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

Leland Pennington Day: Remembering a Tuskegee Airman’s Disappearance 80 Years Later

A memorial service for Flight Officer Leland "Sticks" Pennington brings his hometown community together and furthers…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Sikorsky CH-54 Tarhe

On this day in aviation history, May 9, 1962, the Sikorsky CH-54 Tarhe took to…

Austin Hancock

First Flight of the Savoia-Marchetti SM.95

On May 8, 1943, the Savoia-Marchetti SM.95, Italy’s large four-engine transport aircraft, made its maiden…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: Howard “Scrappy” Johnson Breaks World Altitude Record

On May 7, 1965, Maj. Howard "Scrappy" Johnson soared into the history books by flying…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt

On May 6, 1941, the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt made its first flight, launching the legacy…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Supermarine Attacker F.1

On May 5, 1950, the Supermarine Attacker F.1 took its first flight, becoming the first…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: Pan Am’s Boeing 747SP Sets New Around-the-World Speed Record

On May 3, 1976, Pan Am’s Boeing 747SP Clipper Liberty Bell set a new world…

Austin Hancock

P-51 ‘Lucy Gal’ Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Begins To Take Shape

Project for a flying memorial for Tuskegee Airman Leland Pennington continues

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Douglas SBD Dauntless

Eighty-five years ago today, the Douglas SBD Dauntless made its first flight—ushering in an era…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Blackburn Buccaneer

On April 30, 1958, the Blackburn Buccaneer made its maiden flight, introducing a rugged and…

Austin Hancock