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This flight suit was worn by Officer Reuben Echeverria of the Monterey Park California Police Department while flying the first known ultralight aircraft used as a tool in law enforcement (see NASM American Aerolights Double Eagle displayed at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center). Monterey Park Police began flying this airplane on September 2, 1982, and it quickly became a valuable asset. However, the engine proved fragile and Lt. Joe Santoro, project manager, grounded the Eagle after seven engine failures in six months. "Our hilly terrain and lack of appropriate forced landing sites do not allow a viable program in this community," Santoro said after grounding the Eagle, "but the concept is good." Lt. Santoro continued to believe in the idea and experimented with several other types of ultralight aircraft including an improved and more reliable twin-engine Ultraflight Lazair SS EC (see NASM Lazair on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center).
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Flight Clothing
Physical Description
Monterey Park Police dark blue one-piece coverall flight suit; long-sleeve, collar tags: "Utility Police Uniform, Size O Long, A-8;" patches: right shoulder - "Monterey Park Police," right breast "R. Echeverria," left breast "Monterey Park Police," left shoulder "Monterey Park Police," back "Police;" brass zippers on front and breast pockets, button adjustable wrist cuffs, Velcro adjustable ankle cuffs.
Dimensions
Clothing (Sleeves Folded): 172.7 x 72.4 x 3.8cm (68 x 28 1/2 x 1 1/2 in.) Materials
cotton
synthetic fabric
velcro
brass
steel Inventory Number
A20100004000
Credit Line
Gift of Joseph A. Santoro.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
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