The Iconic St Louis Arch
The Gateway Arch, located in St Louis, Missouri, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. It was built in the 1960s as a monument to Thomas Jefferson and to symbolize the westward expansion of the United States. The arch stands 630 feet tall and is made of stainless steel, making it a symbol of modern American engineering. Visitors can ride to the top of the arch to see breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas.
The Fascination with Flying Through the Arch
Given its unique shape and size, many pilots and aviation enthusiasts have been fascinated with the possibility of flying through the arch. However, due to safety concerns and legal implications, it has been a controversial topic. Despite this, several attempts have been made to fly through the arch, some successful and others not. Let’s take a look at some of these attempts.
The First Attempt: A Daredevil Pilot’s Effort
In the 1950s, a daredevil pilot named Clem Sohn attempted to fly through the arch in a small plane. Sohn was well-known for performing dangerous aerial stunts, but this attempt proved to be too risky even for him. He narrowly missed hitting the arch and crashed into the Mississippi River. Sohn survived the crash, but the attempt was widely criticized and discouraged future attempts.
The Second Attempt: A Commercial Stunt
In the 1960s, a company called TWA sponsored a stunt in which a Boeing 707 would fly through the arch as a promotional event. However, due to safety concerns and protests from local residents, the stunt was ultimately cancelled.
The Third Attempt: A Military Training Exercise
In 1970, the US Air Force attempted to fly a B-58 Hustler supersonic bomber through the arch as part of a training exercise. However, due to weather conditions and technical difficulties, the attempt was unsuccessful, and the plane was forced to abort the mission.
The Fourth Attempt: A Successful Endeavor
In 1980, a specially-designed biplane made by the Pitts Company successfully flew through the arch. The pilot, Michael M. Newman, had been practicing for months and had to navigate through strong winds and turbulence to complete the stunt. The successful attempt was widely celebrated, but it also sparked controversy.
The Controversies Surrounding the Fourth Attempt
The successful attempt by Newman was met with mixed reactions. Some praised his skill and bravery, while others criticized it as a dangerous and unnecessary stunt. The National Park Service, which oversees the arch, also condemned the stunt and threatened legal action against future attempts.
The Fifth Attempt: A Failed Effort
In 1995, another attempt to fly through the arch was made by a pilot named Thomas P. Gregory. However, during the attempt, Gregory lost control of his plane and crashed into the Mississippi River. He died from his injuries, and the attempt was widely criticized as reckless and unnecessary.
The Current Status of Flying Through the Arch
Since the tragic accident in 1995, no attempts have been made to fly through the arch. The National Park Service has made it clear that such stunts are illegal and will not be tolerated. However, some aviation enthusiasts still dream of the possibility of successfully completing the stunt.
The Legal and Safety Implications of such Stunts
Flying through the arch is illegal and poses significant safety risks to both pilots and the public. The National Park Service has the authority to enforce laws against such stunts and will take legal action against those who attempt it. The potential for injuries or fatalities also makes it a dangerous and irresponsible stunt.
The Implications of Flying Through the Arch for Aviation
While flying through the arch may be a thrilling feat for some, it has no practical implications for aviation and is not a necessary or useful exercise. Instead, pilots should focus on safe and responsible flying practices that benefit the aviation community as a whole.
Conclusion: To Fly or Not to Fly through the Arch?
In conclusion, flying through the St Louis Arch may be a fascinating idea, but it is a dangerous and illegal stunt that poses significant legal and safety risks. While some attempts have been successful, others have ended in tragedy. The National Park Service has made it clear that such stunts are not allowed, and aviation enthusiasts should focus on safer and more responsible practices.
