Born: United States of America
Primarily active in: United States of America

1945-2025

Jeffrey C. Evans, Helicopter Historian

Jeffrey Evans, an avid helicopter historian, was a long-term member of the Vertical Flight Society and Vertical Aviation International. He was an avid professional helicopter photographer with many photos published in helicopter magazines.

Over the years, Jeff Evans met many old helicopter pioneers, both pilots and mechanics, and other helicopter enthusiasts, and made many friends. In 2013, Jeff and his friend Robert Petite researched, wrote, and published a book on the Bell Model 47 helicopter — The First Commercial Helicopter in the World.

Jeff accumulated a vast collection and archives in his home in Santa Ana, CA, of helicopter company files and pamphlets, photographs, flight and maintenance manuals, helicopter magazines, plastic helicopter models, parts of various early helicopters, and a very large collection of helicopter display models, many going back to the 1950s. Jeff’s helicopter collection and archives is second to none.

Jeff was the most kind and caring person, always there to help others in need. A service for him was held on October 11, 2025, in Santa Ana, California.

Jeffrey C. Evans passed away on September 27, 2025, in Santa Ana, CA. just short of his 80th birthday.

(Obituary submitted by Robert Petite)

In Memoriam: Vertiflite November/December 2025