First US Airmail Booklet
On May 26, 1928, the US issued its first-ever Airmail booklet – US #C10a.
Flight
First Successful Single-Rotor Helicopter Flight
On May 24, 1940, Igor Sikorsky successfully flew the first single-rotor helicopter. Sikorsky developed the world’s first mass-produced helicopter and one of the first American helicopters used in World War II.
First Solo Non-Stop Flight Across the Atlantic
On May 20, 1927, Charles Lindbergh began his famous flight across the Atlantic aboard the Spirit of St. Louis. Flying alone for 33 hours across 3,600 miles in stormy weather, he became an instant celebrity and American legend.
First US Airmail Flight
On May 15, 1918, America’s airmail service began when two Curtiss Jennys departed New York and Washington, DC. In the months that followed, pioneering aviators expanded airmail service over the treacherous Allegheny Mountains to Chicago and eventually the west coast.
First International Sky Train
On May 14, 1935, US and Cuban pilots flew the first international airmail sky train. Inspired by locomotives hauling wagons, this air train consisted of a motored airplane pulling two gliders.
First American Orbit of Earth
On February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth aboard his Friendship 7 capsule.
Mercury-Redstone 2
On January 31, 1961, Mercury-Redstone 2 launched Ham the Chimp into space. It was an important step in a program aimed at getting the first American in space.
Another Notable Earhart Flight
On January 11, 1935, Amelia Earhart became the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to California. She completed the 2,400-mile flight in 18 hours.
First Stamp to Picture an Airplane
On December 16, 1912, the United States issued the world’s first stamp to picture an airplane – a 20¢ Parcel Post issue.