Chuck Yeager is referred to by many as one of the greatest pilots of all time, and was ranked fifth on Flying's list of the 51 Heroes of Aviation in 2013. Throughout his life, he flew more than 361 different types of military aircraft over a 70-year period, and continued to fly for three decades after retirement as a consultant pilot for the United States Air Force.
Brigadier General Charles Elwood Yeager was a USAF Officer, Flying Ace, and Record-Setting Test Pilot. He was shot down during World War II, worked with the French Underground, and then, to escape, carried a wounded airman over the Pyrenees in 3' of snow. Refusing to go home, he became a fighter ace. After the war, General Yeager became a test pilot some of which included experimental rocket-powered aircraft for the National Advisory Committee of Aeronautics (NACA), where he also became the first pilot to officially break the sound barrier on October 14, 1947, when he flew the experimental Bell X-1 past Mach 1 at an altitude of 45,000 feet, for which he won the Collier and Mackay trophies in 1948.
In recognition of his achievements and outstanding performance, he was promoted to Brigadier General in 1969 and inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1993.
General Yeager's last assignment in the USAF was Director of Safety.
In remembrance of his many contributions to Aviation Safety and aviation as a whole, please celebrate General Yeager's monumental achievement of breaking the sound barrier by engaging in an aviation oriented activity such as taking a flight, attending an Aviation Museum, Airport Cafe, Airport, or just looking upwards toward the heavens and think of General Chuck Yeager as a tribute to his many aviation accomplishments.
For those in the local area of Jackson County Airport, Ravenswood, WV, General Chuck Yeager's wife, Victoria will be hosting a short presentation discussing General Yeager's notable Aviation History, to include lessons learned from one of the most renowned Flying Aces, Record-Setting Test Pilots, and Aviation Safety experts. A short documentary will be playing throughout the morning hours so attendees are encouraged to arrive early and take advantage of all. The Young Eagles, and military recruiters will be available to respond to any questions that may arise as to fulfilling the many military aviation assignments. In addition, the First General Chuck Yeager Women in Aviation Chapter will be signing-up charter members which presently includes retired military Generals, Admiral and notable celebrities such as Barbara Eden, Julie Clark, Mrs. Chuck Yeager and many others.
Date/Time: October 14, 2023 0900 AM - 1:00 PM (11:30 AM General Chuck Yeager's Aviation History)
Location: Jackson County Airport, 912 Airport Road, Millwood, WV 25262 (I18)
New Terminal Building
If you have questions, contact:
Victoria Yeager
Telephone: 304-273-8114