TODAY IN HISTORY: First solo flight around the world (July 22, 1933)

On July 15, 1933, aviator Wiley Post set out to make history by flying solo around the world, a feat he had previously accomplished with a co-pilot in a record-breaking time of eight days, 15 hours, and 51 minutes. Determined to complete the journey alone, Post relied on cutting-edge technology for the time, including a newly developed autopilot system and one of the first radio compasses to aid in navigation. After an intense journey spanning 7 days and 19 hours, Post returned to his starting point on July 22, 1933, to a hero’s welcome, having successfully completed the first solo flight around the globe.

Post’s achievements in aviation continued to push the boundaries of aircraft use and development, earning him widespread acclaim as a pioneer in the field. Tragically, just two years later in 1935, Post and renowned humorist Will Rogers lost their lives during takeoff on a publicity tour in Alaska, ending the career of one of aviation’s great innovators.