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February 13, 1923 - Chuck Yeager was born, he grew up to become the first person to break the sound barrier.

Ok, I'm just waiting for some comments on this one!

come now, he is acknowledged as the first to do so, intentionally...

illo

I don't think anyone disputes Yeager went mach before crossfield. It was George Welch who may have done it first in a saber. Crossfield did mach 2.

I've read a bit about both Yeager and Crossfield. It seems Crossfield may have been the more talented pilot but Yeager was an animal and pushed more.

How about Bob:
Bob Hoover video in which he pours tea while performing a barrel roll:
http://www.alexisparkinn.com/photogallery/Videos/2006-3-11_bob_hoover.avi

all info/books on these guys are great. Seems they got to enjoy flying at great time.

Well, well, well

I love a good debate...

In 2003 we had Scott Crossfield as a guest at the Alberta Aviation Museum. He gave a wonderful presentation that is well remembered by all that attended.

When we broached the topic he diplomatically avoided it by asking "do believe everything you read?"

On a greater note, about 4-5 years ago I recall the
"Society of Engineering Test Pilots" (if I remember right) recognized Crossfield as the first.

At the time it was felt that it had to be the USAF that publicly held the record.

It's been awhile and the memory ain't what it used to be but seems there is more to the story than appears.

Now to add to the conspiracy...did you know a Canadian (ex-pat) was supposed to be the first, but apparently wanted too much money to do it! Anyone remeber his name? I can't.

Also....in books older than 1965 I have found the AVRO Jetliner is reffered to as the first Jet Airliner to fly. Books newer than that show the Comet.....a figure its a conspiracy to hold down Canadians!!!!

Tom H

I think the Canadian expat was Edwards - of the same name that the USAF base is named after...but I might be wrong...

Illo

I didn't think it was Edwards...

He was a member of the USAF and was killed on the YB49 flying wing as I recall.

This character was a civilian pilot...wanted a bag of cash to break the barrier.

Anyone remember

Tom H

Tom Hinderks wrote:
Well, well, well

I love a good debate...

In 2003 we had Scott Crossfield as a guest at the Alberta Aviation Museum. He gave a wonderful presentation that is well remembered by all that attended.

When we broached the topic he diplomatically avoided it by asking "do believe everything you read?"

On a greater note, about 4-5 years ago I recall the
"Society of Engineering Test Pilots" (if I remember right) recognized Crossfield as the first.

At the time it was felt that it had to be the USAF that publicly held the record.

It's been awhile and the memory ain't what it used to be but seems there is more to the story than appears.

Now to add to the conspiracy...did you know a Canadian (ex-pat) was supposed to be the first, but apparently wanted too much money to do it! Anyone remeber his name? I can't.

Also....in books older than 1965 I have found the AVRO Jetliner is reffered to as the first Jet Airliner to fly. Books newer than that show the Comet.....a figure its a conspiracy to hold down Canadians!!!!

Tom HYeh I do agree there is a conspiracy to hold down canadians.Like the Avro arrow .the avro jet liner was the first jet airliner to fly Howard Hughs wanted to but them.Edwards airforce base is named after a canadian from Medcine hat and oh yeh our southern friends well they say a C130 went to the south pole to get the doctor that had cancer not our friends from Calgary.But we know the truth

I don't know about you guys, but this rivalry is (was) simply un-gentleman like.
A few days after Crossfield died in that accident, Yeager was quoted saying something to the effect that Crossfield was a risk taker and should not have been flying that C210 (was it?) when the weather was so bad the day he crashed...
Now, I personally lost ALL respect for Yeager after that comment. I can understand that slandering someone with whom you have a rivalry when they are alive is one thing, but making a comment like that about someone who's just passed away sickens me...

It was "Slick" Goodlin who wanted the cash. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chalmers_Goodlin

Here is the list of test flights leading up to the record flight http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_X-1_flights

Chuck Yeager has a great autobiography, written in colarboration with Leo Janos (sp?)
It was a book I read about 10 times in the first year when my dad bought it for me. (I was about 13, 1992ish)
I read it again last year, and is probably the single most influential object in persuading (like I needed it) me to pursue a career in aviation.
If any one is so inclined, buy it and read it! It really was the golden age of aviation. Yeager certainly thinks highly of himself, but the book is a great read.
If anyone is near me in North York/Toronto, you can borrow it.