Since then, at least a dozen pilots have disobeyed these orders, and zipped through the arch, most likely to the delight of those in the observation area at the top, and definitely to the pilot. The administration warned aviators that any who flew through the arch would have their licenses revoked and some hefty fines to pay. In 1965, the Federal Aviation Administration warned aviators that any who flew through the arch would have their licenses revoked and some hefty fines to pay. If you have any experience as a pilot then maybe you could understand seeing that massive arch and the sudden desire to fly through the middle of it, almost like an airplane obstacle course. A Huge steel structure has seen vandalism, a man that climbed the Arch using suction cups and then parachuted to the ground, a hot air balloon and its captain tried to fly through the middle but hit the arch, and then there are the pilots and the airplanes. The massive arch can be tempting for people to try stunts. The height of the arch offers incredible views up to 30 miles from all angles, so don’t forget your camera as it is breathtaking. Small windows are available to see the top-of-the-world view and take some memorable photographs. Once you reach the top, you can exit the tram to the observation area. The trams can seat 40 people to carry to the top and back down. Lastly, there is a tram in each leg that will ascend you up the arch. That is a lot of stairs, but if you want something easier you can take a 12-passenger elevator up to 372 feet in height. First, there are the emergency stairs, a set of 1,076 in each leg. Yes, you can go up in the arch! There are three ways to do this. There is plenty to do and see here, and it is fun and entertaining for all ages. Several hundred exhibits are available to wander around and look at. Two theaters are available to watch films on the construction and history of the arch. Covering over 70,000 square feet, the center has some great exhibits and is the location of the arch trams. The Gateway Arch has an underground visitor center that lies directly below it. The arch can also withstand winds up to over 140 miles per hour, making the structure stable yet flexible. It was designed to be able to sway should one strike, and it can move up to 9 inches in either direction to absorb the impact. The arch is also resistant to earthquakes. The legs are wider, and the arch tapers down as it nears the top, making itself wider as it descends to the other leg. The two legs of this massive arch are set in concrete that is 60 feet deep, to support the weight of the structure. After winning the contest, architect Eero Saarinen began plans on the towering 630-foot-tall arch, and the width across is the same distance.
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