The world's first jet pilot

warsitz Newcomer

Mods: I am reposting this with permission granted from Rich.

Dear Aviation & History Enthusiasts,
My father ? Flight Captain Erich Warsitz ? is remembered as the first person to fly an aircraft underturbojet power, the Heinkel He 178, on August 27, 1939 and also the first to fly an aircraft under liquid-fueled rocket power, the Heinkel He 176, on June 20 the same year, setting two milestones in aviation history.
Late in 1936 he was seconded by theRLM (Reich Air Ministry) to Wernher von Braun and Ernst Heinkel, because he had been recognized as one of the most experienced test-pilots of the time, and because he also had an extraordinary fund of technical knowledge. Little is known of this pioneer period because of the strict secrecy which shrouded the whole project!
You will find a lot of information about Erich Warsitz and his achievements under http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erich_Warsitz.
It?s a little unfortunate that the He 178 quite often doesn?t get the recognition it deserves. After all, every other turbine propelled aircraft that has graced or is now gracing our skies has, at best, come second place to it.
Fly save,
Lutz Warsitz

noid Curtis E. Carr Jawja

It must have been interesting growing up in the same house to an aviation pioneer. We thank you for sharing this piece of aviation history with us.

warsitz Newcomer

In the beginning, when you are a kid, of course you do not realize, but when I grew up (teeny and older) it was very interesting! I was lucky enough to have the chance to interview him (I wanted to write about him for my college degree) one year before he died at the age of 76. Still, I would have tons of questions!
Best regards,
Lutz

Admin I'm Kind of a Big Deal Houston

Thanks for re-posting. Hope you become active on the site!