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: 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

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

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the AMX International AMX

On May 15, 1984, the AMX International AMX made its first flight, marking the beginning…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the English Electric Canberra

On this day in aviation history, 76 years ago—May 13, 1949—the English Electric Canberra took…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: Joan Merriam Smith Completes Around-the-World Flight

On this day in aviation history, 61 years ago—May 12, 1964—American pilot Joan Merriam Smith…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Douglas DC-2

On May 11, 1934, the Douglas DC-2 took its first flight, marking a major leap…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II

On May 10, 1972, the legendary Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II—better known as the Warthog—made…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Sikorsky CH-54 Tarhe

On this day in aviation history, May 9, 1962, the Sikorsky CH-54 Tarhe took to…

Austin Hancock

First Flight of the Savoia-Marchetti SM.95

On May 8, 1943, the Savoia-Marchetti SM.95, Italy’s large four-engine transport aircraft, made its maiden…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: Howard “Scrappy” Johnson Breaks World Altitude Record

On May 7, 1965, Maj. Howard "Scrappy" Johnson soared into the history books by flying…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt

On May 6, 1941, the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt made its first flight, launching the legacy…

Austin Hancock