Society of Experimental Test Pilots
Encyclopedia
The Society of Experimental Test Pilots is an international organization that seeks to promote air safety and contributes to aeronautical advancement by promoting sound aeronautical design and development; interchanging ideas, thoughts and suggestions of the members, assisting in the professional development of experimental pilots, and providing scholarships and aid to members and the families of deceased members.
of NACA
, Ray Tenhoff of Northrop
, Joe Ozier of Lockheed
, Dick Johnson
and John Fitzpatrick of Convair
, Tom Kilgariff of Douglas
, and Lou Everett
of Ryan Aeronautical Company
as its original members. The newly formed group pledged to "assist in the development of superior aircraft." The name was changed to the Society of Experimental Test Pilots at a meeting held on October 13, 1955.
The first officers of the society were instated on October 25, 1955, and consisted of Ray Tenhoff, President; Scott Crossfield, Executive Adviser; Dick Johnson, Vice-President; Joe Ozier, Secretary; Lou Everett, Treasurer; and Al Blackburn, Legal Officer. Once the organization and bylaws were established, the society incorporated in the state of California on April 12, 1956. The first Awards Banquet was held on October 4, 1957, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel
in Beverly Hills, California
. In 2005, SETP Fellow, Neil Armstrong
, spoke of how the first awards banquet went largely unnoticed due to the Soviet Union
's launch of the world's first satellite, Sputnik, on the same day.
The East Coast chapter was formed in 1959 by twelve members including Bob Elder, first East Coast chairman, Don Engen, and Gene Deatrick
. As of 2009, the Society had grown to nearly 2400 members from many nations and promotes safety within the flight test community.
in educational assistance to more than 140 students. Approximately 12 students per year attend school with Society assistance.
History
The society was founded on September 14, 1955, as the "Testy Test Pilots Society" and had Scott CrossfieldAlbert Scott Crossfield
Albert Scott Crossfield was an American naval officer and test pilot.-Biography:Born in Berkeley, California, Crossfield grew up in California and Washington. He served with the U.S. Navy as a flight instructor and fighter pilot during World War II...
of NACA
National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics
The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics was a U.S. federal agency founded on March 3, 1915 to undertake, promote, and institutionalize aeronautical research. On October 1, 1958 the agency was dissolved, and its assets and personnel transferred to the newly created National Aeronautics and...
, Ray Tenhoff of Northrop
Northrop Corporation
Northrop Corporation was a leading United States aircraft manufacturer from its formation in 1939 until its merger with Grumman to form Northrop Grumman in 1994. The company is known for its development of the flying wing design, although only a few of these have entered service.-History:Jack...
, Joe Ozier of Lockheed
Lockheed Corporation
The Lockheed Corporation was an American aerospace company. Lockheed was founded in 1912 and later merged with Martin Marietta to form Lockheed Martin in 1995.-Origins:...
, Dick Johnson
Dick Johnson (test pilot)
Richard Lowe "Dick" Johnson is best known for being chief test pilot for Convair, a division of American defence contractor General Dynamics and being a founding member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots in 1955....
and John Fitzpatrick of Convair
Convair
Convair was an American aircraft manufacturing company which later expanded into rockets and spacecraft. The company was formed in 1943 by the merger of Vultee Aircraft and Consolidated Aircraft, and went on to produce a number of pioneering aircraft, such as the Convair B-36 bomber, and the F-102...
, Tom Kilgariff of Douglas
Douglas Aircraft Company
The Douglas Aircraft Company was an American aerospace manufacturer, based in Long Beach, California. It was founded in 1921 by Donald Wills Douglas, Sr. and later merged with McDonnell Aircraft in 1967 to form McDonnell Douglas...
, and Lou Everett
Lou Everett
W. L. "Lou" Everett , was an American Air Force Fighter Pilot and Test pilot.-Early life:Lou Everett was born on November 28, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York. Lou graduated from high school at seventeen during World War II, and wanted to fly fighter aircraft for the United States Navy...
of Ryan Aeronautical Company
Ryan Aeronautical Company
The Ryan Aeronautical Company was founded by T. Claude Ryan in San Diego, California in 1934. Part of Teledyne after 1969, Northrop Grumman purchased Teledyne Ryan in 1999...
as its original members. The newly formed group pledged to "assist in the development of superior aircraft." The name was changed to the Society of Experimental Test Pilots at a meeting held on October 13, 1955.
The first officers of the society were instated on October 25, 1955, and consisted of Ray Tenhoff, President; Scott Crossfield, Executive Adviser; Dick Johnson, Vice-President; Joe Ozier, Secretary; Lou Everett, Treasurer; and Al Blackburn, Legal Officer. Once the organization and bylaws were established, the society incorporated in the state of California on April 12, 1956. The first Awards Banquet was held on October 4, 1957, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel
Beverly Hilton Hotel
The Beverly Hilton is a hotel located on an property at the intersection of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards in Beverly Hills, California, USA...
in Beverly Hills, California
Beverly Hills, California
Beverly Hills is an affluent city located in Los Angeles County, California, United States. With a population of 34,109 at the 2010 census, up from 33,784 as of the 2000 census, it is home to numerous Hollywood celebrities. Beverly Hills and the neighboring city of West Hollywood are together...
. In 2005, SETP Fellow, Neil Armstrong
Neil Armstrong
Neil Alden Armstrong is an American former astronaut, test pilot, aerospace engineer, university professor, United States Naval Aviator, and the first person to set foot upon the Moon....
, spoke of how the first awards banquet went largely unnoticed due to the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
's launch of the world's first satellite, Sputnik, on the same day.
The East Coast chapter was formed in 1959 by twelve members including Bob Elder, first East Coast chairman, Don Engen, and Gene Deatrick
Eugene Peyton Deatrick
Eugene Peyton Deatrick, Jr. is a retired United States Air Force colonel, test pilot, and combat veteran. He is best recognized for his role in the rescue of United States Navy Lieutenant Dieter Dengler during the Vietnam War...
. As of 2009, the Society had grown to nearly 2400 members from many nations and promotes safety within the flight test community.
Publications
The society publishes a quarterly known as Cockpit that contains technical articles on flight testing. In addition to Cockpit, the society publishes the proceedings of the annual symposium in Los Angeles to provide a permanent record of flight test progress reports. A periodic newsletter is also provided to members.Conferences
The Society holds a number of conferences annually:- Los Angeles Symposium and Banquet
- San Diego Symposium
- East Coast Symposium
- European Symposium
- Southeast Symposium
- Central Symposium
- Great Lakes Symposium
- Flight Test Safety Workshop
Awards
The Society annually presents a number of awards to recognize notable members of the flight test community. These are:- Iven C. Kincheloe AwardIven C. Kincheloe AwardThe Iven C. Kincheloe Award recognizes outstanding professional accomplishment in the conduct of flight testing. It was established in 1958 by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and honors the memory of test pilot and Korean War ace Iven C...
—Outstanding professional accomplishment in the conduct of flight testing - James H. Doolittle AwardJames H. Doolittle AwardThe James H. Doolittle Award is an honor presented annually by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. It is an award for "outstanding accomplishment in technical management or engineering achievement in aerospace technology". The award consists of a perpetual trophy on permanent display at SETP...
—Outstanding accomplishment in technical management or engineering - Tony LeVier Flight Test Safety AwardTony LeVier Flight Test Safety AwardThe Tony LeVier Flight Test Safety Award, named in honor of test pilot Tony LeVier, was established by the Flight Test Safety Committee to pay recognition to people who have significantly contributed to the safety of flight test operations...
—Significant achievement in flight test safety - Herman R. Salmon Technical Publications AwardHerman R. Salmon AwardThe Herman R. Salmon Technical Publications Award recognizes the most outstanding technical paper published in Cockpit magazine, a quarterly journal of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. The award was established in 1971 and renamed in 1981 to honor the memory of test pilot Herman R...
—Outstanding technical paper published in Cockpit magazine - Ray E. Tenhoff AwardRay E. Tenhoff AwardThe Ray E. Tenhoff Award recognizes the most outstanding technical paper presented at the annual Society of Experimental Test Pilots Symposium in Los Angeles, California. The award was established in 1962 and is given in memory of Convair test pilot, Ray E. Tenhoff, founder and first president of...
—Outstanding technical paper presented at the annual SETP symposium - Jack Northrop Award—Outstanding technical paper presented at the annual SETP San Diego symposium
- Leroy Grumman Award—Outstanding technical paper presented at the annual SETP East Coast symposium
- Friend of the SocietyFriend of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots AwardThe Friend of the Society Award pays tribute to individuals or organizations who have provided an exceptional and notable contribution to the operation and the objectives of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots . The award was established in 1995 and is sponsored by SETP...
—Exceptional and notable contribution to the operation and the objectives of the Society - Spirit of Flight—Significant contribution to the spirit, technology, manufacture, safety and flight test of home-built/sport/classic aircraft
Scholarship foundation
In 1967, the Society created a foundation to provide for scholarships and other forms of educational assistance to children of deceased or disabled Society members. As of 2009, the scholarship foundation has granted over 1.6 million dollarsUnited States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
in educational assistance to more than 140 students. Approximately 12 students per year attend school with Society assistance.
Membership and member grades
Membership in the Society is divided into six grades:- Honorary Fellow (HF)—Distinction in the aerospace field and an experimental test pilot at some time during their career
- Fellow (F)—Distinction in experimental flight testing and an Associate Fellow for at least one year
- Associate Fellow (AF)—Association with experimental flight testing for ten years, experimental test pilot for five years, Member for at least two years
- Member (M)—Experimental test pilot not less than one year or manned space vehicle pilot
- Associate Member (AM)—Experimental test pilot or co-pilot from between six months to two years depending on the type of testing
- Corporate Member—Organization that has a common interest with the Society in the advancement of manned aerospace
Notable members
The following is an incomplete list of notable individuals who are or were members of the society:- Michael James AdamsMichael James AdamsMichael James Adams was an American aviator, engineer and USAF astronaut. He was the first US space mission fatality, according to the US definition.-Military experience:...
(M) - Buzz AldrinBuzz AldrinBuzz Aldrin is an American mechanical engineer, retired United States Air Force pilot and astronaut who was the Lunar Module pilot on Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing in history...
(F) - Andrew M. AllenAndrew M. AllenAndrew Michael "Andy" Allen is a retired United States Astronaut. A former United States Marine Corps aviator and Lt. Colonel, he worked as a test pilot before joining NASA in 1987. He flew three shuttle missions before retiring in 1997....
(M) - William AndersWilliam AndersWilliam Alison Anders is a former United States Air Force officer, NASA astronaut, businessman, and engineer. He is, along with Apollo 8 crewmates Frank Borman and Jim Lovell, one of the first three persons to have left Earth orbit and traveled to the Moon .-Biography:Anders was born to Arthur...
(M) - Bud AndersonBud AndersonClarence Emil "Bud" Anderson is a retired officer in the United States Air Force and a "triple ace" in World War II.-Biography:Anderson was born in Oakland, California, and reared on a farm near Newcastle, California...
(F) - Neil ArmstrongNeil ArmstrongNeil Alden Armstrong is an American former astronaut, test pilot, aerospace engineer, university professor, United States Naval Aviator, and the first person to set foot upon the Moon....
(F) - Fred AscaniFred AscaniAlfredo John Ascani was an American Major General and test pilot of the United States Air Force. He was one of the "Men of Mach 1" and was considered father of Systems Engineering at Wright Field.-Early years:...
(HF) - Joel Robert "Bob" Baker (F)
- Michael A. BakerMichael A. BakerMichael Allen Baker is an engineer, retired United States Navy captain NASA astronaut, and the International Space Station Program Manager for International and Crew Operations, at NASA's Johnson Space Center...
(M) - Alan BeanAlan BeanAlan LaVern Bean is a former NASA astronaut, engineer, and painter. Bean was selected to become an astronaut by NASA in 1963 as part of Astronaut Group 3. He made his first flight into space aboard Apollo 12, the second manned mission to land on the Moon, at the age of thirty-seven years in...
(M) - John E. BlahaJohn E. BlahaJohn Elmer Blaha is an engineer, retired United States Air Force Colonel and a former NASA astronaut. He is a veteran of six Space Shuttle missions and a stay on the Mir space station....
(M) - Brian BinnieBrian BinnieWilliam Brian Binnie is a former United States Navy officer and is one of the test pilots for SpaceShipOne, the experimental spaceplane developed by Scaled Composites.-History:...
(AF) - Eric A. BoeEric A. BoeColonel Eric A. Boe, USAF , in Miami, Florida) is an Air Force fighter pilot, test pilot and a NASA astronaut. He flew as the pilot of Space Shuttle missions STS-126 and STS-133.-Early life and education:...
(M) - Albert BoydAlbert BoydAlbert Boyd was a pioneering test pilot for the United States Air Force. During his 30 year career, he logged over 23,000 hours of flight time, flying an astounding 723 military aircraft...
(HF) - Vance D. BrandVance D. BrandVance DeVoe Brand is an engineer and former test pilot and NASA astronaut. He served as command module pilot during the first U.S.-Soviet joint space flight in 1975, and as commander of three space shuttle missions....
(F) - Daniel BrandensteinDaniel BrandensteinDaniel Charles Brandenstein is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of United Space Alliance. He is a former naval aviator and NASA astronaut who flew four space shuttle missions....
(M) - Bill BridgemanBill BridgemanWilliam [Bill] Barton Bridgeman was an American test pilot who broke aviation records while working for the Douglas aircraft company testing experimental aircraft....
(M) - James E. Brown IIIJames E. Brown IIIJames E. Brown III is a Lockheed Martin test pilot and former United States Air Force officer. He is the chief test pilot for the F-22 Raptor program and is stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in California where he performs activities including avionics testing, flight envelope expansion, and the...
(F) - John S. Bull (M)
- Robert D. CabanaRobert D. CabanaRobert Donald Cabana is the director of NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center, a NASA astronaut, and a veteran of four Space Shuttle flights. He is also a former Naval Flight Officer and Naval Aviator in the United States Marine Corps.-Personal:...
(F) - Robert CardenasRobert CardenasRobert L. "Bob" Cardenas is a retired Brigadier General of the United States Air Force.-Childhood and adolescence:He was born in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. When he was five, his family moved to San Diego, California. He excelled in Mathematics and Physics in high school...
(M) - Marion Eugene Carl (F)
- Scott CarpenterScott CarpenterMalcolm Scott Carpenter is an American engineer, former test pilot, astronaut, and aquanaut. He is best known as one of the original seven astronauts selected for NASA's Project Mercury in April 1959....
(M) - Gerald P. CarrGerald P. CarrGerald Paul Carr is an engineer, retired United States Marine Corps colonel and former NASA astronaut. He was commander of Skylab 4, the third and final manned visit to the Skylab Orbital Workshop, from November 16, 1973 to February 8, 1974.-Biography:Carr was born in Denver, Colorado on August...
(M) - John CasperJohn CasperJohn Howard Casper is an American astronaut. Although born in South Carolina, he considers Gainesville, Georgia to be his hometown. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America where he achieved its second highest rank, Life Scout...
(M) - Eugene Cernan (M)
- Jean-Loup ChrétienJean-Loup ChrétienJean-Loup Jacques Marie Chrétien, is a French engineer, a retired Général de Brigade in the Armée de l'Air , and a former CNES astronaut. He flew on two Franco-Soviet space missions and a NASA Space Shuttle mission...
(HF) - Michael CoatsMichael CoatsMichael Lloyd Coats is an engineer and former NASA astronaut, raised in Riverside, California...
(M) - Jacqueline CochranJacqueline CochranJacqueline Cochran was a pioneer American aviator, considered to be one of the most gifted racing pilots of her generation...
(HF) - Kenneth CockrellKenneth CockrellKenneth Dale "Taco" Cockrell is an American astronaut and a veteran of five space shuttle missions.Cockrell was born in Austin, Texas to Buford Dale Cockrell and Jewell Moorman. He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 1972 and received his...
(M) - Pete ConradPete ConradCharles "Pete" Conrad, Jr. was an American naval officer, astronaut and engineer, and the third person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 12 mission. He set an eight-day space endurance record along with command pilot Gordon Cooper on the Gemini 5 mission, and commanded the Gemini 11 mission...
(F) - Michael CollinsMichael Collins (astronaut)Michael Collins is a former American astronaut and test pilot. Selected as part of the third group of fourteen astronauts in 1963, he flew in space twice. His first spaceflight was Gemini 10, in which he and command pilot John Young performed two rendezvous with different spacecraft and Collins...
(M) - Gordon CooperGordon CooperLeroy Gordon Cooper, Jr. , also known as Gordon Cooper, was an American aeronautical engineer, test pilot and NASA astronaut. Cooper was one of the seven original astronauts in Project Mercury, the first manned space effort by the United States...
(AF) - Richard O. CoveyRichard O. CoveyRichard Oswalt Covey is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and former NASA astronaut.Born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, he considers Fort Walton Beach, Florida, to be his hometown...
(F) - Laurence Cardee CraigieLaurence Cardee CraigieLieutenant General Laurence Carbee Craigie , was a United States aviator and United States Air Force general. He became the first U.S. military jet pilot in 1942 when he piloted the Bell XP-59. With Orval R...
(HF) - Robert CrippenRobert CrippenRobert Laurel Crippen is an engineer, retired United States Navy Captain and a former NASA astronaut. He flew on four Space Shuttle missions, including three as commander...
(F) - Albert Scott CrossfieldAlbert Scott CrossfieldAlbert Scott Crossfield was an American naval officer and test pilot.-Biography:Born in Berkeley, California, Crossfield grew up in California and Washington. He served with the U.S. Navy as a flight instructor and fighter pilot during World War II...
(F) - Walter CunninghamWalter CunninghamRonnie Walter Cunningham , known as Walt Cunningham, is a retired American astronaut. In 1968, he was the Lunar Module pilot on the Apollo 7 mission...
(M) - William H. DanaWilliam H. Dana-Career:Dana was born in Pasadena, California, November 3, 1930, received his Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy in 1952 and served four years as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force...
(F) - Eugene Peyton DeatrickEugene Peyton DeatrickEugene Peyton Deatrick, Jr. is a retired United States Air Force colonel, test pilot, and combat veteran. He is best recognized for his role in the rescue of United States Navy Lieutenant Dieter Dengler during the Vietnam War...
(M) - Jimmy DoolittleJimmy DoolittleGeneral James Harold "Jimmy" Doolittle, USAF was an American aviation pioneer. Doolittle served as a brigadier general, major general and lieutenant general in the United States Army Air Forces during the Second World War...
(HF) - B. Alvin DrewB. Alvin DrewColonel Benjamin Alvin Drew is a United States Air Force officer and a NASA astronaut. He has been on two spaceflights; the first one was the Space Shuttle mission STS-118 to the International Space Station, in August 2007. Drew's second spaceflight took place in March 2011 on STS-133, another...
(M) - Charles Duke (M)
- Neville DukeNeville DukeSquadron Leader Neville Frederick Duke DSO, OBE, DFC & Two Bars, AFC, FRAeS,Czech War Cross was a British Second World War fighter pilot. He was the top Allied flying ace in the Mediterranean Theatre, having shot down at least 27 enemy aircraft, and was acknowledged as one of the world's foremost...
(HF) - James Dutton (M)
- Ira C. Eaker (HF)
- Joe F. Edwards, Jr.Joe F. Edwards, Jr.Joe Frank Edwards, Jr., , is a former United States Naval officer and NASA astronaut.-Early life and education:Edwards was born in Richmond, Virginia, but considers Lineville, Alabama to be his hometown. He graduated from Lineville High School in 1976 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in...
(M) - Joe Engle (F)
- Frank Kendall Everest, Jr. (F)
- Lou EverettLou EverettW. L. "Lou" Everett , was an American Air Force Fighter Pilot and Test pilot.-Early life:Lou Everett was born on November 28, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York. Lou graduated from high school at seventeen during World War II, and wanted to fly fighter aircraft for the United States Navy...
(M) - Edward L. FeightnerEdward L. FeightnerRear Admiral Edward L. "Whitey" Feightner is a retired United States Navy officer who fought in a number of significant battles in the World War II Pacific Theater of Operations...
(HF) - Jack D. FischerJack D. FischerJack David "2fish" Fischer is an American test pilot and a NASA astronaut. Fischer was selected in June 2009 as a member of the NASA Astronaut Group 20 and qualified as an astronaut in 2011.-Biography:...
(M) - Patrick G. ForresterPatrick G. ForresterPatrick Graham Forrester is a retired United States Army officer and a NASA astronaut. At the time of his retirement from the U.S. Army, Forrester had achieved the rank of colonel...
(M) - Steve FossettSteve FossettJames Stephen Fossett was an American commodities trader, businessman, and adventurer. Fossett is the first person to fly solo nonstop around the world in a balloon...
(M) - Benjamin Delahauf Foulois (HF)
- Theodore FreemanTheodore FreemanTheodore Cordy Freeman was a NASA astronaut and a captain in the United States Air Force. He was killed in the crash of a T-38 jet, marking the first fatality among the American astronaut corps...
(M) - Stephen FrickStephen FrickStephen Nathaniel Frick is an American astronaut and a veteran of two space shuttle missions. Raised in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, Frick graduated from Pine-Richland High School in 1982, earned a degree in aerospace engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1986, was commissioned as a Navy...
(M) - C. Gordon FullertonC. Gordon FullertonCharles Gordon Fullerton is a retired United States Air Force officer, a former USAF and NASA astronaut and retired research pilot at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards, California...
(F) - Fitzhugh L. FultonFitzhugh L. FultonFitzhugh L. "Fitz" Fulton Jr. is a retired civilian research pilot at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, from August 1, 1966, until July 3, 1986, following 23 years of service as a pilot in the U.S...
(F)
- Ronald J. Garan, Jr.Ronald J. Garan, Jr.Ronald John Garan, Jr. is a NASA astronaut. After graduating from State University of New York College at Oneonta in 1982, he joined the Air Force, becoming a Second Lieutenant in 1984. He became an F-16 pilot, and flew combat missions in Desert Shield and Desert Storm...
(M) - Jerauld R. GentryJerauld R. GentryJerauld Richard "Jerry" Gentry was a United States Air Force test pilot and Vietnam combat veteran. As chief USAF pilot of the Lifting Body Research Program, he helped validate the concept of flying a wingless vehicle back to Earth from space and landing it like an aircraft—an approach used...
(F) - Vergil C. Givens (F)
- John GlennJohn GlennJohn Herschel Glenn, Jr. is a former United States Marine Corps pilot, astronaut, and United States senator who was the first American to orbit the Earth and the third American in space. Glenn was a Marine Corps fighter pilot before joining NASA's Mercury program as a member of NASA's original...
(F) - Chalmers GoodlinChalmers GoodlinChalmers H. "Slick" Goodlin was the second test pilot of the Bell X-1 supersonic rocket plane, and the first to operate the craft in powered flight...
(HF) - Richard F. Gordon, Jr.Richard F. Gordon, Jr.Richard Francis Gordon, Jr., Captain, USN, Ret. is a retired NASA astronaut. He is one of only 24 people to have flown to the Moon.-Military and flight experience:Gordon was born in Seattle, Washington...
(AF) - Frederick D. GregoryFrederick D. GregoryFrederick Drew Gregory is a former NASA astronaut and former NASA Deputy Administrator. He also served briefly as NASA Acting Administrator in early 2005, covering the period between the departure of Sean O'Keefe and the swearing in of Michael Griffin.-Personal data:Gregory was born on January 7,...
(M) - S. David GriggsS. David GriggsStanley David Griggs was a United States Navy officer and a NASA astronaut. He is credited with conducting the first unscheduled extra-vehicular activity of the space program during Space Shuttle mission STS-51-D...
(M) - Gus GrissomGus GrissomVirgil Ivan Grissom , , better known as Gus Grissom, was one of the original NASA Project Mercury astronauts and a United States Air Force pilot...
(M) - Sidney M. GutierrezSidney M. GutierrezSidney McNeill "Sid" Gutierrez , is a former NASA astronaut.-Early life and education:Gutierrez was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Married to the former Marianne Sue Cremer of Jefferson City, Missouri. They have three children: two daughters and a son...
(M) - Chris HadfieldChris HadfieldChris Austin "Chris" Hadfield, O.Ont, MSC, CD is a Canadian astronaut from the Canadian Space Agency who was the first Canadian to walk in space. Hadfield has flown two space shuttle missions, STS-74 in 1995 and STS-100 in 2001. He has served as CAPCOM for both Space Shuttle and International...
(M) - Fred HaiseFred HaiseFred Wallace Haise, Jr. is an engineer and former NASA astronaut. He is one of only 24 people to have flown to the Moon. Having flown on Apollo 13, Haise was to be the sixth human to walk on the Moon, but the mission did not land due to a failure aboard the spacecraft.-Early life and...
(F) - Kenneth HamKenneth HamKenneth "Hock" Todd Ham is an American astronaut and a captain in the United States Navy. Ham was selected for NASA's astronaut program in August 1998, while serving as the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet lead carrier suitability test pilot. Ham's U.S...
(M) - Frederick HauckFrederick HauckFrederick Hamilton "Rick" Hauck is a former NASA astronaut.-Personal data:He was born April 11, 1941 in Long Beach, California, but considers Winchester, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C. to be his hometowns. His parents are the late Captain and Mrs. Phillip F. Hauck. Rick is married to Susan...
(F) - Bob HooverBob HooverRobert A. "Bob" Hoover is a former air show pilot and United States Air Force test pilot, known for his wide-brimmed straw hat and wide smile. In aviation circles, he is often referred to as "The pilots' pilot."-Aviation career:...
(F) - Walter HortenHorten brothersWalter Horten and Reimar Horten , sometimes credited as the Horten Brothers, were German aircraft pilots and enthusiasts, and members of the Hitler Youth and Nazi party...
(HF) - Ben O. Howard (HF)
- Howard HughesHoward HughesHoward Robard Hughes, Jr. was an American business magnate, investor, aviator, engineer, film producer, director, and philanthropist. He was one of the wealthiest people in the world...
(HF) - Richard Douglas HusbandRichard Douglas HusbandRick Douglas Husband was a United States Air Force Colonel, an astronaut, and the space shuttle commander of STS-107 who was killed when the craft disintegrated after reentry into the Earth's atmosphere. Husband is a recipient of the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.-Background:Husband was born...
(M) - James IrwinJames IrwinJames Benson Irwin was an American astronaut and engineer. He served as Lunar Module pilot for Apollo 15, the fourth human lunar landing; he was the eighth person to walk on the Moon.-Early life:...
(M) - Brent W. Jett, Jr.Brent W. Jett, Jr.Brent Ward Jett, Jr. is a NASA astronaut.-Personal data:Born October 5, 1958, in Pontiac, Michigan, but considers Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to be his hometown. Married to Janet Leigh Lyon of Patuxent River, Maryland.-Education:...
(M) - Dick JohnsonDick Johnson (test pilot)Richard Lowe "Dick" Johnson is best known for being chief test pilot for Convair, a division of American defence contractor General Dynamics and being a founding member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots in 1955....
(F) - Gregory C. JohnsonGregory C. JohnsonGregory Carl "Ray J" Johnson , is a NASA astronaut and a retired captain in the United States Navy who spent his military career in both the Regular United States Navy and the Navy Reserve...
(M) - Scott J. Kelly (AF)
- Iven Carl Kincheloe, Jr.Iven Carl Kincheloe, Jr.Iven Carl "Kinch" Kincheloe, Jr. was an American test pilot, recipient of the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross, and an ace in the Korean War.-Early life:...
(M) - William J. KnightWilliam J. KnightWilliam J. "Pete" Knight was a U.S. politician, combat pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. Knight holds the world's speed record for flight in a winged, powered aircraft...
(F) - Timothy L. KopraTimothy L. KopraTimothy Lennart Kopra is a colonel in the United States Army and a NASA astronaut. Kopra deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Desert Storm as a member of the 3rd Armored Division...
(M) - Richard E. LawyerRichard E. LawyerRichard Earl Lawyer was a USAF astronaut, test pilot, and combat veteran. Although he trained for the USAF Manned Orbital Laboratory , the program was cancelled before any of the MOL crews reached space....
(F) - Tony LeVierTony LeVierAnthony W. "Tony" LeVier was an air racer and test pilot for the Lockheed Corporation from the 1940s to the 1970s.- Early life :...
(F) - Charles LindberghCharles LindberghCharles Augustus Lindbergh was an American aviator, author, inventor, explorer, and social activist.Lindbergh, a 25-year-old U.S...
(HF) - Steven W. LindseySteven W. LindseySteven Wayne Lindsey is an American Air Force officer and a NASA astronaut. Lindsey served as Chief of the NASA Astronaut Office from September 2006 until October 2009....
(M) - Paul LockhartPaul LockhartColonel Paul Scott "Paco" Lockhart is a former American astronaut and a veteran of two Space Shuttle missions.Lockhart, born and reared in Amarillo, Texas, earned degrees in mathematics and aerospace engineering from Texas Tech University and the University of Texas at Austin before being...
(M) - Donald S. Lopez, Sr. (HF)
- Christopher LoriaChristopher LoriaChristopher Joseph "Gus" Loria is a United States Marine Corps officer and a former NASA astronaut. He was originally scheduled to fly on STS-113 as pilot, however he was grounded from spaceflight due to a severe back injury.-Personal:Born July 9, 1960 in Belmont, Massachusetts. He considers...
(M) - Jim LovellJim LovellJames "Jim" Arthur Lovell, Jr., is a former NASA astronaut and a retired captain in the United States Navy, most famous as the commander of the Apollo 13 mission, which suffered a critical failure en route to the Moon but was brought back safely to Earth by the efforts of the crew and mission...
(F) - George J. MarrettGeorge J. MarrettGeorge J. Marrett is a former United States Air Force officer, combat veteran, and test pilot. He is the author of many aviation-related books and articles.-Early life:...
(AF) - Ken MattinglyKen MattinglyThomas Kenneth "Ken" Mattingly II, is a retired American astronaut and rear admiral in the United States Navy who flew on the Apollo 16, STS-4 and STS-51-C missions. He had been scheduled to fly on Apollo 13, but was held back due to concerns about a potential illness...
(M) - Jon McBrideJon McBrideJon Andrew McBride is retired United States naval officer and a former NASA astronaut.-Biography:Jon McBride was born August 14, 1943, in Charleston, West Virginia, but considers Beckley, West Virginia, to be his hometown...
(M) - Michael J. McCulleyMichael J. McCulleyMichael James McCulley is a former NASA astronaut, and was the first submariner in space.-Personal data:Born August 4, 1943, in San Diego, California, but considers Livingston, Tennessee to be his hometown. Married to the former Jane Emalie Thygeson of Melbourne, Florida. Six children....
(M) - James McDivittJames McDivittJames Alton McDivitt is a former NASA astronaut and engineer who flew in the Gemini and Apollo programs. He commanded the Gemini 4 flight in which Edward H. White performed the first US space walk, and later the Apollo 9 flight which was the first manned Earth orbital test of the Apollo Lunar...
(F) - John B. McKayJohn B. McKayJohn B. McKay was one of the first pilots assigned to the X-15 flight research program at NASA's Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California. As a civilian research pilot and aeronautical engineer, he made 30 flights in X-15s from October 28, 1960, until September 8, 1966...
(M) - Donald R. McMonagleDonald R. McMonagleDonald Ray McMonagle became the Manager, Launch Integration, at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on August 15, 1997. In this capacity he is responsible for final Shuttle preparation, launch execution, and return of the orbiter to KSC following landings at any location other than KSC...
(M) - Carl J. MeadeCarl J. MeadeCarl Joseph Meade is a former NASA astronaut.-Personal data:Born November 16, 1950, at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois. Married. Two sons. He enjoys woodworking, home-built aircraft construction, racquetball, jogging, and snow skiing. His father, Mr. John Meade, resides in Universal City, Texas....
(M) - Pamela MelroyPamela MelroyPamela Anne Melroy is a retired United States Air Force officer and a former NASA astronaut. She served as pilot on Space Shuttle missions STS-92 and STS-112 and commanded mission STS-120.-Early life and education:...
(M) - Mike MelvillMike MelvillMichael Winston "Mike" Melvill is one of the test pilots for SpaceShipOne, the experimental spaceplane developed by Scaled Composites. Melvill piloted SpaceShipOne on its first flight past the edge of space, flight 15P on June 21, 2004, thus becoming the first commercial astronaut and the 434th...
(F) - Edgar Mitchell (M)
- Arthur K. MurrayArthur K. MurrayArthur Warren "Kit" Murray was a United States test pilot. He flew test flights on the Bell X-1 and the Bell X-5 aircraft.- Early life :Arthur Warren Murray was born to Charles C...
(F) - Lew A. NelsonLew A. NelsonLewis A. Nelson is a former Northrop chief test pilot who took the T-38 on its maiden flight. He tested the F-89, N-156, the F-5 and the T-38, exceeding Mach 1 in each and also made the first flight of the YA-9A in 1972...
(HF) - Stephen S. OswaldStephen S. OswaldStephen Scot Oswald is a former NASA Astronaut.-Personal data:Born 30 June 1951, in Seattle, Washington, but considers Bellingham, Washington, to be his hometown. Married to the former Diane K. Kalklosch of Fullerton, California...
(M) - Robert F. OvermyerRobert F. OvermyerRobert Franklyn Overmyer, Colonel, United States Marine Corps, Ret. was an American test pilot and NASA astronaut. He was born in Lorain, Ohio, but considered Westlake, Ohio his hometown.-Early life:...
(M) - Bruce A. Peterson (F)
- Frank PiaseckiFrank PiaseckiFrank Piasecki was an American engineer and helicopter aviation pioneer. Piasecki pioneered tandem rotor helicopter designs and created the compound helicopter concept of vectored thrust using a ducted propeller.-Biography:...
(M) - William R. PogueWilliam R. PogueWilliam Reid Pogue is a retired American astronaut who is also an accomplished teacher, public speaker, and author.-Biography:...
(M) - Alan G. PoindexterAlan G. PoindexterAlan Goodwin "Dex" Poindexter is an American naval officer and a former NASA astronaut.-Personal:Poindexter was born to John Poindexter in Pasadena, California, and grew up in Rockville, Maryland, which he considers to be his hometown. He is married to the former Lisa A. Pfeiffer of Gulf Breeze,...
(M) - Mark L. PolanskyMark L. PolanskyMark Lewis "Roman" Polansky is an American aerospace engineer and research pilot and a NASA astronaut. Polansky received the nickname "Roman" as a joke, because he shares a last name with director Roman Polanski. He has flown on three Space Shuttle missions: STS-98, STS-116, and...
(M) - Charles J. PrecourtCharles J. PrecourtCharles Joseph Precourt is a retired NASA astronaut. His career in flight began at an early age, and spans his entire lifetime. He served in the US Air Force, piloted numerous jet aircraft, and piloted and commanded the Space Shuttle...
(AF) - William F. ReaddyWilliam F. ReaddyWilliam Francis Readdy is a former Associate Administrator of the Office of Space Flight, at NASA Headquarters.He was born January 24, 1952, in Quonset Point, Rhode Island, and is married to Colleen Nevius...
(F) - Günther RallGünther RallLieutenant-General Günther Rall was the third most successful fighter ace in history. A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat. He achieved a total of 275 victories during World War II: 272 on the Eastern Front,...
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- Kenneth S. Reightler, Jr.Kenneth S. Reightler, Jr.Kenneth Stanley Reightler, Jr. is a former NASA astronaut.Reightler was born in Patuxent River, Maryland, but considers Virginia Beach, Virginia, to be his hometown. Married to the former Maureen Ellen McHenry, they have two daughters. He enjoys sailing, wind surfing, camping. His parents, Mr. &...
(M) - Hanna ReitschHanna ReitschHanna Reitsch was a German aviator and the only woman awarded the Iron Cross First Class and the Luftwaffe Combined Pilots-Observation Badge in Gold with Diamonds during World War II...
(HF) - Richard N. RichardsRichard N. RichardsRichard Noel "Dick" Richards is an American aviator, retired US Navy officer, and a former NASA astronaut. He flew aboard four Space Shuttle missions in the 1980s and 1990s.-Military career:...
(M) - Kent RomingerKent RomingerKent Vernon "Rommel" Rominger is a former American astronaut, former Chief of the NASA Astronaut Office at Johnson Space Center, and a Captain in the United States Navy. He joined ATK Launch Systems Group in 2006 as Vice President of Advanced Programs.- History :Kent Rominger was born in Del...
(M) - Stuart RoosaStuart RoosaStuart Allen Roosa was a NASA astronaut, who was the command module pilot for the Apollo 14 mission. The mission lasted from January 31 to February 9, 1971 and was the third mission to land astronauts on the Moon...
(M) - Yves RossyYves RossyYves Rossy is a Swiss pilot, inventor and aviation enthusiast. He is the first person to achieve sustained human flight using a jet-powered fixed wing strapped to his back...
(M) - Robert A. RushworthRobert A. RushworthRobert Aitken Rushworth was a United States Air Force test pilot for the North American X-15 program. Born in Madison, Maine on October 9, 1924. He studied mechanical engineering at the University of Maine, receiving a BE in 1951. He received a BS in aeronautical engineering from the Air Force...
(F) - Burt RutanBurt RutanElbert Leander "Burt" Rutan is an American aerospace engineer noted for his originality in designing light, strong, unusual-looking, energy-efficient aircraft...
(F) - Dick RutanDick RutanRichard Glenn "Dick" Rutan is an aviator who piloted the Voyager aircraft around the world non-stop with co-pilot Jeana Yeager...
(M) - Herman SalmonHerman SalmonHerman R. Salmon , nicknamed "Fish", was a barnstormer, air racer, and test pilot for the Lockheed Corporation. He started work at Lockheed in 1940 ferrying Hudsons to Montreal for the Royal Air Force...
(F) - Wally SchirraWally SchirraWalter Marty Schirra, Jr. was an American test pilot, United States Navy officer, and one of the original Mercury 7 astronauts chosen for the Project Mercury, America's effort to put humans in space. He is the only person to fly in all of America's first three space programs...
(F) - Rusty SchweickartRusty SchweickartRussell Louis "Rusty" Schweickart aka Schweikart is an American former astronaut, research scientist, US Air Force fighter pilot, business and government executive...
(M) - Dick ScobeeDick ScobeeFrancis Richard "Dick" Scobee was an American astronaut. He was killed commanding the Space Shuttle Challenger, which suffered catastrophic booster failure during launch of the STS-51-L mission.-Early life:...
(M) - David ScottDavid ScottDavid Randolph Scott is an American engineer, test pilot, retired U.S. Air Force officer, and former NASA astronaut and engineer, who was one of the third group of astronauts selected by NASA in October 1963...
(M) - Richard A. SearfossRichard A. SearfossRichard Alan Searfoss is a retired United States Air Force colonel, NASA Astronaut and test pilot.-Early life:Searfoss was born on June 5, 1956, in Mount Clemens, Michigan, but considers Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to be his hometown...
(M) - Elliot See (M)
- Alexander P. de Seversky (HF)
- Doug ShaneDoug ShaneDouglas B. Shane is an American test pilot and has trained as a commercial astronaut. He was a member of the Scaled Composites astronaut team and one of the test pilots for SpaceShipOne, the experimental spaceplane developed by Scaled Composites...
(F) - Alan ShepardAlan ShepardAlan Bartlett Shepard, Jr. was an American naval aviator, test pilot, flag officer, and NASA astronaut who in 1961 became the second person, and the first American, in space. This Mercury flight was designed to enter space, but not to achieve orbit...
(F) - Peter SieboldPeter SieboldPeter Siebold is a member of the Scaled Composites astronaut team and was one of the test pilots for SpaceShipOne, the experimental spaceplane developed by Scaled Composites...
(M) - Igor SikorskyIgor SikorskyIgor Sikorsky , born Igor Ivanovich Sikorsky was a Russian American pioneer of aviation in both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft...
(HF) - Deke SlaytonDeke SlaytonDonald Kent Slayton , better known as Deke Slayton, was an American World War II pilot and later, one of the original NASA Mercury Seven astronauts....
(F) - Thomas SopwithThomas SopwithSir Thomas Octave Murdoch Sopwith, CBE, Hon FRAeS was an English aviation pioneer and yachtsman.-Early life:...
(HF) - Sherwood C. Spring (M)
- Robert C. SpringerRobert C. SpringerRobert Clyde "Bob" Springer is a retired American astronaut and test pilot who flew as a mission specialist on two NASA space shuttle missions in 1989–90. A decorated aviator in the U.S. Marine Corps, Springer also flew more than 500 combat sorties during the Vietnam War...
(M) - Thomas Patten StaffordThomas Patten StaffordThomas Patten Stafford is a retired American Air Force lieutenant general and former NASA astronaut. He flew aboard two Gemini space flights; and in 1969 was the commander of Apollo 10, the second manned mission to orbit the Moon and the first to fly a lunar module there.In 1975, Stafford was...
(F) - Robert Stanley (HF)
- Moye W. StephensMoye W. StephensMoye Wicks Stephens was an American aviator and businessman. He was a pioneer in aviation, circumnavigating the globe with adventure writer Richard Halliburton in 1931, and co-founding Northrop Aircraft, Inc.-Family:...
(HF) - Robert L. StephensRobert L. StephensRobert L. "Silver Fox" Stephens was an American United States Air Force test pilot who set several speed and altitude records while testing the Lockheed YF-12 and SR-71.-Early years:Robert L...
(F) - Robert L. StewartRobert L. StewartRobert Lee Stewart is a retired Brigadier General of the United States Army and former NASA astronaut.-Personal:Stewart was born August 13, 1942, in Washington, D.C.. He graduated from Hattiesburg High School, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, in 1960...
(M) - James StockdaleJames StockdaleVice Admiral James Bond Stockdale was one of the most highly decorated officers in the history of the United States Navy.Stockdale led aerial attacks from the carrier during the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Incident...
(HF) - Jack SwigertJack SwigertHe later became staff director of the Committee on Science and Technology of the U.S. House of Representatives.Swigert was elected as a Republican to Colorado's newly created 6th congressional district in November 1982. He defeated Democrat Steve Hogan, 98,909 votes to 56,518...
(AF) - Milton Orville Thompson (M)
- Scott D. TingleScott D. TingleScott David Tingle is a current NASA Astronaut. Tingle was selected in June 2009 as a member of the NASA Astronaut Group 20, qualifying in 2011.-Biography:...
(M) - Brian TrubshawBrian TrubshawErnest Brian Trubshaw, CBE, MVO was a notable test pilot, and the first British pilot to fly Concorde, in April 1969....
(F) - Guy M. TownsendGuy M. TownsendGuy Mannering Townsend III was a retired United States Air Force Brigadier General, test pilot, and combat veteran...
(F) - Roscoe TurnerRoscoe TurnerRoscoe Turner was an aviator who was a three time winner of the Thompson Trophy.-Background:Turner was born in Corinth, Mississippi, the eldest son of a poor but respectable farmer. He came to realize that he did not want to be a farmer and found that he was attracted to mechanical devices instead...
(HF) - Richard H. TrulyRichard H. TrulyRichard Harrison Truly is a retired Vice Admiral in the United States Navy, Naval Aviator, former astronaut, and was the eighth Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration from 1989 to 1992...
(M) - Peter TwissPeter TwissLionel Peter Twiss, OBE, DSC and Bar was a British test pilot who held the World Air Speed Record as the first man to fly at a speed greater than 1,000 mph.-Early life:...
(HF) - Joseph John "Tym" TymczyszynJoseph John "Tym" TymczyszynJoseph John "Tym" Tymczyszyn was an American Test Pilot for the United States Army Air Corps and the Federal Aviation Administration.-Early life:...
(F) - David M. WalkerDavid M. Walker (astronaut)David Mathieson Walker , was a United States Navy officer and a NASA astronaut. He flew aboard four Space Shuttle missions in the 1980s and 1990s.-Personal:...
(AF) - Joseph Albert Walker (F)
- Jim WetherbeeJim WetherbeeJames Donald "Wxb" Wetherbee is an American Naval officer and a former NASA astronaut. He is a veteran of six Space Shuttle missions and is the only American to have commanded five spaceflight missions....
(M) - Douglas H. WheelockDouglas H. WheelockDouglas Harry "Wheels" Wheelock is an American astronaut. He has flown in space twice logging 178 days on the Space Shuttle, International Space Station, and Russian Soyuz...
(M) - Alvin S. WhiteAlvin S. WhiteAlvin Swauger White was an American test pilot, engineer, and a USAF astronaut. He flew the maiden flights of both XB-70 Valkyrie aircraft, the first 2,000 mph flight, and all subsequent Mach 3 flights.-Biography:...
(F) - Robert Michael White (M)
- Frank WhittleFrank WhittleAir Commodore Sir Frank Whittle, OM, KBE, CB, FRS, Hon FRAeS was a British Royal Air Force engineer officer. He is credited with independently inventing the turbojet engine Air Commodore Sir Frank Whittle, OM, KBE, CB, FRS, Hon FRAeS (1 June 1907 – 9 August 1996) was a British Royal Air...
(HF) - Terrence W. WilcuttTerrence W. WilcuttTerrence Wade Wilcutt is an United States Marine Corps officer and a NASA astronaut. He is a veteran of four space shuttle missions...
(M) - Clifton WilliamsClifton WilliamsThis article is about the American astronaut. For the composer, see Clifton Williams .Clifton Curtis 'C.C.' Williams was a NASA astronaut, a Naval Aviator, and a Major in the United States Marine Corps who was killed in a plane crash; he had never been to space...
(AM) - Donald E. WilliamsDonald E. WilliamsCaptain Donald Edward Williams is a former NASA astronaut. He has logged a total of 287 hours and 35 minutes in space....
(M) - Jeffrey Williams (M)
- Sunita WilliamsSunita WilliamsSunita Williams is a United States Naval officer and a NASA astronaut. She was assigned to the International Space Station as a member of Expedition 14 and then joined Expedition 15...
(M) - Steve WittmanSteve WittmanSylvester Joseph "Steve" Wittman was an air-racer and aircraft designer and builder.Wittman gained his pilot's license in 1924 in a Standard J-1 and built his first aircraft, the Harley powered "Hardly Abelson" later that same year.From 1925 to 1927 he had his own flying service, giving joyrides...
(HF) - Alfred WordenAlfred WordenAlfred Merrill Worden is an American astronaut who was the command module pilot for the Apollo 15 Moon mission in July–August 1971. The son of Merrill and Helen Worden, he was born in Jackson, Michigan...
(M) - Chuck YeagerChuck YeagerCharles Elwood "Chuck" Yeager is a retired major general in the United States Air Force and noted test pilot. He was the first pilot to travel faster than sound...
(F) - John Young (F)
- Henri ZieglerHenri ZieglerHenri Ziegler was one of the founders of Airbus and its first president.A Polytechnic engineer and graduate of "Sup'Aéro" as well as a French air force officer and test pilot, he was a founding father of Airbus Industrie and became its first...
(HF) - Janusz ŻurakowskiJanusz ZurakowskiJanusz Żurakowski was a renowned Polish fighter and test pilot, who, at various times, lived and worked in Poland, the United Kingdom, and Canada.-Early life:...
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