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.
11 Articles

Today in Aviation History: American Pilot Edward O’Hare is Born

On March 13, 1914, Lieutenant Commander Edward “Butch” O’Hare was born—a man whose bravery would…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Aérospatiale Alouette II

On March 12, 1955, the Aérospatiale Alouette II made aviation history as the first helicopter…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Sikorsky SH-3 ‘Sea King’

On March 11, 1959, the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King took flight for the first time,…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: 58th Anniversary of ‘Pardo’s Push’

On March 10, 1967, Captain Bob Pardo performed one of the most daring acts of…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Avro Shackleton

On this day in aviation history, March 9, 1949, the Avro Shackleton made its maiden…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Sikorsky H-34

On March 8, 1954, the Sikorsky H-34 took its maiden flight, marking the debut of…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Junkers Ju 52/3M

On March 7, 1932, the Junkers Ju 52/3m took its maiden flight, marking the debut…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: The Birth of the Finnish Air Force

On March 6, 1918, the Finnish Air Force (FAF) was officially established, making it one…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Supermarine Spitfire

On this day in aviation history, March 5, 1936, the legendary Supermarine Spitfire took to…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter

On March 4, 1954, the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter soared into the skies for its maiden…

Austin Hancock