Today in Aviation History

Each day brings a new piece of aviation history to reflect on. Whether itโ€™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: Captain Charles DeBellevue Becomes Highest Scoring American Ace in the Vietnam War

On September 9, 1972, Captain Charles DeBellevue became the highest scoring American ace of the…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Vultee P-66 Vanguard

On September 8, 1939, the Vultee P-66 Vanguard made its first flight. Built for Sweden…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the AH-1 Cobra

The Bell AH-1 Cobra first flew on September 7, 1965. Explore the history, combat record,…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Douglas SBD Dauntless Delivered to the U.S. Navy

Eighty-five years ago, the U.S. Navy took delivery of its first Douglas SBD Dauntless. Discover…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: Space Shuttle Discovery Completes First Space Flight

On this day in 1984, Space Shuttle Discovery completed its first space flight. Learn about…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Lockheed JetStar

On September 4, 1957, Lockheed JetStar, the first purpose-built private jet, took flightโ€”becoming a business…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: Jimmy Doolittle Sets a New Airspeed Record

On September 3, 1932, Jimmy Doolittle set a world airspeed record of 309.04 mph in…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Nonstop Flight from Europe to the United States

On September 2, 1930, French pilots Dieudonnรฉ Coste and Maurice Bellonte completed the first nonstop…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the North American P-64 (NA-68)

On September 1, 1940, the North American P-64 (NA-68) made its first flight. Originally destined…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Antonov An-2

Discover the history of the Antonov An-2 โ€œColt,โ€ the Soviet-built biplane that first flew in…

Moreno Aguiari

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Lockheed U-2

Discover the story of the Lockheed U-2โ€™s first flight on August 1, 1955, and how…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the NAMC YS-11

On August 30, 1962, the NAMC YS-11 made its first flight, becoming Japanโ€™s first and…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the McDonnell Douglas DC-10

On August 29, 1970, the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 made its first flight. Explore the history,…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: Captain Richard S. โ€œSteveโ€ Ritchie Becomes the First U.S. Air Force Ace of the Vietnam War

On August 28, 1972, Captain Richard S. โ€œSteveโ€ Ritchie became the first U.S. Air Force…

Moreno Aguiari