Only a handful of questions have passed the test of time unanswered by civilizations. What is the meaning of life? Is there life on other planets? Does God really exist? The one question that towers over all the rest as the most elusive and mysterious is this: Does the Mile High Club (MHC) really exist? Since time immemorial, men and women have been trying to find the secrets of this exalted club, even going so far as to emulate the perceived behaviour of its members.

Are they suffering from their curry or are their two people in there?

All over the world the sign for “Occupied” blinks boldly outside of airplane toilets, but are these fearless adventurers really members? Do they have a special card that unlocks only the most sumptuous of bathrooms? Are there complimentary towels and skin cream? How do they pay their dues? For centuries brave soldiers have ventured out into the very bowels of the earth to unlock the secrets of what was later dubbed “club of the heavens.” The clues are sketchy at best, and have thus far only lead to rumour and conjecture. The following dates and descriptions list the origins of the sacred guild:

October 15, 1793 - The first members of the Mile High Club are reputed to be from Paris, France. Pilatre de Rozier built a flying machine in the form of a “free-flying balloon” and his girlfriend tagged along for the ride. After the couple landed 25 minutes later with large smiles and crumpled clothing the Mile High Club is believed to be born.

Come on love, no one can see us!

In 1853, George Cayley developed and flew the first “large-scale glider” in London. Cayley was not actually the pilot but it is believed that his coachman was. The coachman and an unknown woman set flight over Brompton Dale and a pair of woman’s bloomers was found in a tree directly beneath the aircrafts route by one of the local children who stared up into the sky with wonder. Later that day, the coachman was heard to be talking about “joining the Mile High Club” with a group of friends in a pub but no proof was offered by the boastful young man.

It’s not that peaceful in the glider, arf arf

In 1883, John Joseph Montgomery was rumoured to have begun the American chapter of the Mile High Club with his historic flight of a controlled glider. Shortly thereafter, a migrating gaggle of geese was seen and the bird watcher swore that he saw a brassiere hanging from the neck of one the birds. Montgomery was later seen in the presence of a woman who reputedly looked “windblown and satisfied.”

You’ll never guess what hit me on the head yesterday

In 1894, Hiram Stevens Maxim of the United Kingdom developed one of the first engine run planes which broke all records in speed and height. Unfortunately, the young lady who accompanied him on this flight suffered a bruised pelvis after the craft crash landed from 2000 feet. Maxim was believed to have been the founding father of the UK chapter of the MHC, and he himself was known to have broken some records within the organization.

And this plane was crashed when….

In November of 1896, Samuel Pierpont Langley allegedly was one of the earliest members of the American chapter of MHC when he successfully flew his aircraft over five thousand feet and the young woman who accompanied said it was the best experience she’d ever had. She then adjusted her dress after having it pointed out to her that she had missed several buttons.

In 1896 Octave Chanute became the third member of the MHC, American chapter when he flew his biplane hang-glider for a distance of 100 feet. He is also reputedly broke speed records within the MHC, for which he spent much of his life trying to repudiate. When asked about the historical flight, Mrs. Chanute replied, “I don’t think I’ve had a bigger thrill in so short a time.”

Practice before hand though…

Once the manufacturing of airplanes began in the early 1900’s, the rumours of the Mile High Club’s expansion began to explode. With the advent of the first commercial airports, whispers and giggles could be heard in airport lounges and duty-free shops, all with the same words emitting through hushed tones out of smiling lips. The Mile High Club became a much revered and sought after social scene, much like Club 21 or the Playboy Mansion, but never quite within reach. The members kept quiet, possibly bound by a legal confidentiality agreement preventing them from disclosing any specifics about the organization. In the same mystery that still shrouds Area 54, the Mile High Club continues to be a rumour, a reverent whisper, and a promise of wonder for young and old.

Neil Alden Armstrong was believed to be one of the strongest advocates for the globalization of the Mile High Club. His career as an aviator began around the same time as his alleged membership into the exclusive organization. Mrs. Armstrong was always known to be supportive of all of Neil’s endeavours and it was her dedication and commitment to him that made his induction into the club possible. Neil was such a strong advocate of the MHC that it was rumoured he even went so far as to boast that one day there would be a chapter on the moon. That dream has not yet been realized, but it is believed that the MHC has recruited aeronautic specialists to help turn Armstrong’s wonderful dream into a reality. It is rumoured that these specialists are kept under strict lock and key and are not allowed to divulge the specifics of this project to anyone, even their own families.

The next step? Now that would be cold…

To this day, there has still never been any substantial proof of the existence of the Mile High Club from any of its members. The underwear, nylons and various other unmentionables that some have used to demonstrate their theories remain silent, their secrets safe within the silky fabric. Perhaps the world will never know the dark secrets of this mysterious organization, or maybe one day the members of this infamous guild will open themselves up and let the world plunge in.