Faith of our Father - Igor Sikorsky's Eternal Legacy

Igor Sikorsky was one of mankind's greatest aviation pioneers. He designed and flew the world's first multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft, the Russky Vityaz in 1913, and the first airliner, Ilya Muromets, in 1914. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1919, he founded the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and developed large amphibious aircraft for Pan American Airways and the U.S. Army. In 1939, Sikorsky designed and flew America's first helicopter, the VS-300. Most recognized for his accomplishments in aviation, few know that Igor Sikorsky was man of great faith which played a central role in his life and his accomplishments. A deeply religious Russian Orthodox Christian, Sikorsky authored two religious and philosophical books, The Message of the Lord's Prayer and The Invisible Encounter. This paper explores Igor Sikorsky's journey of faith through first-hand accounts of his son, Igor Sikorsky, Jr, a review of his writings and through research conducted at the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center in Philadelphia PA, of Sikorsky's journals and photographs containing a multitude of references to scriptures from the Holy Bible and interpretations that illustrate how Igor's faith and his work were eternally intertwined. Instead of attempting to interpret and summarize Igor's beliefs, we have chosen to use his own words (in italics) drawn from multiple sources, to the maximum extent possible in this writing. Thankfully, Igor did not conceal his faith. It meant as much to him as his vast aviation accomplishments as evidenced by the number of books, papers and public talks he gave on that subject.