Samuel Ryan Swah *71

Ryan died March 17, 2022, of lymphoma in Germantown, Tenn.

Born Jan. 19, 1948, Ryan earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Naval Academy, an MSE in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton, and a master’s degree in aeronautical systems from the University of West Florida. 

As a retired Navy captain with experience in attack, fighter, and transport aircraft, Ryan worked as a pilot for Eastern Airlines before joining FedEx Express. At FedEx Express he flew the B-727 as a flight engineer and first officer and the MD-11/10 as a first officer and captain. 

Ryan also held positions as an FAA Aircraft Program Designee, Line Check Airman, Proficiency Check Airman, Standards Check Airman, Aircraft Technical Pilot, Flight Standards Manager, and Senior Flight Standards Manager. After retiring as a pilot, he worked for FedEx Express in operations specifications, flight-operations policy, and navigation information. He also did consulting work as the content manager of convergent performance. A technical writer for TrainingBoom, Ryan co-authored Automation Airmanship: Nine Principles for Operating Glass Cockpit Aircraft.

He is survived by his wife, Janice; his daughter, Ashleigh; granddaughters Katelyn and Molly; and siblings Dana and McLynn.

Graduate alumni memorials are prepared by the APGA.