America 250 - Episode 33

Oregon

This week we visit Oregon! The Beaver State has often served as a training ground for astronauts in places like Lave Butte, Big Obsidian Lava Flow, Skylight Cave, Crater lake, and Painted Hills. When it comes to aviation, the state was home to famed pilot Tex Rankin, who operated one of the biggest flight schools in the nation, set multiple aerial records, and played a key role in producing military pilots in WWII. He even taught Jimmy Steward, Edger Bergen, and Errol Flynn how to fly.

 

To learn more, please visit these websites:

Tex Rankin
Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum
Oregon Aviation Historical Society & Museum
Erikson Aircraft Collection
James Dutton
David Griggs
Donald Pettit
Lave Butte
Big Obsidian Lava Flow
Skylight Cave
Crater Lake
Painted Hills
Oregon Lava on the Moon

The Mitchell Institute is a supporting partner of America250

This episode was brought to you by:

Hosts

Heather PenneyDirector of Studies and Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Doug BirkeyExecutive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Charles GalbreathDirector and Senior Resident Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence

Credits

Producer
Shane Thin

Executive Producer
Doug Birkey

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