Austin Hancock

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.
579 Articles

Today In Aviation History: First Battle of Britain RCAF Aerial Victory

Discover the thrilling story of Squadron Leader Ernest "PeeWee" McNab, who, on August 15, 1940,…

Today in Aviation History: August 14 — Australia Flies Beyond the Sound Barrier

On August 14, 1953, Flight Lt. William H. Scott flew the CAC CA-26 Sabre past…

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Gee Bee Model R

On August 13, 1932, the Gee Bee Model R Super Sportster made its first flight.…

Today in Aviation History: August 12 First Flight of the Bristol T.B.8

On August 12, 1913, the Bristol T.B.8 first took flight. Designed by Henri Coandă, this…

Flying A Milkstool Pilot Report on the Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer

Pilot Austin Hancock takes the 1957 Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer for a spin, sharing its history,…

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Embraer ERJ-145

On August 11, 1995, the Embraer ERJ-145 first took flight, launching a successful regional jet…

Building the Last Convair B-36: Handmade Peacemaker Cockpit Project Progresses

Brian Pierson advances his scratch-built Convair B-36H cockpit, adding aluminum canopy work, functional controls, and…

Today in Aviation History First Flight of the Avro Canada C102 Jetliner

On August 10, 1949, the Avro Canada C102 Jetliner became the world’s second purpose-built jet…

Today in Aviation History: First Flight Past the Sound Barrier in Canada

On August 9, 1950, Alexander John “Al” Lilly became the first Canadian to break the…

Today in Aviation History: First Non-Stop Flight from Canada to England

On August 8, 1934, pilots James Ayling and Leonard Reid completed the first non-stop flight…