Clyde Pangborn

Clyde Pangborn, pilot-in-charge of the Miss Veedol on its record-setting flight across the Pacific in 1931, was one of America’s greatest pilots. As a barnstormer and partner in the Gates Flying Circus during the 1920s, he earned the nickname “Upside-down Pang” for his stunt flying and daredevil tricks such as wing walking and auto-to-plane transfers. 

In 1931 he and copilot Hugh Herndon attempted to break the around-the-world record of eight days. They flew from New York to London in the Miss Veedol but then ran into difficulties that put them hopelessly behind their goal – so they decided to try for the $25,000 prize offered for the first nonstop flight from Japan to the United States. They landed safely in East Wenatchee, Washington after a 41-hour, 13-minute flight and set a world’s record.

After his successful trans-Pacific flight, Pangborn earned even more worldwide respect for his flying ability. Through the 1930s he test-flew and demonstrated various aircraft before co-creating a business that flew military aircraft from the U.S. to Europe during World War II. He made 170 crossings himself. After the war he continued testing and delivering aircraft, surveying new airline routes and designing airplane improvements before his death at age 62.

This PDF gives many more details of Pangborn’s life and accomplishments.