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 in 1927 as Popular Aviation, the magazine initially captured public fascination with flight, covering early adventures, air races, and pilot training, and subsequently evolved through several name and ownership changes to become FLYING.
Throughout its history, the publication consistently documented the evolution of aviation, reflecting major historical events (such as WWII, the space race, and 9/11), technological advancements (like jets, GPS, and glass cockpits), and industry shifts including airline deregulation, fuel shortages, and pilot recruitment.
FLYING has served as an enduring educational resource for pilots and enthusiasts, offering insights into new aircraft, navigation techniques, safety innovations, and career opportunities, while adapting its content to remain relevant across changing aviation landscapes for nearly a century.

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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.