{"id":15689,"date":"2026-06-01T12:03:16","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T16:03:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zobi.alcowep.com\/bourtagshdrevxnls658739\/flight-log-about-pilots\/"},"modified":"2026-06-01T12:03:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T16:03:16","slug":"flight-log-about-pilots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zobi.alcowep.com\/bourtagshdrevxnls658739\/flight-log-about-pilots\/","title":{"rendered":"Flight Log\u2014About Pilots"},"content":{"rendered":"

Flight Log\u2014About Pilots<\/h2>\n

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4 min read<\/p>\n

Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"William<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Introduction<\/h3>\n

From the first glider flight to the first powered flight, aviation pioneers have paved the way for remarkable innovations in flight. At NASA, our\u00a0pilots<\/a>\u00a0conduct research, study wildfires, and support unmanned aircraft missions. In fact, out of the 360 astronauts who have been selected,\u00a0191 of them have been pilots<\/a>! \u00a0<\/p>\n

The History of Pilot Certificates<\/h3>\n

In 1804,\u00a0Sir George Cayley<\/a>, known by some as the \u201cFather of Aviation,\u201d 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. \u00a0<\/p>\n

In 1927 the U.S. Government introduced pilot certificates, or licenses, to regulate flying and keep people safe. The\u00a0first license<\/a>\u00a0was given to Willam P. MacCracken Jr. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Not everyone was allowed receive a U.S. pilot\u2019s license in the early days. In 1919 Bessie Coleman was\u00a0denied flight training<\/a>\u00a0due 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\u2019s license. \u00a0<\/p>\n

In June of 1927,\u00a0Phoebe Omlie<\/a>\u00a0became the first woman to obtain a U.S. pilot\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

What makes a pilot?<\/h3>\n

Flying takes focus, determination, and commitment to lifelong learning.<\/p>\n

To become a pilot, you must pass flight tests and a medical exam to make sure you are fit to fly. Certain medical conditions may disqualify someone from obtaining a license, but in some cases special permits are issued that allow those with certain health challenges to fly in specific planes or conditions.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\"Jessica<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

In 2008 Jessica Cox<\/a>\u00a0became the first licensed pilot to fly without arms. She was born with a rare birth defect but did not let that stop her from flying with her feet!\u00a0In 2009<\/a>, Capt. Ryan McGuire became the first airman to complete Air Force pilot training after losing a leg. There are even options\u00a0for the deaf<\/a>, allowing them to pursue flight training.<\/p>\n

How does flight training work?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Flight training takes place on the ground and in the air. Ground school teaches students how the plane works and the flight rules. In-the-air training teaches students how to fly the plane. Students fly specific hours long distance, at night, and by themselves (solo). Additional flight training qualifies pilots to fly using instruments only, more complex and larger aircraft, specialty aircraft, and to become flight instructors themselves.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n

After training some pilots, like commercial airline pilots, wear uniforms that display their rank. Business pilots and military pilots wear special uniforms, too. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Airline pilots wear stripes on the wrist of their coats, and stripes on the shoulders of their shirts. Below are the typical markings that show airline pilot levels of command:<\/p>\n