Lester M. Zinser

WMU Chief Flight Instructor and Director of Aviation, Research Pilot

WMU College of Aviation Hall of Honor Class of 2011

After flying B-25s, B-24s, and B-29s during World War II, Lester Zinser received a Master of Education with an emphasis on human factors from the University of Illinois. In the fall of 1957, Lester arrived at WMU assuming the role as the aviation program’s first Chief Flight Instructor. With only a pot belly stove in his office, Lester began his WMU influence teaching 12 students and flying three Piper J5s out of the Plainwell airport. Under Lester’s guidance, the program grew, eventually moving to Kalamazoo’s airport.  In addition, Lester served as the Sky Broncos coach from 1958 to 1966, taking the team to many air meets and earning numerous awards. In 1966, Lester joined the National Center for Atmospheric Research where his flying skills enabled researchers to study a variety of weather situations, including small volcanic eruptions and pre-hurricane conditions. Lester’s hard work, dedication and guidance helped to lay the foundation for the university’s Flight Science Program.