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.
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