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.
387 Articles

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Curtiss HA

March 21, 1918 marked the first flight of the Curtiss HA, a U.S. seaplane fighter…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the IAR-822

March 20, 1970 marked the first flight of the Romanian-built IAR-822, an agricultural aircraft developed…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the IAI Astra

March 19, 1984 marked the first flight of the IAI Astra, a twin-engine business jet…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Tupolev Tu-28

On March 18, 1961, the Tupolev Tu-28 (Tu-128) interceptor made its first flight. The Soviet…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Bell X-22

On March 17, 1966, the Bell X-22 made its first flight, testing an experimental V/STOL…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First US Military Aircraft Mission over Foreign Territory

On March 16, 1916, the U.S. Army’s 1st Aero Squadron flew its first military mission…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Sikorsky MH-53

On March 15, 1967, the Sikorsky MH-53 first flew. The heavy helicopter later became the…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Parnall Pike N202

On March 14, 1927, the Parnall Pike N202 reconnaissance aircraft made its first flight. Designed…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador Enters Service with British European Airways

On March 13, 1952, the Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador entered airline service with British European Airways,…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Douglas Cloudster II

On March 12, 1947, the Douglas Cloudster II made its first flight, testing an unusual…

Austin Hancock