Harry Rogers was a pioneer leader in the helicopter business. He remains the authority in the art of helicopter mountain flying. From 1955 through 1990, Harry logged 25,000 hours of flight time in helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. He mastered the new “windmill” turbine helicopter and became a reliable source for new pilots. In 1961 he was awarded a citation from the U.S. Army for his rescue missions in Northern California. In 1964 Harry became a volunteer member of the first Fresno County Sheriff's helicopter unit to provide search and rescue missions.
Harry's initial goal of entering the Air Force was shattered when he sustained a serious football injury at Clovis High. He had developed his natural talent as a mechanic while working with his grandfather Harry Whiton, at Whiton’s Cyclery. After graduating from Clovis High in 1947, Harry received aeronautical training at Reedley college. He worked as a helicopter mechanic prior to securing his helicopter pilot license. Harry married Wanda Cox in 1950. Their first heliport was established on Bullard on land that his grandparents had owned since the mid-1920s. Rogers Helicopters moved their company to the Fresno Airport in 1991.
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