ERIC "WINKLE" BROWN: The World's First Jet Carrier Landing (Restored Footage) This video and rare raw interview explore the death-defying, world-first jet aircraft carrier landing, accomplished by legendary test pilot Eric "Winkle" Brown on December 3, 1945. * Lesser-Known Facts: * No Hook: The first landings were "un-arrested," meaning Brown landed the jet on the deck using only its brakes, just like on a runway. This was done to prove the jet's handling was stable enough before attempting a fu