First Flight of the P-51 Mustang
On October 26, 1940, the P-51 Mustang completed its first flight. It went on to take down more enemy planes than any other fighter in Europe and was the United Nations’ main fighter plane during the Korean War.
Flight
First Public Flight by an American Female Aviator
On October 23, 1910, Blanche Scott became the first American female pilot to make a public flight. Nicknamed the “Tomboy of the Air,” she became an accomplished stunt pilot, flying the daredevil circuit.
Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis
On October 3, 1985, the Space Shuttle Atlantis made its maiden flight. Atlantis remained in service for 26 years, flying 33 missions, including the final space shuttle mission in 2011.
First Official U.S. Airmail Flight
On September 23, 1911, Earle Ovington made America’s first airmail delivery between Garden City and Mineola, New York. Staged as part of the International Aviation Meet, he flew more than 43,000 letters over the course of a week.
Champions of Liberty Series
On August 31, 1957, the US Post Office issued an 8¢ stamp honoring Ramon Magsaysay, the first stamp in a new Champions of Liberty Series. The stamps honor patriots who struggled courageously to protect their homelands from tyranny and further the cause of freedom.
Birth of Samuel P. Langley
Samuel Pierpont Langley was born on August 22, 1834, in Roxbury, Massachusetts. An aviation pioneer, he invented steam-powered aerodromes, which set flight records and inspired further advances in the field.
First US Airmail by Balloon
On August 17, 1859, the first airmail in the United States was carried by balloon in Indiana, from Lafayette to Crawfordsville. Of the 123 letters sent by balloon mail, only about 23 are known to still exist.
Graf Zeppelin Begins Round-The-World Journey From New Jersey
On August 8, 1929, the Graf Zeppelin departed the airfield in Lakehurst, New Jersey, to return 21 days later. The popularity of this trip created “Zeppelin Mania” and inspired several later flights.
Wright Brothers Set Flight Record
On July 27, 1909, Orville Wright flew a plane a record one hour and 12 minutes. Nearly six years after their first historic powered airplane flight, the Wright brothers put their flight technology to the test, playing a major role in getting America’s Army airborne.