Aviation History Through the Pages of FLYING

A look at nine decades of aviation innovation through our eyes.

Meg Godlewski

Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 02:46 PM ET

Verified

[Illustration by Clare Nicholas]

Key Takeaways:

Launched as Popular Aviation in 1927, the magazine, later renamed FLYING, has consistently documented the evolution of aviation, from early air races and commercial flights to military conflicts, space exploration, and modern technological advancements.
Throughout its history, FLYING has served as a central resource for pilots and enthusiasts, promoting pilot training and careers, showcasing aircraft innovations (e.g., jets, glass cockpits, LSA), and educating on navigation (GPS, ADS-B) and safety.
The publication reflected major societal and industry shifts, covering the impact of events like the Great Depression, World War II, 9/11, and the COVID-19 pandemic on aviation, while adapting its focus to emerging trends in general, business, and military aviation.

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The 1920s: Popular Aviation Premieres

In August 1927, the first issue of Popular Aviation hit the newsstands, published by the Popular Aviation Publishing Company of Chicago.

The first cover featured three aircraft—two biplanes and a monoplane—in the sky. Below them, a crowd watches them fly over. Some of the people are standing on the roofs of buildings, others are climbing up a pole supporting a windsock, as if to get a better view of the airplanes. The monthly publication cost 25 cents, which equates to approximately $3.44 today.