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 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

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…

Austin Hancock

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…

Moreno Aguiari

Today in Aviation History: First Woman Solo in USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training Program

On May 2, 1977, First Lieutenant Christine E. Schott became the first woman to solo…

Moreno Aguiari

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Douglas SBD Dauntless

Eighty-five years ago today, the Douglas SBD Dauntless made its first flight—ushering in an era…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Blackburn Buccaneer

On April 30, 1958, the Blackburn Buccaneer made its maiden flight, introducing a rugged and…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of The Boeing 747-400

On April 29, 1988, the Boeing 747-400 took flight for the first time, ushering in…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: Record Braking Flight of The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21F Interceptor

On April 28, 1961, the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21F soared into history when test pilot Colonel Georgy…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Tupolev Tu-16

On April 27, 1952, the Soviet Union’s formidable Tupolev Tu-16 Badger made its first flight,…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of The North American XB-28 Dragon

On April 26, 1942, North American XB-28 Dragon took to the skies for the first…

Austin Hancock