Today in Aviation History

Each day brings a new piece of aviation history to reflect on. Whether it’s a significant milestone or a quiet moment in time, the history of flight is rich with stories that shaped the skies we know today. Join us as we celebrate the moments that made aviation what it is

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Today in Aviation History: Construction Begins on OV-101 – Space Shuttle Enterprise

On June 4, 1974, NASA began construction of OV-101, later named Space Shuttle Enterprise. Though…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Lockheed XF-90

Discover the story of the Lockheed XF-90, a Cold War-era prototype fighter developed as a…

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Today in Aviation History: First Black Pilot to Shoot Down a Luftwaffe Aircraft

On July 2, 1943, Tuskegee Airman Lt. Charles Hall became the first Black pilot to…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Boeing Model 15

On June 2, 1923, Boeing’s Model 15 fighter biplane made its first flight, ushering in…

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Today in Aviation History: First Aircraft Flight Across the Pacific Ocean

On May 31, 1928, aviation pioneer Charles Kingsford Smith made history with the first aircraft…

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Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Douglas DC-8

Sixty-seven years ago today, the Douglas DC-8 soared into the skies for the first time,…

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Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Chance Vought F4U Corsair

Eighty-five years ago today, a warbird legend was born. On May 29, 1940, the prototype…

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Today in Aviation History: The Anniversary of Mathias Rust’s Flight to Red Square

On May 28, 1987, 19-year-old West German pilot Mathias Rust stunned the world by landing…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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