Before the GPS provided exact coordinates and became fully operational on flights in 1994, pilots had to navigate through the air in a different way. They relied on map reading methods, measuring tools, and even celestial navigation. If there’s one thing we know about pilots in a world without a GPS, it’s that they certainly [...]
Communication is key, especially in aviation. It can be used to warn someone of danger and achieve goals as a team. It can also be used to help avoid huge disasters and call for help in dire circumstances. If you’ve ever seen a military-related movie or television show, you may have noticed pilots talking over [...]
In 1955, the Swedish Air Force (Flygvapnet) introduced the first supersonic plane to Western Europe--the Saab 35 Draken. The highly-adaptable plane was initially produced for interceptive duties and took to the sky for the first time in 1955 before joining the Swedish Air Force in 1960. Saab manufactured 651 of the aircraft between 1955 and 1974. [...]
Labor Day marks the unofficial end to summer and is one of the busiest times to travel. As you gaze out onto the tarmac at the massive Boeing 747 you're going to board, take a moment to reflect on the wonder of the man-made flying machine and how it's about to carry over 500 people [...]
Model airplanes allow children and adults to get up-close and personal with aviation without becoming a pilot or buying a plane ticket. Models made to scale can mark the beginning of a journey into aviation through its history and fascinating stories associated with real life versions of a plane. Assembling model airplanes requires patience, skill, [...]
Fill your life with what you love If you consider yourself an avgeek, you probably love all things aviation. I mean, that’s why you read The Flight Blog, right? To immerse yourself in the wonderful world of aviation and its rich history. Given the chance, I’m sure you’d much rather be up in the air [...]
The bearcat, also known as the binturong, is a viverrine mammal from Southeast Asia—it is closely related to neither bears nor cats. The Grumman F8F Bearcat, on the other hand, is a single-engine carrier-based fighter aircraft that was introduced late into WWII. The Bearcat aircraft concept was conceived when Battle of Midway veteran F4F Wildcat [...]
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in the hopes that Saint Nick soon would be there… in his totally incredible flying machine!!! Powered by the tug of nine magic reindeer, one with a shiny red nose. Coated In pearlescent red high-gloss special edition paint, Santa’s sleigh is sure to turn heads while [...]
When it comes to aviation, I can’t help but think of Orville and Wilbur Wright. After all, they paved the way for aviation as it exists today. Without their historic flight on December 17th, 1903, who’s to say where aviation would currently be. The Wright Brothers achieved this feat using their “Wright Flyer” aircraft, which [...]
The Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation Keeps the Spirit Alive In 1988, one pilot founded The Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation with the goal of preserving the memory and legacy of "the greatest humanitarian and aviation event in history": The Berlin Airlift. At the end of WWII, a defeated Germany was divided into four sectors [...]
