American Aviation Historical Society

1911

Naval Aviation Service is created with funds of $24,000 appropriated by Bureau of Navigation on 3/4/11. This was also the date of requisition of USN’s first airplane, a Curtiss Model D to be delivered on 7/1/11.

1926

The first federal legislation regulating civil aeronautics is passed by the U.S.Congress. The Air Commerce Act authorizes the Weather Bureau to provide meteorological service over routes designated by the Secretary of Commerce.

1930

Navy Bureau of Aeronautics announces it will fit all carrier planes with brakes and tail wheels. A T4M airplane so equipped successfully passed test aboard the USS Langley.

1930

Navy Lt. Apollo Soucek sets a new world altitude record for Class C landplanes by reaching 39,140 ft over Anacostia Naval Air Station, Washington, DC in a Wright Apache powered by a 425 hp Pratt & Whitney Wasp engine.

1935

The U.S. Commerce Department announces in Washington, D.C. that blind-landing radio equipment developed by a U.S. Army Air Corps team under Captain Hegenberger is to be installed at all major airports between New York and Los Angeles.

1945

Germany surrendered unconditionally