Fitzhugh L. Fulton Fitzhugh L. `` Fitz '' Fulton , Jr. ( June 6 , 1925 -- February 4 , 2015 ) was a civilian research pilot at NASA 's Dryden Flight Research Center , Edwards , California , from August 1 , 1966 , until July 3 , 1986 , following 23 years of distinguished service as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force .
Fitzhugh L. Fulton Fitzhugh L. `` Fitz '' Fulton , Jr. ( June 6 , 1925 -- February 4 , 2015 ) was an American civilian research pilot at NASA 's Dryden Flight Research Center , Edwards , California . He worked at NASA from August 1 , 1966 until July 3 , 1986 .