Wiley Post

Post, Wiley (1899–1935), U.S. aviator. In 1933 he was the first person to fly solo around the world, a feat he accomplished in a little over a week (July 15–22). During this flight, which covered 15,596 mi (25,099 km), Post proved the effectiveness of an automatic pilot system that enabled the plane to stay aloft while he rested. On Aug. 15, 1935 he was killed in a plane crash near Point Barrow, Alaska.