Inducted: 2026
Eldon Leland Isely was born in Monroe, Wisconsin, in 1939 and began flying at age 18 in 1958 at Monroe Municipal Airport. What began with an Aeronca Champ developed into an extraordinary aviation career spanning more than six decades and nearly 40,000 hours of flight time, including more than 15,000 hours in jets and 24,000 hours in single- and multiengine piston aircraft. He has also provided more than 4,500 hours of flight instruction.
Eldon served in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserve from 1963 to 1970. Earlier, while stationed at NAS Glenview, he flew as a C-54 crew member and instructed Navy Flying Club pilots in the T-34. As an Aircraft Controller aboard the USS Wasp, he participated in recovery operations for NASA's Gemini 4, 6, and 7 missions.
His civilian aviation career included freight flying, flight instruction, corporate aviation, charter operations, and ownership of Yankee Aviation and its sister Beloit Flight School. As a Part 135 operator and Check Airman, Eldon combined his extensive flying experience with a commitment to developing other aviators.
Eldon holds Private, Commercial, and Airline Transport Pilot certificates, ratings in single- and multiengine land and seaplanes, and flight instructor certificates for airplanes, instruments, and multiengine airplanes. He also holds Learjet and Hawker 125 type ratings.
In 2011, the FAA honored Eldon with its Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, recognizing his more than 50 years of safe flight. In 2013, he founded the Sheboygan Flying Club, which grew to 165 members and six aircraft while Eldon continued as an active instructor.
Eldon Isely's legacy is one of extraordinary flying experience, military and civilian service, business leadership, and mentorship. His continuing commitment to flight instruction and aviation participation has influenced generations of Wisconsin aviators.