Lancaster in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Thomas C. McMurtry
Aerospace Walk of Honor
McMurtry joined NASA as a research test pilot in 1967 and piloted the first flights of both the F-8 Supercritical Wing Aircraft on March 9, 1971 and that of the AD-1 on December 21, 1979. He was project pilot on the F-8 Supercritical Wing Airplane and the AD-1. He was co-project pilot on the F-8 Digital Fly-By-Wire Airplane, the 747 Shuttle Carrier Airplane and performed digital electronic F-15 engine efficiency control tests.
On November 26, 1975, the X-24B dropped from the sky for the last time, piloted on its 36th flight by McMurtry.
He co-piloted the 747 Carrier Aircraft as it transported the Shuttle Enterprise to its first launch on August 12, 1977.
McMurtry became chief research test pilot and then Chief of the Research Aircraft Division for the NASA Ames-Dryden Flight Research Facility. He eventually rose to be the Director for Flight Operations.
McMurtry has been honored with the Society of Experimental Test Pilots' Iven C. Kincheloe Award for his work with the AD-1 Oblique Wing Airplane Program in 1982 and received Presidential recognition with the rank of Meritorious Executive in the Senior Executive Service. He was also awarded three NASA Exceptional Service Medals.
Established in 1990 by the Lancaster City Council, the Aerospace Walk of Honor celebrates test pilots who were associated with Edwards AFB. Recognition is awarded for distinguished aviation careers marked by significant and obvious achievements beyond one specific accomplishment.
Erected 1998 by Lancaster City Council.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical date for this entry is March 9, 1971.
Location. 34° 41.897′ N, 118° 8.328′ W. Marker is in Lancaster, California, in Los Angeles County. Marker is on Lancaster Boulevard, on the right when traveling east. Located in front of the Western Hotel Museum parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 557 West Lancaster Boulevard, Lancaster CA 93535, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John A. Manke (here, next to this marker); Western Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Tuskegee Airmen (a few steps from this marker); Col. Robert L. "Silver Fox" Stephens, USAF (within shouting distance of this marker); Lt. Col. Robert G. "Bob" Ferry, USAF (within shouting distance of this marker); John B. "Jack" McKay (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry E. "Hank" Chouteau (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonel Jesse P. "Jake" Jacobs, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lancaster.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 563 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 6, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.