The daughter of test pilot Scott Crossfield, Sally Crossfield Farley, is seeking funding to continue her father’s Aerospace Education Teacher of the Year award that he began in 1986.
The award is given through the Scott Crossfield Foundation. Contributions are made through the Web site. Crossfield gained fame through his flights of the North American X-15 rocket-powered aircraft. He flew the X-15 to Mach 2.97 and 88,116 feet. It later flew with other pilots to Mach 6.06 (Nov. 9, 1961) and 354,200 feet (July 17, 1962).
Crossfield felt that the best way for aerospace science to continue to attract the attention of America’s youth was through well-informed science teachers. He believed that advancements in science could come from anyone, not just a few “special” people.
“We must unburden our young folks of the idea of special people. There is no divine assignment to those who do things. The opportunity is for all and probably within the grasp of most,” he said.
Crossfield died in April 2006 in Georgia after the Cessna 210 he was flying entered a thunderstorm.
The second annual Crossfield Aerospace Workshop entitled “Take it to the Top—From Wright to Mars” will take place July 15 through 17 at Dayton, Ohio.
Alton K. Marsh
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