Renowned Bulgarian Aviator: Assen Jordanoff Celebrated for His Exploits
Assen Jordanoff, born on September 2, 1896, in Sofia, Bulgaria, was a trailblazing figure in the early to mid-20th-century aviation world. This Bulgarian-American engineer, aviator, and author made significant contributions to the field, shaping the way we understand and approach aviation today.
Early Life and Education
Jordanoff's passion for aviation began in his youth. At just 16 years old, he built his first glider. His thirst for knowledge led him to attend lectures on physics at a university and later study French in a boarding school in Switzerland.
A Versatile Aviator
Jordanoff's career in aviation was multifaceted. He worked as a test pilot, a sales manager, a stunt pilot, and most importantly, a flight instructor in the United States. His role as an instructor was instrumental in developing flight training methods, contributing to the spread of aviation knowledge during its formative years.
Innovative Designs
One of Jordanoff's most notable achievements was the design of the Frozen Gasoline System for airplanes. This innovative system cooled the fuel in an aircraft's tank with dry ice and alcohol, improving the efficiency and safety of flight.
A Prolific Author
Jordanoff was also a prolific writer, authoring numerous books and manuals on aviation. His works, including the popular book "Simplified Flying," helped demystify flight mechanics and piloting for many aspiring pilots.
Collaborations with Industry Giants
Throughout his career, Jordanoff collaborated with prestigious firms such as Douglas, Chance-Vought, Lockheed, Curtiss-Wright, McDonnell, Boeing, North American, Consolidated, and Piper. His companies, including The Jordanoff Aviation Corporation, The Jordanoff Corporation, The Jordanoff Company, and Jordanoff Electronics, were at the forefront of aviation innovation.
The First Bulgarian-Made Airplane
In 1915, during the First Balkan War, Jordanoff designed and built the first Bulgarian-made airplane. After the war, he volunteered to join the air force during World War I and completed 84 military missions.
Later Life and Legacy
Jordanoff's papers and mementoes are held in The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. He owned numerous patents in various industries, including an early prototype of a wireless phone and the world's first airbag.
Jordanoff died at the age of 71 on the 19th of October 1967, and his ashes were scattered into the air from a plane by his friends. His legacy lives on, with a place named after him in Antarctica, the Jordanoff Bay, and his books selling over 750,000 copies in total.
Assen Jordanoff's work helped lay the foundation for modern aviation training and aircraft engineering. His practical manuals and clear instructional techniques made flying more accessible, and his innovations contributed to aircraft safety and pilot confidence. Jordanoff was a key figure in early aviation who bridged the gap between aviation theory and practical flying skills, influencing pilot training and aircraft design in the 20th century.
In the realm of aviation, Assen Jordanoff collaborated with prominent aerospace companies like Douglas, Lockheed, Boeing, and McDonnell, thereby playing a significant role in the finance and technology sectors of the industry. His books, such as "Simplified Flying," offered valuable insights for aspiring pilots, thereby democratizing technology in the early aviation sector.
Assen Jordanoff's impact on the aviation industry became evident with his founding of companies like The Jordanoff Aviation Corporation, The Jordanoff Corporation, and Jordanoff Electronics, which were at the epicenter of aviation innovation, pushing the boundaries of technology and shaping the industry for the future.
