<P> Charles Elwood `` Chuck '' Yeager ( / ˈjeɪɡər / ; born February 13 , 1923 ) is a retired United States Air Force general officer , flying ace and record - setting test pilot . In 1947 , he became the first pilot confirmed to have exceeded the speed of sound in level flight . </P>
<P> Charles Elwood `` Chuck '' Yeager ( / ˈjeɪɡər / ; born February 13 , 1923 ) is a retired United States Air Force general officer , flying ace and record - setting test pilot . In 1947 , he became the first pilot confirmed to have exceeded the speed of sound in level flight . </P>
when was the sound barrier broken for the first time
when was the sound barrier broken for the first time
1947
1947