Learning Center
Our Enshrinees
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Research and Test Pilot & Record-Setter
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Enshrined: 2018
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Birth: November 3, 1930
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Death: May 6, 2014
William G. “Bill” Dana
- Graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned in the United States Air Force in 1952.
- Named project pilot of NASA’s F-100C in 1957 and the L-19 aircraft in 1963.
- Appointed a NASA project pilot of the X-15 rocket research airplane in 1965. He flew the X-15 sixteen times, attaining a speed of Mach 5.5 (3897 miles per hour) and an altitude of 307,000 feet. In October, 1968, Dana flew the 199th and final flight of the program.
- Served as research pilot on several lifting body aircraft including the HL-10, flying it multiple times and setting the lifting body altitude record of 90,300 feet.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of night low lift-to-drag ratio landings later used by NASA to develop night landing techniques for the Space Shuttle.
- Returned to Dryden Flight Research Center in 1975 where he served as a project pilot, Chief Pilot, and Chief Engineer until 1991.
- On August 23, 2005, NASA officially conferred on Dana his Astronaut Wings.
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Research and Test Pilot & Record-Setter
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Enshrined: 2018
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Birth: November 3, 1930
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Death: May 6, 2014
You’re Invited 2023 Enshrinement
Join us for the “Oscar Night of Aviation” as we induct a new group of aviation leaders into the National Aviation Hall of Fame!
Friday, September 22, 2023
National Building Museum | Washington, DC
Sponsorships are now available!
Learn More