Austin Hancock

Commercial Pilot, CFI, and Museum Entrepreneur, with a subject focus on WWII Aviation. I am dedicated to building flight experience so I can fly WWII Fighters, such as the P-51 Mustang, for museums and airshows, and in the USAF Heritage Flight. I lead and run the Pennington Flight Memorial, to honor local MIA Tuskegee Airman F/O Leland “Sticky” Pennington.
385 Articles

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Mooney M-18 Mite

On May 17, 1947, the Mooney M-18 Mite made its first flight, introducing a sleek…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Blériot Bl-110 Joseph Le Brix

On May 16, 1930, the Blériot Bl-110 Joseph Le Brix first flew, later setting major…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Miles M.100 Student

On May 15, 1957, the Miles M.100 Student made its first flight as a lightweight…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Arsenal VG-36

On May 14, 1940, the Arsenal VG-36 made its first flight as an improved French…

Austin Hancock

Building The Last B-36 — May 2026 Update

The latest update on Brian Pierson’s “Last B-36” project highlights major progress on the flight…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Spad S.61/5

On May 13, 1925, the Spad S.61/5 took flight as a development of the French…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Thorp T-18 Tiger

On May 12, 1964, the Thorp T-18 Tiger made its first flight, launching one of…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the SNCAC NC.150

On May 11, 1939, the SNCAC NC.150 made its first flight as an advanced French…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the de Havilland DH.114 Heron

On May 10, 1950, the de Havilland DH.114 Heron made its first flight, launching a…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the SECAN SUC-10 Courlis

On May 9, 1946, the SECAN SUC-10 Courlis made its first flight, introducing a distinctive…

Austin Hancock