century. Born in Sofia, Bulgaria on the 2nd of September 1896, Jordanoff's passion for the skies was evident from a young age.
At the age of 16, Jordanoff built his first glider, marking the beginning of his aviation journey. After completing his education, he embarked on a successful career as an aviator, working as a test pilot, airmail and air taxis pilot, stunt pilot, and flying instructor.
Jordanoff's career took him to the United States after World War I, where he continued his work and made significant contributions to the aviation industry. He worked for several prominent aviation companies, including Curtiss-Wright, Boeing, Lockheed, North American, Consolidated, Chance-Vought, Douglas, and Piper.
Innovative Contributions
Jordanoff's key contributions include his work in creating practical and accessible pilot training materials. He authored several influential books on flying and aviation mechanics, which helped train thousands of pilots during the early years of aviation — especially during World War II. His clear and hands-on instructional style made complex flying concepts easier to understand.
As an inventor, Jordanoff held multiple patents relating to aircraft instruments and design improvements. His innovations contributed to safer and more reliable aircraft operation. One of his most notable inventions was the Frozen Gasoline System for airplanes, which cooled the fuel in an aircraft's tank with dry ice and alcohol.
Promoting Aviation
Jordanoff was also a pilot and aviation advocate who helped popularize flying and contributed to public understanding of aviation technology through his writings and lectures. He wrote manuals for various aircraft, some of which were used by the US military during World War II. He also wrote numerous books on aviation that sold over 750,000 copies in total.
Recognition and Legacy
Jordanoff's papers and mementoes are held in The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. He completed 84 military missions and was rewarded many insignias of honor for his bravery and competence as a pilot during World War I. After his death on the 19th of October 1967, his ashes were scattered into the air from a plane by his friends.
Jordanoff's companies collaborated with prestigious firms like Douglas, Chance-Vought, Lockheed, Curtiss-Wright, McDonnell, Boeing, North American, Consolidated, and Piper. He is considered the founder of aeronautical engineering in Bulgaria and one of the most important people who supported the growth of the field in the United States. His legacy continues to inspire aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike.
- Assen Jordanoff's innovative contributions extended beyond aviation, as he held multiple patents for aircraft instruments and design improvements, significantly impacting the aerospace industry.
- Throughout his career, Jordanoff worked with various prominent companies in the aviation industry, such as Curtiss-Wright, Boeing, Lockheed, North American, Consolidated, Chance-Vought, Douglas, and Piper.
- A prominent figure in the aviation business, Jordanoff wrote manuals for aircraft and authored several influential books on flying and aviation mechanics, contributing to the financing of the industry by training thousands of pilots.
- Jordanoff's impact on transportation technology is still felt today, with his Frozen Gasoline System for airplanes being one of his notable inventions that contributed to safer and more reliable aircraft operation.
