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In 1918, the U.S. Postal Service started to experiment with delivering mail by planes, even though the technology was still new. Cockpits were still open-air and passenger planes weren’t even considered yet. From 1918 to 1927, 34 airmail pilots lost their lives in accidents on the job.
Despite the risks, it was a coveted job and pilots were treated similarly to how astronauts are treated today.
Find out all about this method of mail delivery in this week’s episode of Tracks Through Time with Deputy Editor Brielle Jaekel and co-host Mary O’Connell.
You can also get a look at some of the photographs from the airmail program here.
FreightWaves Classics articles look at various aspects of the transportation industry’s history. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter!
Have a topic you want us to cover? Email bjaekel@freightwaves.com.