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 Beechcraft Model 18

On January 15, 1937, the Beechcraft Model 18 made its first flight, launching one of…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Convair YF2Y-1 Sea Dart

On January 14, 1953, Convair’s YF2Y-1 Sea Dart made its first flight, becoming the only…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Farman F.300

The Farman F.300 made its first flight on January 13, 1930, launching a family of…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: Amelia Earhart Makes First Solo Flight – Hawaii to US Mainland

On January 12, 1935, Amelia Earhart completed the first solo flight from Hawaii to the…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the McDonnell F2H Banshee

On January 11, 1947, the McDonnell F2H Banshee made its first flight, introducing a carrier-based…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Consolidated XPY-1

On January 10, 1929, the Consolidated XPY-1 maritime flying boat made its first flight, marking…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Lockheed L-049 Constellation

On January 9, 1943, the Lockheed L-049 Constellation took flight for the first time, introducing…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Lavochkin La-15

On January 8, 1948, the Lavochkin La-15 made its first flight, becoming one of the…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Supermarine Seafire

On January 7, 1942, the Supermarine Seafire flew for the first time, bringing the legendary…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the McDonnell XP-67 Moonbat

On January 6, 1944, the McDonnell XP-67 Moonbat made its first flight, marking an ambitious…

Austin Hancock