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 Stits SA-2A Sky Baby

On May 26, 1952, the tiny Stits SA-2A Sky Baby first flew, becoming one of…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Partenavia P.68 Victor

On May 25, 1970, the Partenavia P.68 Victor first flew, beginning the history of an…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the SIAI-Marchetti SM.1019

On May 24, 1969, the SIAI-Marchetti SM.1019 first flew, introducing a turboprop-powered STOL liaison aircraft…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Fokker Eindecker

On May 23, 1915, the Fokker Eindecker first flew, introducing a synchronized machine gun that…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Gulfstream Peregrine 600

On May 22, 1981, the Gulfstream Peregrine 600 made its first flight as a prototype…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Antonov An-26 Nastia

On May 21, 1969, the Antonov An-26 Nastia first flew, introducing a rugged Soviet turboprop…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter

On May 20, 1965, the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter first flew, beginning the…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Aerfer Sagittario 2

On May 19, 1956, the Aerfer Sagittario 2 made its first flight, later becoming the…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the CERVA CE.43 Guépard

On May 18, 1971, the CERVA CE.43 Guépard made its first flight as an all-metal…

Austin Hancock

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Mooney M-18 Mite

On May 17, 1947, the Mooney M-18 Mite made its first flight, introducing a sleek…

Austin Hancock