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.

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Aviation Archaeology: Exploring the Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant, Calverton

Discover the Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant in Calverton, NY—home to historic aircraft testing, Calverton…

Today in Aviation History: Grumman F-14 Tomcat Retires from U.S. Naval Service

On September 22, 2006, the F-14 Tomcat officially retired from U.S. Navy service. Explore the…

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress

On September 21, 1942, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress made its first flight, marking a major…

Are Friends Airplanes? Musician Gary Numan’s Fascinating Aviation Career

Discover Gary Numan’s surprising aviation career—from his love of flight as a child to piloting…

POOR LITTLE LAMBS — The Definitive Baa Baa Black Sheep Book Releases Today

Celebrate the 49th anniversary of Baa Baa Black Sheep with the release of Stephen Chapis’…

Randy Warbird Profiles: Beech Model 17 Staggerwing (UC-43 Traveler) N67738

This installment of Randy’s Warbird Profiles focuses on Beech Model 17 Staggerwing N67738, which was…

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the de Havilland Vampire

Learn about the de Havilland Vampire, which first flew on September 20, 1943. A pioneering…

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Aero Spacelines Pregnant Guppy

Discover the history of the Aero Spacelines Pregnant Guppy, which first flew on September 19,…

The Birth of the United States Air Force: September 18, 1947

Discover the history behind the establishment of the U.S. Air Force on September 18, 1947.…

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the McDonnell Douglas DC-9-20

Discover the McDonnell Douglas DC-9-20 — a rare, high-performance short-body airliner built for SAS with…

Randy’s Warbird Profiles: Yakovlev Yak-9U

In the latest of his Warbird Profiles, lifelong aviation enthusiast Randy Malmstrom covers the story…

Today in Aviation History: First Powered Flight of the North American X-15

Discover the story of the North American X-15’s first powered flight on September 17, 1959,…

Texas Chopper Pilot Honors Vietnam War Veterans with His Outlaw Huey

Texas pilot Russell Armstrong honors Vietnam War veterans with flights in his restored Bell UH-1H…

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the North American Sabreliner

Discover the history of the North American Sabreliner’s first flight on September 16, 1958. Learn…