Committee Democrats Issue Statement on Richard Whitcomb's Induction to the National Aviation Hall of Fame
On October 6, 2012, aerodynamics legend Richard T. Whitcomb joined other aerospace pioneers including Charles Lindbergh and astronauts John Glenn and Neil Armstrong in the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Mr. Whitcomb, who died in 2009 at age 88, revolutionized aviation by developing the area rule, supercritical wing, and winglets during his 37-year career at NASA’s Langley Research Center.
Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Ranking Member Jerry F. Costello (D-IL) said: “While today’s passengers are unlikely to recognize Mr. Whitcomb’s name, they only need look out their windows to see one of his greatest contributions, winglets, which are wingtip devices that reduce drag and thus save fuel. Richard Whitcomb’s induction to the National Aviation Hall of Fame is well-deserved”.
Committee Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) was also pleased with the recognition that accompanies induction to the Hall of Fame. Congresswoman Johnson said: “Mr. Whitcomb’s genius is well known to aerodynamicists all over the word. He and the researchers at the Langley Research Center are terrific examples of unsung heroes working daily in the federal workforce. In the past forty years, Mr. Whitcomb has undoubtedly inspired countless young people to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. If we are to be global leaders, such inspiration must continue. Mr. Whitcomb’s induction to the Hall of Fame keeps that inspiration in full view.”
To read the NASA press release on Richard Whitcomb's entrance into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, visit: NASA.gov
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