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 Saab 17

On May 18, 1940, Sweden’s Saab 17 made its maiden flight, marking the debut of…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Supermarine Attacker F.1

On May 5, 1950, the Supermarine Attacker F.1 took its first flight, becoming the first…

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Northrop YRB-49A Reconnaissance Aircraft

On May 4, 1950, the Northrop YRB-49A—a reconnaissance variant of the experimental YB-49 flying wing—took…