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 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

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Lockheed P-2 Neptune

On May 17, 1945, the Lockheed P-2 Neptune took flight for the first time, marking…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: Top Gun Opens in U.S. Theaters

On May 16, 1986, Top Gun soared into theaters, launching a cultural phenomenon that inspired…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the AMX International AMX

On May 15, 1984, the AMX International AMX made its first flight, marking the beginning…

Austin Hancock