A Watch Maker and Official Timer
John Heinmuller became an official timer for the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). He immigrated to America from Switzerland in 1912 to work as a clerk for the Longines-Wittnauer Watch Company. Only 20 years old, he already possessed a passion for aviation instruments. During WWI a need existed for a variety of airplane instruments.
Familiar with the watch industry, Heinmuller developed a complete line of navigation timing equipment. This included aviation dash-board clocks, turn and bank indicators, and altimeters. In addition, he designed speed indicators, and compasses in cooperation working with known scientists. Clearly, this created a strong connection with aviation. and the development of timing devices and other delicate instruments. Most notable, Heinmuller organized the Timing Contest Board of the NAA. He served as their chief timer for over 30 years.
Stamp Collecting
In addition, he was an aero-philatelist and past president of the American Air Mail Society. An avid collector of aviation-related stamps and first day covers, Heinuller amassed over 5,000 zeppelin covers. He donated 2,000 to the National Postal Museum in the 1950s. His position as the official timer for flight record attempts allowed him to obtain signatures on first day covers. These are highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Heinmuller officiated at the 1927 Lindbergh transatlantic flight and other siginificant pioneer flights.
Women’s Record Flights
Credit goes to John Heinmuller for securing Amelia Earhart’s proper FAI recognition of her record flights. As he writes in Man’s Fight to Fly, “During 1932, I had considerable trouble in filling out all the documents for the various records she claimed. It took until 1933 to fully satisfy the Contest Committee of the FAI. Only after I went to Paris and conferred with Monsieur Tissander, secretary of the association, were the records of Miss Earhart cleared.”
Man’s Fight to Fly
Heinmuller’s book, Man’s Fight to Fly, contains a chronology of aviation. It includes exciting stories of outstanding world record flights. In addition, over 200 photos enhance the narratives. and over 200 documental photos. Pioneer flights include those made by Sikorsky, Byrd, Lindbergh, and many other aviators. Just to summarize, this stands as one of the most fascinating books I possess. It is an excellent reference for anyone involved in aviation research.