James William Smolka

Background

Smolka, James William was born on July 31, 1950 in Mount Clemens, Michigan, United States. Son of Joseph William and Patricia Joan (Righetti) Smolka.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Astronautics, United States Air Force Academy, 1972. Master of Science in Aeronautical, Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1980. Engineers degree in aeronautical & astronautics, Stanford University, 1994.

Career

Commissioned Second lieutenant United States Air Force, 1972, advanced through grades to colonel, 1996. Served as pilot 3d Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Reality Therapy Air Force Base, Thailand, 1974, 21 Tactical Air Support Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base South Carolina, 1975-1977. Test pilot 6510 Test Wing, Edwards Air Force Base California, 1980-1983.

Experimental test pilot Fort Worth division General Dynamics, Edwards Air Force Base, 1984-1985. Aerospace research pilot Dryden FRC National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1985—2003. Officer United States Air Force, 1972-1983, United States Air Force Reserve, 1983-1999, retired as colonel, 1999.

Chief aircraft maintenance Dryden FRC National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Edwards Air Force Base, California, since 2003. Adjunct professor California State University, Fresno, since 1984.

Achievements

• James William Smolka has been listed as a noteworthy Aerospace research pilot by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Member Society Experimental Test Pilots.

Connections

Father:

Joseph William Smolka

Mother:

Patricia Joan (Righetti) Smolka