POST, WILEY

born Nov. 22, 1899, near Grand Saline, Texas, U.S. died Aug. 15, 1935, near Point Barrow, Alaska one of the most colourful figures of the early years of U.S. aviation, who set many records, including the first solo flight around the world. Post made his first around-the-world flight June 23-July 1, 1931, accompanied by Harold Gatty as navigator; later that year their account of the trip was published as Around the World in Eight Days. Post achieved his solo record two years later-July 15-22, 1933. He covered a total of 15,596 miles (25,089 kilometres) in 7 days, 18 hours, 49 minutes. On this flight Post proved the value of navigation instruments, including the automatic pilot. Two years later he and a passenger, the humorist Will Rogers, were killed when his plane crashed in Alaska.