FAA History Lesson -- October 14

Another “2 for 1” today.


From the FAA Historical Chronology, 1926-1996...

”Oct 14, 1947: Maj. Charles E. Yeager, USAF, piloting the Bell X-l rocket-propelled research aircraft at Muroc, Calif., became the first pilot to exceed the speed of sound in level flight. “

” Oct 14, 1971: FAA completed lowering the base of area positive control from 24,000 to 18,000 feet over the entire contiguous 48 States with the lowering of the base over the southeastern United States. The base had previously been lowered over the northeastern and north central United States on Nov 9, 1967; the northwestern and northern tier states on May 27, 1971; the west central states on Jul 22, 1971; and the central and southwestern states on Aug 19, 1971.

The action meant that all aircraft flying between 18,000 and 60,000 feet over the contiguous United States would receive separation services under direct FAA air traffic control. The agency had considered the measure for a number of years, since the increasing closure speeds of aircraft reduced the time available for pilots operating under Visual Flight Rules to detect potential collisions and take evasive action. (See Nov 9, 1967.) “


Don Brown
October 14, 2007