The Archives is a repository for unique or rare, primary materials relating to aviation safety and security. Although our collections don't circulate like library books, we do welcome researchers to use them both on site and on-line.
Our Digital Library contains digital documents, including thousands of photographs, letters, reports, and other documents, most of which offer full text.
Contact us for reference services—we'll be happy to help you find what you need via email or phone, and we can often provide electronic copies of documents for personal use.
Safety advocates started calling for the use of shoulder harnesses for improved pilot protection in the 1930s. By 1950, the U.S. Air Force was conducting tests with rocket sleds to study crash deceleration forces and human tolerance. These tests showed the importance of restraints for increased crash survival. This 1950 report summarizes the rocket sled program and its findings and applauds the Air Force for "an exceptionally daring and valuable research achievement."
From the Flight Safety Foundation Jerry Lederer Aviation Safety
Library (MS-016).
Previously featured highlights from our collections can be found here.
Find the Facts about Aviation Safety
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