Armstrong's Early Life and Childhood
Neil Alden Armstrong was born to parents Viola and Stephen Armstrong on August 5,1930 near Wakapento Ohio. Neil was the eldest of his two siblings, June and Dean. Having a father whose job was an auditor, the Armstrong's moved around Ohio repeatedly, living in several communities such as St. Marys and Ravenna. At two years old, his father took him to the Cleveland Air Races, a derby of flying planes with many famous pilots. At six years old, Armstrong took his first airplane ride and was forever interested in the art of flying. This fascination with flying was boosted by the fact that he used his neighbor's powerful telescope to see the moon, stars, and other planets.
Armstrong began flying lessons at age 14 at an airport north of Wakapento. Wanting lessons in an Aeronca Champion airplane, Neil worked at various jobs around town and at the airport. On his 16th birthday, Neil had his student pilot's license before he was granted his driver's license. A serious pilot at this young age, Neil built a small wind tunnel in his basement to study the effects of it's flow against objects. These objects were the model planes Armstrong had built and later became a clear indication of his future career on aeronautics, the design, creation, and navigation of aircrafts. Besides having an interest in aeronautics, Armstrong was also a strong member of the Boy Scouts. He eventually became an Eagle Scout and in his adult life earned the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award and the Silver Buffalo Award.
Armstrong began flying lessons at age 14 at an airport north of Wakapento. Wanting lessons in an Aeronca Champion airplane, Neil worked at various jobs around town and at the airport. On his 16th birthday, Neil had his student pilot's license before he was granted his driver's license. A serious pilot at this young age, Neil built a small wind tunnel in his basement to study the effects of it's flow against objects. These objects were the model planes Armstrong had built and later became a clear indication of his future career on aeronautics, the design, creation, and navigation of aircrafts. Besides having an interest in aeronautics, Armstrong was also a strong member of the Boy Scouts. He eventually became an Eagle Scout and in his adult life earned the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award and the Silver Buffalo Award.