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This Day in History: Fred Christensen, WWII Flying Ace
On this day in 1921, a future flying Ace is born in Watertown, Massachusetts. Fred Christensen’s love of flying started early, when a friend’s father took him up in a plane as a teenager. “From a very early age,” his daughter Diane would explain years later, “he did anything he could to get to the airport or befriend those at school whose dads had planes. As children, we thought he could fly without wings.” Christensen joined the Army soon after the Japanese attack on Pea
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Oct 174 min read
This Day in History: Jimmy Doolittle & the first blind flight
On this day in 1929, renowned aviator Jimmy Doolittle completes the first blind flight. Today, airplanes make instrument landings all the...
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Sep 242 min read
This Day in History: Joseph Kittinger, the Man Who Fell From Space
On this day in 1984, retired Air Force Colonel Joseph Kittinger completes a solo balloon flight across the Atlantic Ocean. The trip was...
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Sep 183 min read
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...
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Aug 144 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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Mar 183 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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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Oct 5, 20243 min read
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