On This Day in Aviation History

2009-12-31

On This Day in Aviation History: December 31st

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Written by: Phil Derner Jr.
USAF General Jeanne Holm

USAF General Jeanne Holm

1970 – Jeanne Holm became the first female General in the United States Air Force, also the first of that rank in any military branch.

1968 – The Tupolev Tu-144 made its first flight, and becomes the first supersonic transport aircraft to fly.

1958 – The end of the year marked the first time that more passengers cross the Atlantic by air than by ship, at 1.2 million.

1951 – The year-end tally showed that for the first time, total passenger flying miles exceeded that of railroad miles at 10.6 million.

1922 – A Deutsche Luft-Reederei Dornier Komet became the first German aircraft to fly over Britain since the end of World War I.

1908 – Wilbur Wright made the first flight over two hours in Auvours, France, covering 77 miles.



About the Author

Phil Derner Jr.
Phil Derner founded NYCAviation in 2003. A lifetime aviation enthusiast that grew up across the water from La Guardia Airport, Phil has aviation experience as a Loadmaster, Operations Controller and Flight Dispatcher. He owns and operates NYCAviation and performs duties as an aviation expert through writing, consulting, public speaking and media appearances. You can reach him by email or follow him on Twitter.




 
 

 

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Today in Aviation History: December 15th

In a near disaster, KLM Flight 867 loses all engines temporarily after flying through a cloud of volcanic ash, McDonnell Douglas and Boeing merge, the Boeing 787 makes its first flight, and more..
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  • Jamaal Fubu

    Finally a day in aviation where there isn't an f'ing plane crash!

  • Jamaal Fubu

    Finally a day in aviation where there isn't an f'ing plane crash!