‘Cleared for Takeoff’s’ Top 5 Articles for Aviation History Buffs
By D. Gagnon, FAA Office of Communications
August 19 is International Aviation Day, so the editors at Cleared for Takeoff have curated a list of our favorite pieces for aviation history enthusiasts. From unsung heroes like Charles E. Taylor to aviation icons like Amelia Earhart, the FAA acknowledges the valuable contributions these individuals have made to pioneer modern aviation and aviation safety.
1. Charles E. Taylor: The Unsung Hero of Kitty Hawk Finally Gets His Day
Real aviation history buffs will know Charles E. Taylor, who is often referred to as “the man aviation history forgot.” However, it’s no myth that, without the engine Taylor built for two famous brothers from Dayton, Ohio, there would be no Kitty Hawk. These days, Taylor is recognized as “The Father of Aircraft Maintenance,” has an award named after him, and even has his own day on May 24. Read this short biography of his life and influence.
2. A Cockpit View of History
Emily Howell Warner knew from the first moment she sat in a pilot’s chair that she would be a pilot. Not only did she succeed, she became the first woman pilot to be permanently hired by a major commercial airline. Though she passed away on July 3 of this year, she will be remembered for her optimism and her quick wit. Read the story of her trailblazing career, which includes working as an aviation safety inspector at the FAA.
3. Origins of the Commercial Space Industry
In November, 1995, President Bill Clinton signed legislation that established the Office of Commercial Space Transportation under FAA jurisdiction, but the conversation around privatizing the space industry was occurring long before that. Read this comprehensive history of commercial space since the dawn of space flight, and how, today, the FAA continues to facilitate that growth.
4. I. M. Pei’s Imprint on the FAA
Architectural great, I.M. Pei, made his contribution to aviation on the ground by helping to design what would be adopted as the standard for air traffic control towers throughout the country. Learn more about the origin of the sleek and efficient design that has now become iconic, in addition to the important role these towers play in keeping our airports and national airspace safe.
5. Amelia Earhart’s Ascent through the Ranks of Aviation
And how could we have a list celebrating aviation history without including aviation icon, Amelia Earhart? This article by FAA Historian Terry Kraus charts Earhart’s ascent into fame leading up to her infamous disappearance. Did you know she set her first of many records when she was 25 years old?
Hungry for more history? Browse even more aviation history articles at Cleared for Takeoff, and check out our Timeline of FAA and Aerospace History.
