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The ECAMS

The Daily Briefing

Crossword · Sudoku · Trivia

August 16, 2026THEECAMS.COM

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This Day in Aviation

1960

This Day in Aviation: 16 August 1960

On 16 August 1960, Captain Joseph William (“Red”) Kittinger II stepped from a balloon gondola at 102,800 feet above New Mexico’s Tularosa Valley. This daring leap marked his third ascent in Project Excelsior, investigating high-altitude bailouts. Wearing a modified David Clark MC-3A suit and MA-3 helmet, Kittinger breathed a mix of oxygen, nitrogen, and helium. During the ascent, his right glove’s pressure seal failed, causing painful swelling, yet he proceeded with the historic jump.

Kittinger free-fell for 4 minutes, 36 seconds in -94 °F temperatures, reaching 614 mph while trailing a drogue parachute. His main chute opened at 17,500 feet, and he landed 9 minutes, 9 seconds later. The total descent lasted 13 minutes, 45 seconds. He earned a second Distinguished Flying Cross and the Harmon Trophy. Kittinger later flew 483 combat missions in Vietnam, including with the 555th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, where he was credited with shooting down a MiG 21.

Trivia

1. Which award did Captain Joseph Kittinger receive for his 1960 Project Excelsior jump?

  1. A. The Medal of Honor
  2. B. The Harmon Trophy
  3. C. The Congressional Gold Medal
  4. D. The Air Force Cross
Show answer

B. The evidence states: 'For this accomplishment, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (his second) and the Harmon Trophy.'

2. Which crossword answer matches this clue: Lockheed turboprop airliner?

  1. A. MEI
  2. B. TRIM
  3. C. ELECTRA
  4. D. TNT
Show answer

C. ELECTRA is the matching crossword entry.

3. Which crossword answer matches this clue: Airport advisory service, briefly?

  1. A. AAS
  2. B. ICE
  3. C. FARE
  4. D. SEAL
Show answer

A. AAS is the matching crossword entry.