Wiley Hardeman Post, a renowned American aviator, made history during the Golden Age of Aviation, earning the distinction of being the first pilot to fly solo around the world. His pioneering work in high-altitude flying led to significant advancements, including the development of one of the first pressure suits, which enabled pilots to withstand the extreme conditions at high elevations. Furthermore, Post's groundbreaking discoveries included the identification of the jet stream, a crucial aspect of aerodynamics.
Tragically, Post's life was cut short when, on August 15, 1935, his aircraft, the Winnie Mae, crashed during takeoff from a lagoon near Point Barrow in the Territory of Alaska, claiming the lives of both Post and American humorist Will Rogers, who was his passenger.
The Winnie Mae, Post's iconic Lockheed Vega aircraft, was previously exhibited at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center from 2003 to 2011. Currently, it is showcased in the "Time and Navigation" gallery on the second floor of the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., serving as a testament to Post's remarkable achievements and contributions to the field of aviation.
