The First Pilot's License Issued in the United States
The Aeronautics Branch of the Department of Commerce began pilot certification with this
license, issued on April 6, 1927. The recipient was the chief of the Branch, William
P. MacCracken, Jr. (Orville Wright, who was no longer an active flier, had declined the
honor.) MacCracken's license was the first issued to a pilot by a civilian agency of
the Federal government.
Some three months later, the Branch issued the first Federal aircraft mechanic license.
