Profession: Fighter and Test Pilot
Biography: Chuck Yeager was a United States Air Force officer, flying ace, and test pilot. He was the first pilot to exceed the speed of sound in level flight, a feat which he achieved in October 1947.
During World War II, Yeager fought as a P-51 Mustang fighter pilot on the Western Front. He shot down 11.5 enemy planes, as well achieving the feat of an "ace in a day" after taking out five enemy aircraft in a single mission.
After his combat career, Yeager went on to work as a test pilot. He flew a number of advanced experimental airplanes, including the Bell X-1, with which he broke various speed and altitude records.
Born: February 13, 1923
Birthplace: Myra, West Virginia, USA
Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Dog
Star Sign: Aquarius
Died: December 7, 2020 (aged 97)
Flying Career
- 1947-10-14 Chuck Yeager in Bell XS-1 makes 1st supersonic flight (Mach 1.015)
- 1953-12-12 Chuck Yeager reaches Mach 2.43 in Bell X-1A rocket plane
Quotes by Chuck Yeager
- "If you can walk away from a landing, it's a good landing. If you use the airplane the next day, it's an outstanding landing." - Flying
References
Famous Aviators
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