William H. “Bill” Ottley

FOUNDER

Established the American Museum of Sport Parachuting and Air Safety in 1972 as a not-for-profit corporation, which is now the International Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame.

Bill Ottley, a pioneering figure in sport parachuting, spent more than three decades of dedicated service to skydiving and to the USPA, as board member, vice president and executive director, until his retirement in 1992. He played a key role in enhancing the sport and increasing its popularity worldwide including during the time while serving as the alternate delegate to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) Parachuting Commission, the world governing body of all aviation sports. Since 1982, the Ottley Swords have been awarded to the winning 4- and 8-Way teams at the World Championships of Formation Skydiving.

Bill’s professional honors include the:

• • 1976 FAI Paul Tissandier Diploma for serving the cause of aviation in general and sport aviation in particular.
  • 1984 Parachute Industry Association’s Don Beck Memorial Achievement Award for skydiving achievements that have stood the test of time.

• 1994 FAI Air Sport Medal for outstanding services in connection with air sport activities.
• 1995 National Aeronautic Association’s Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award for his efforts over an extended period of years of making contributions of significant value to aeronautics reflecting credit upon America and themselves.

Bill was inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame, Class of 2010. The FAI gave Bill lifetime status as a Companion of Honor and the U.S. Parachute Association recognized him in 2014 as an Executive Director Emeritus. The International Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame established the William Ottley Circle for donations of $1 million or more.

Bill died in 2005 at the age of 76.