Eric “Winkle” Brown: WW2 Pilot who flew more planes than anyone

487 Types of aircraft flown and 2,407 carrier landings

Put up for adoption at a young age, Brown was fortunate to have Scottish parents, one of which was a former RFC pilot. Hooked on flying at a young age, Brown traveled and ended up in Germany flying planes made by the Luftwaffe pre WW2. After the war started, Brown began his career on an escort carrier which was sunk. He survived the sinking and began his crusade of aviation excellence with records that last to this day. Some of his notable firsts include: First to land a tricycle based plane on a carrier (p-39), first to land a de Havilland Mosquito on a carrier, first to land a jet aircraft on a carrier as well. He worked with Americans flying helicopters and various jets during the Korean War as well. A lot of his flying was dangerous with little to no training other than reading manuals. His legendary flying skills and courageous attitude furthered the science of aviation to this day and his contributions made flying safer.

Today we enjoy the fruit of hard working, brave men like Eric Brown: pioneers of Aviation. Valor is in you. Set it free.