Flight Log—About Pilots

From the first glider flight to the first powered flight, aviation pioneers have paved the way for remarkable innovations in flight. At NASA, our pilots conduct research, study wildfires, and support unmanned aircraft missions. In fact, out of the 360 astronauts who have been selected, 191 of them have been pilots ! In 1804, Sir George Cayley , known by some as the “Father of Aviation,” successfully flew the first glider with a pilot. Years later in 1903, the Wright Brothers became the first to achieve powered manned flight in North Carolina. In 1927 the U.S. Government introduced pilot certificates, or licenses, to regulate flying and keep people safe. The first license was given to Willam P. MacCracken Jr. Not everyone was allowed receive a U.S. pilot’s license in the early days. In 1919 Bessie Coleman was denied flight training due to both her skin color and gender. She moved to Paris after learning that there were flight training opportunities for her there. In 1921, she became the first African American woman to obtain an international pilot’s license. In June of 1927, Phoebe Omlie became the first woman to obtain a U.S. pilot’s license. Six months later James Banning became the first African American to get a U.S. license. These pilots paved the way for a future where everyone, regardless of their gender or skin color, is allowed to fly. Flying takes focus, determination, and commitment to lifelong learning. …