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This Day in History: A Forgotten Aviation Pioneer
On this day in 1935, an aviation entrepreneur is tragically killed. Wiley Post had risen above poverty, prison, and even losing an eye to...
tara
Aug 154 min read
This Day in History: The Space Shuttle Enterprise
On this day in 1977, the Space Shuttle Enterprise makes its first free flight. Did you know that NASA built an orbiter than never went...
tara
Aug 123 min read
This Day in History: Amelia Earhart's solo transatlantic flight
On this day in 1932, Amelia Earhart receives a Distinguished Flying Cross. She’d just become the first female—and the second person...
tara
Jul 294 min read
This Day in History: Douglas "Wrong Way" Corrigan's trans-Atlantic flight
On this day in 1938, an American aviator “accidentally” makes a trip across the Atlantic in a single-engine plane. Douglas Corrigan would...
tara
Jul 173 min read
This Day in History: The first American flying ace
On this day in 1918, Lt. Douglas Campbell becomes the first all-American flying ace. Despite this feat and despite his service with...
tara
May 313 min read
This Day in History: The Hindenburg
On this day in 1937, the Hindenburg catches fire and crashes in New Jersey. Somewhat ironically, the airship was then celebrating the one...
tara
May 63 min read
This Day in History: Delta Flight 1080
On this day in 1977, Delta flight 1080 nearly ends in tragedy. Fortunately, former Marine Captain Jack McMahan was at the controls: His...
tara
Apr 123 min read
This Day in History: Evelyn "Sharpie" Sharp, aviator
On this day in 1944, a member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots is tragically killed. Evelyn “Sharpie” Sharp has been called...
tara
Apr 33 min read
This Day in History: Aviation pioneer Jerrie Mock
On this day in 1964, an aviation pioneer departs on a record-setting trip. Geraldine “Jerrie” Mock flew around the world—the first time a...
tara
Mar 193 min read
This Day in History: Chuck Yeager's Escape
On this day in 1923, Chuck Yeager is born. The legendary pilot is perhaps best known for being the first to break the sound barrier, but...
tara
Feb 133 min read
This Day in History: Daniel "Chappie" James
On this day in 1920, an American hero is born. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. is often remembered as the first black man to become a...
tara
Feb 113 min read
This Day in History: First American Aerial Victory
On this day in 1918, a member of the United States military, wearing an American uniform and acting under American colors, scores an...
tara
Feb 54 min read
This Day in History: Alex Vraciu, Navy Ace
On this day in 2015, a World War II hero passes away. Alexander “Alex” Vraciu was perhaps best known for his actions during the Battle of...
tara
Jan 293 min read
This Day in History: Tragedy hits the Cal Poly football team
On this day in 1960, a plane carrying the Cal Poly football team crashes in Ohio. The tragedy was the first airline crash involving a...
tara
Oct 29, 20243 min read
This Day in History: Teddy Roosevelt, first President to fly
On this day in 1910, Theodore Roosevelt becomes the first United States President to fly in an airplane. Presidents board airplanes on a...
tara
Oct 11, 20243 min read
This Day in History: The Airship USS Shenandoah
On this day in 1923, USS Shenandoah is christened. The rigid airship was intended for airborne surveillance, similar to what Germany...
tara
Oct 10, 20243 min read
This Day in History: The Wright Brothers' “practical” aircraft
On this day in 1905, Wilbur Wright makes a record-setting airplane flight. His Flyer III would stay in the air for more than 38 minutes....
tara
Oct 5, 20243 min read
This Day in History: Air Force birthday
On this day in 1947, the United States Air Force is established. Did you know that the aviation arm of our military was part of the Army...
tara
Sep 18, 20243 min read
This Day in History: WW II’s most famous bomber, Memphis Belle
On this day in 1943, a B-17 Flying Fortress completes its 25th combat mission without losing a member of its crew. Memphis Belle would...
tara
May 17, 20243 min read
This Day in History: First U.S. Airmail
On this day in 1918, the first official U.S. airmail flight departs from Washington, D.C. Such a flight is ordinary today, but in the...
tara
May 15, 20243 min read
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