May is a significant month for aviation, with several groundbreaking events occurring throughout
history. From pioneering flights to technological advancements, May has witnessed many important
moments in aviation history. Let's take a closer look at some of the most notable dates in May's aviation
history:
1. May 3, 1919:
The first non-stop transatlantic flight was made by a British team led by John Alcock and
Arthur Whitten Brown. They flew from Newfoundland, Canada, to Ireland in a modified Vickers Vimy
bomber, covering a distance of 1,890 miles in 16 hours and 12 minutes.
2. May 7, 1927:
Charles Lindbergh took off from Roosevelt Field in New York on his solo flight across the
Atlantic Ocean. He flew a custom-built Ryan monoplane, the Spirit of St. Louis, and landed in Paris 33
hours and 30 minutes later, becoming the first person to fly solo non-stop across the Atlantic.
Smithsonian Spirit of St. Louis Die-Cast Model
3. May 20, 1932:
Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, flying
from Newfoundland to Ireland in a Lockheed Vega 5B. She completed the flight in just over 14 hours.
Smithsonian Lockheed Vega Die-Cast Model
4. May 7, 1945:
Germany's surrender during WWII led to an increase in aviation technology
development. The Allies discovered advanced German rocket technology, which helped to advance
rocket science and space exploration.
5. May 15, 1957:
The first flight of the Boeing 707, which revolutionized air travel by enabling
commercial airlines to offer faster, more comfortable, and more efficient flights.
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6. May 5, 1961:
Alan Shepard became the first American to enter space on a suborbital flight aboard the
Freedom 7 spacecraft. His mission lasted just 15 minutes and 22 seconds.
7. May 25, 1961:
President John F. Kennedy announced a national goal of landing a man on the Moon
and returning him safely to Earth before the end of the decade.
8. May 21, 1976:
The first commercial flight of the Concorde supersonic airliner was made by British
Airways. The Concorde was capable of flying at twice the speed of sound, revolutionizing air travel.
Shop Wright Bros. Collection Concorde Products
9. May 30, 1975:
The last American helicopter lifted off the roof of the American Embassy in Saigon,
marking the end of the Vietnam War. Helicopters played a significant role in the war, serving as
transport and medical evacuation vehicles.
10. May 25, 2008:
The Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger aircraft, made its first commercial
flight with Singapore Airlines from Singapore to Sydney, Australia.
These are just a few of the significant events that have taken place in aviation history during May. As we
continue to push the boundaries of flight, it's essential to reflect on the groundbreaking moments that
got us to where we are today.