NAHF

Happy Birthday to NAHF Enshrinee General Lloyd "Fig" Newton!! General Newton is a trailblazing aviator who served a storied military career, including flying with the USAF Thunderbirds and serving as the Commander of the Air Education and Training Command.

On December 23, 1986, Voyager, piloted by NAHF Enshrinee Richard "Dick" Rutan and Jeana Yeager, landed at Edwards Air Force Base in California becoming the first aircraft to fly non-stop, non-refueled around the world. #AviationHistory #DiscoveringFlight

On December 21, 1968 Apollo 8, the first manned mission to the moon, is launched. The crew became the first humans to leave Earth's gravity. On board this flight were astronauts and NAHF Enshrinees Frank Borman, James Lovell, & William Anders. #AviationHistory #DiscoveringFlight

On December 19, 1928, NAHF Enshrinee Harold Pitcairn flew his first autogyro. The C.8W, produced by Juan de Cierva, flown by Pitcairn, became the first rotary-wing aircraft to successfully fly in the United States. #AviationHistory #DiscoveringFlight

On December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright of Dayton, Ohio made the first powered, heavier-than-air airplane flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Orville piloted, traveling 120ft (36m) over 12 seconds. The era of human flight had arrived. #WrightBrothers #AviationHistory

On December 17, 1944, U.S. Army Air Forces Major and NAHF Enshrinee Richard Bong scored his 40th and final aerial victory, making him the top-scoring American ace of World War II. #AviationHistory #DiscoveringFlight

The National Aviation Hall of Fame welcomes Bill Dolny, CEO of MedAire Worldwide, and Douglas Walker, Managing Partner at Banfield Capital, to our Board of Trustees! Their leadership will help us honor aviation’s legacy and inspire future generations. #NAHF #AviationLeadership

On December 13, 1972, NAHF Enshrinee Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt began the third and final Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) or “Moonwalk” of the Apollo 17 lunar mission. This was the last manned mission to the moon of the 20th century. #AviationHistory #DiscoveringFlight

On December 12, 1953, Mach 2.44 (nearly 2 ½ times the speed of sound) was achieved for the first time by NAHF Enshrinee Major Charles “Chuck” Yeager in the Bell X-1 A. #AviaitonHistory #DiscoveringFlight

This limited-edition Space Shuttle Columbia print, signed by Joe Engle, is available with a National Aviation Hall of Fame Gift Membership — a way to honor the innovators who push boundaries skyward and beyond. Give the gift of inspiration this season: ow.ly/kIJy50XtB6A.

On December 3, 1937, NAHF Enshrinee Jackie Cochran flew a Seversky P35 from New York City, New York to Miami, Florida in 4 hours, 12 minutes, and 27.2 seconds, setting a new national air speed record between the cities and a new women’s national speed record, 203.895 mph.

This Giving Tuesday, we’re grateful for supporters who believe in the power of history, education, and inspiration. Your gift helps preserve aviation’s pioneers and inspire the next generation of innovators — visit nationalaviation.org/contribute. #NAHF #GivingTuesday #AviationHistory

Tuesday December 2, 2025: Due to hazardous winter weather the National Aviation Hall of Fame's Heritage Hall and Education Center is closed today.

On November 29, 1929 NAHF Enshrinee Commander Richard Byrd, NAHF Enshrinee Pilot Bernt Balchen, co-pilot and radioman Harold June, and aerial photography Capt. Ashley McKinley, made the first flight over the South Pole in a Ford Trimotor. #AviationHistory #DiscoveringFlight

On November 28, 1983, Space Shuttle Columbia launched mission STS-9 at 11:00:00 EDT. NAHF Enshrinee John W. Young served as mission commander. This flight delivered the first Spacelab as well as the first astronaut representing the European Space Agency (ESA). #AviationHistory

Celebrate the extraordinary legacy of James “Jimmy” Doolittle — pioneer, innovator, and hero. This exclusive collectible is available with a National Aviation Hall of Fame Gift Membership. #NAHF #JamesDoolittle For additional details, please visit ow.ly/BK5x50XtACQ.

On November 25, 1975, U.S. Patent #3922637-A is issued for NAHF Enshrinee Don Bateman’s Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS), which radically improved aviation safety as it gave pilots crucial warnings when their planes were close to encountering terrain. #AviationHistory

Mark your calendars for Dec. 4! The NAHF Annual Membership Meeting is open to everyone —in person or online. We’re excited to welcome Class of 2025 Enshrinees General Newton, Julie Clark, and John Goglia, who will be in attendance. Learn more and RSVP at nationalaviation.org.

On November 17, 1954 NAHF Enshrinees Jackie Cochran and Chuck Yeager received the Harmon International Trophy. Yeager received the award for flying nearly 2.5 times the speed of sound, and Cochran received it for being the first woman to break the sound barrier. #AviationHistory

On November 16, 1928, Australian George Wilkins and NAHF Enshrinee Lieutenant Carl Eielson make the first flight over Antarctica. They use a Lockheed Vega. #Aviation History #DiscoveringFlight