Best Test Pilot

Howard Hughes was a prominent American aviator and entrepreneur recognized for his pioneering achievements in aviation during the Golden Age. He established numerous air speed records, notably piloting the experimental North American X-15 rocket plane. His engineering contributions, particularly wit...

Bob Hoover was an American aviator renowned for his exceptional skill as an aerobatic test pilot and air show performer. He captivated audiences with daring maneuvers in aircraft like the P-51 Mustang, consistently demonstrating remarkable precision and control. His performances were primarily enjoy...

Hanna Reitsch was a pioneering German aviator recognized for her exceptional skill and contributions to early aircraft development. She achieved significant milestones including being the first woman to pilot a helicopter and establishing numerous glider record flights during World War II. Her work...

American test pilot and astronaut who flew the X-15 above 50 miles three times, earning USAF astronaut wings before later commanding Space Shuttle missions.

American test pilot who in November 1953 became the first person to fly at twice the speed of sound (Mach 2), piloting the Douglas D-558-II Skyrocket.

South African-American test pilot who on June 21, 2004, piloted SpaceShipOne to space, becoming the first person to fly a privately-built spacecraft beyond the atmosphere.

American Lockheed test pilot who on December 22, 1964, conducted the first flight of the SR-71 Blackbird, the world's fastest air-breathing crewed aircraft.

American test pilot who on October 4, 2004, flew SpaceShipOne to 367,442 feet, clinching the Ansari X Prize for Scaled Composites with the winning second flight.

American test pilot who on October 3, 1967, set the X-15 speed record of Mach 6.70 (4,520 mph), the fastest a winged crewed aircraft has ever flown.

American test pilot who in September 1956 flew the Bell X-2 to a record altitude of 126,200 feet, earning the informal title 'America's First Spaceman.'

American test pilot who set a world speed record in the Bell X-2 in 1956 and was nicknamed 'The Fastest Man Alive' for his high-speed research flights at Edwards AFB.

American X-15 test pilot who in 1963 reached an altitude of 354,200 feet, exceeding the 50-mile threshold that qualified him as an astronaut under USAF criteria.

Harry Hawker was an Australian aviation pioneer and test pilot who co-founded Hawker Aircraft, a company that produced many famous military aircraft used throughout the 20th century.

American test pilot who on September 27, 1956, became the first person to exceed Mach 3, reaching Mach 3.2 in the Bell X-2, but died when the aircraft tumbled out of control.