Post's Pressure Suit

Wiley Post & the first Pressure Suit

Wiley Post was a pioneer in flight history. He set records for achieving the fastest solo flight around the world.

In 1934, Post realized possibilities of high-altitude, long-distance flying. He could more than double his speed by flying high into the Jet Stream.

The higher altitude Post flew, the less pressure he had around him, The cabin of the Winnie Mae was not pressurized, however. That meant that Post, with the help of the B.F. Goodrich Company, would have to develop the world’s first pressured flight suit.

Third Time's a Charm

As Post's suit was being designed the B.F. Goodrich company ran into challenges. The first suit popped during a pressure test. The redesigned second suit used the same helmet as the first but when tested was too tight and they were unable to remove it from Post, so they had to cut him out which destroyed the suit. The third suit was redesigned from the previous two and ended up being the final design that Post wore in his flight.

Pressure Problems

Post was able to show that higher altitude flights allowed for faster speed. He more than doubled the top speed of a Lockheed Vega! The only problem? The Winnie Mae was not pressurized, which means Post faced dangers such as passing out mid-flight from the lack of oxygen as well as contracting the Bends from his blood forming bubble.

Finding a solution to these issues are what led to the invention of the first pressure suit!

What record did Wiley Post set?

Although the flight was interrupted due to repairs to the plane, he set a record of seven days, 18 hours, and 49 minutes, bettering his previous around-the-world record of eight days with his trusty plane the Lockheed 5C Vega he named Winnie Mae.

What do you notice?

What features are noticeable on the suit? What makes Wiley Post's suit so unique compared to the rest?

Wiley Post and his plane the Winnie Mae

The Winnie Mae did not have a pressurized cabin which means Post needed to join forces with B.F. Goodrich to find a solution.

Additional information

Learn more about the Winnie Mae

Aircraft location in the Museum

This aircraft can be found at our downtown National Air and Space location in Washington, DC in the Time and Navigation exhibition.

Find it for yourself using our virtual tour of the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

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