Articles

Explore in-depth articles on aviation history, featuring stories about legendary aircraft, historic missions, pioneering pilots, and the evolution of military and civilian aviation. Dive into the rich legacy of flight through expertly researched warbird features and historical retrospectives.

AirCorps Restorations
Alan Armstrong 729
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The Man Who Refused to Let Warbirds Die: Planes of Fame Air Museum’s Ed Maloney

When Ed Maloney watched B-17s being crushed like toys and aircraft manuals burned in towering…

Adam Estes

Memorial Day Tribute: Honoring The Almost Forgotten of WWII Flight Training

On a rainy September morning at Georgia’s Spence Field, a new memorial was dedicated to…

Guest Author

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

Polaris Program’s MiG-29 is the Fastest Privately-Owned Warbird in the World

Photographer and writer Mike Killian catches up with Jared Isaacman, the Commander of the Polaris…

Mike Killian

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 Production North American P-86A-1-NA

On May 20, 1948, the first production North American P-86A took flight—marking the beginning of…

Moreno Aguiari

Fly Fast, Hit Hard, Take a Punch: A Brief History of the War-Winning P-47 Thunderbolt

The venerable P-47 Thunderbolt or "Juggernaut" fought its way to fame for its toughness and…

Guest Author

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Handley Page Marathon

On this day in aviation history, 79 years ago (May 19, 1946), the Handley Page…

Moreno Aguiari

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