Wiley Post: The Oklahoma Aviator Who Revolutionized Aviation with His Solo Flight, Pressure Suit, and Jet Stream Discovery

Wiley Post: The Oklahoma Aviator Who Revolutionized Aviation with His Solo Flight, Pressure Suit, and Jet Stream Discovery

By Andy Lee

Wiley Post was a remarkable aviator and inventor from Oklahoma who made a significant contribution to the world of aviation in the 1930s. He accomplished several aviation feats, including being the first person to complete a solo flight around the world, and developing the first pressure suit, which enabled high-altitude flying. His discovery of the jet stream also paved the way for faster and more efficient air travel.

Post’s journey around the world began on July 15, 1933, from New York City, in his custom-built Lockheed Vega aircraft. He completed the journey in 7 days, 18 hours, and 49 minutes, making him the first person to fly solo around the world.

What made Post’s journey even more impressive was his use of the pressure suit, which he developed with the help of B.F. Goodrich Company. The pressure suit was designed to allow pilots to fly at high altitudes without experiencing the negative effects of low atmospheric pressure, such as hypoxia and altitude sickness. The suit consisted of several layers of rubberized fabric that protected the pilot from the extreme cold temperatures at high altitudes. It also had an inflatable bladder that applied pressure to the pilot’s body to prevent blood from boiling at high altitudes.

The pressure suit enabled Post to fly at an altitude of 40,000 feet, which was a new record for a single-engine airplane at the time. Post’s discovery of the jet stream also allowed him to complete his journey in record time. The jet stream is a high-altitude air current that flows from west to east, reaching speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. By flying with the jet stream, Post was able to fly faster and more efficiently, cutting down on his travel time.

Post’s use of the pressure suit and his discovery of the jet stream had a significant impact on aviation technology. The pressure suit was used by military pilots during World War II, and the development of high-altitude flying helped open new avenues for air travel. Post’s legacy continues to inspire aviation enthusiasts today, and his contributions to the field of aviation have had a lasting impact on the industry.

Wiley Post was an aviation pioneer whose achievements in high-altitude flying, pressure suits, and the discovery of the jet stream revolutionized the world of aviation. His contributions have enabled pilots to fly higher, faster, and more efficiently, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of aviators for years to come.