American Aviation Historical Society

1838

Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin is born in Baden, Germany. The first large-scale builder and pioneer of rigid dirigible balloons, Zeppelin made his first balloon ascent while serving as a volunteer and observer for the Union Army in America’s Civil War.

1927

Lt. Byron J. Connell pilots a PN-10 into the air with a total gross load of nearly 11 tons and remains aloft for 11 hrs 7 min 18 sec while flying a 947.58 miles over a triangular course. The Navy claims 12 new records for twin-engine seaplanes including speed for 1000km, 88.50 mph; speed for 1500 km carrying a useful load of 500kg, 88.78 mph; duration carrying a payload of 500 kg; and distance with payload of 2000 kg.

1943

Col M. G. Grow, 8th AF Surgeon received Legion of Merit for developing flak vest

1953

New York Airways, America’s first scheduled passenger helicopter carrier, begins service.