Aviation History

The Hegenberger System

John M. White | May 17, 2024

A young aeronautical engineering US Army Air Corps pilot devised an ingenious system to guide aircraft down through inlement weather to a safe landing. His system was called the "Hegenberger System", and was a major contribution to aviation safety. Read his story today. View Article

The BLB Oxygen Mask and Aviation

John M. White | May 11, 2024

The history of hypoxia is closely related to high-altitude aviation physiology and became a problem as aircraft in the 1930s and beyond began flying at higher and higher altitudes. The BLB oxygen mask became the solution for this problem by the Second World War. View Article

A Skunk Of A Different Kind!

John M. White | May 3, 2024

Aviation history is replete with incredible men and women who brought to life the amazing world of aviation. Among them was an incredible aeronautical engineeer who designed and built some of the most amazing aircraft in the world. This is the story of Kelly Johnson, chief of the Lockheed Skunk... View Article

Bessie Coleman Soars Across the Sky

John M. White | Apr 26, 2024

The 1920s and 1930s were the heyday of early aviation, but African Americans were excluded from all of the fun. That is, until a smart, attractive African American girl decided she just wouldn't accept no for an answer! Read the real story about Bessie Coleman, Aviatrix. View Article

The Disappearance of the "Lady Be Good"

John M. White | Apr 19, 2024

On April 4, 1943, a Consolidated B-24D Liberator with a crew of 9 departed an airfield in Libya on a night mission to bomb Naples, Italy. Discover the story of how the aircraft and crew disappeared that fateful night. View Article

Operation Baby Lift

John M. White | Apr 12, 2024

Operation Baby Lift was a humanitarian effort undertaken by the US government to save South Vietnamese orphans from the North Vietnamese. Like so many other government programs, this one did not end up as planned. View Article