Test Pilot, Airline Executive, Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration
One of America’s pioneer pilots of the jet age
Airline executive and administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, Najeeb E. Halaby made history as the first pilot to fly cross-country in a jet aircraft—a Lockheed YP-80 Shooting Star. Born in Dallas, Texas, Halaby began his career as a civilian instructor for the Army Air Force before joining the Navy in 1943. As a Naval Aviator, he helped to establish the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School in Patuxent, Maryland, where he served as a test pilot. President John F. Kennedy appointed him Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. He later went on to become the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Pan American Airways.