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Wiley Hardeman Post



Wiley Hardeman Post

Wiley Hardeman Post
WILEY HARDEMAN POST
American Pioneer Aviator
Born November 22, 1898 near Grand Saline, Texas, Wiley Post is generally remembered for his around-the-world record flights in the early 1930's in a single-engine Lockheed Vega, the "Winnie Mae." However, his more significant contribution to the advancement of aviation was his subsequent research in sustained high altitude flight and the development of the forerunner of the modern pressure suit. As the result of the experience gained from his around-the-world flights, Post was convinced the future of long range flying was at altitudes of 30,000 feet or higher which put the airplane above most adverse weather and where strong winds existed. By many trial and error engineering modifications, he was able to improve significantly the high altitude performance of the "Winnie Mae." With the use of a pressure suit designed to his requirements, he was able eventually to operate the Vega successfully at 40,000 feet. Thus, Wiley Post was a true pioneer in sustained high altitude flying and, by the time of his death in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935, he had more flying time above 30,000 feet than all other pilots combined.
Elected to the International Aerospace Hall of Fame 1997