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.
384 Articles

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Douglas DC-8

Sixty-seven years ago today, the Douglas DC-8 soared into the skies for the first time,…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Chance Vought F4U Corsair

Eighty-five years ago today, a warbird legend was born. On May 29, 1940, the prototype…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: The Anniversary of Mathias Rust’s Flight to Red Square

On May 28, 1987, 19-year-old West German pilot Mathias Rust stunned the world by landing…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

On May 27, 1958, the skies over St. Louis witnessed a historic moment as the…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the North American F-100 Super Sabre

On this day in aviation history — May 25, 1953 — the North American F-100…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Piper PA-24 Comanche

On May 24, 1956, Piper Aircraft’s sleek new PA-24 Comanche took to the skies for…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod

On May 23, 1967, the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod took its maiden flight, marking a significant…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: Charles Lindbergh Completes First Solo Transatlantic Flight

On May 21, 1927, Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight in his…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Saab 17

On May 18, 1940, Sweden’s Saab 17 made its maiden flight, marking the debut of…

Austin Hancock