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 continuously chronicled the aviation industry for nearly a century, adapting its content and focus through major historical, technological, and societal changes.
It consistently featured advancements in aircraft technology (from biplanes to jets, GPS, and glass cockpits), promoted pilot training and careers, and covered diverse aspects of aviation, including air racing, military roles, commercial travel, and general aviation.
The publication served as a reflection of the aviation world, documenting the impacts of global events like wars and economic downturns, regulatory changes, and shifts in public interest and pilot demographics.

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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.