Flight instructors Doug Stewart and Tim Tucker inducted into Hall of Fame

Tucker earned his flight instructor certificate in 1973 and began teaching in a Bell 47 helicopter before becoming an Army Reserve instructor pilot. Over his 20-year career with the Army, he became a standardization instructor pilot.

In 1979, after receiving the first production Robinson R22 helicopter and endorsing its first student solo flight three years later, Tucker was hired as Robinson's first chief flight instructor. He co-authored the Robinson Flight Training Guide with Frank Robinson and developed the Robinson Flight Instructor Safety Course, which reduced the R22 instructional accident rate by 66%.

Tucker became a designated pilot examiner in 1994 and administered nearly 8,800 helicopter practical tests across 26 helicopter types before retiring in 2024. According to NAFI, Tucker "is responsible for naming, then promoting the 'Vuichard Recovery' from vortex ring state," now used globally by helicopter pilots.

"The combined positive impact these two individuals have had on aviation safety and training is remarkable," said NAFI president Paul Preidecker. "Doug and Tim deserve our congratulations and thanks for their many contributions."