FLYING Magazine Also Went to War 80 Years Ago

Exploits of the Greatest Generation graced pages in many ways in the publication once known as Popular Aviation.

Meg Godlewski

Friday, May 09, 2025 at 10:45 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Sometimes the Axis and Allies shared a Popular Aviation cover, as happened in January 1940, when the headlines were 'MORE ALLIED-NAZI WARPLANE PHOTOS!' and 'In This Issue Canada Goes To War.' [Courtesy: Meg Godlweski]

Key Takeaways:

Popular Aviation (now FLYING Magazine) chronicled the lead-up to and duration of WWII, initially focusing on European aviation technology and mobilization before the U.S. entry.
The magazine documented practical wartime adaptations, such as British airmen modifying life vests for better visibility and U.S. infrastructure adjustments like hangar cutouts for larger bombers.
It showcased America's mobilization efforts, including advertisements promoting aviation careers, the conversion of civilian aircraft manufacturers to military production, and calls for women to join the workforce as "Janes Who Made the Planes."

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This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The United States’ entry into the war followed the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. For Great Britain, France, and Canada, hostilities began several years earlier, and Popular Aviation—what we now know today as FLYING Magazine— was writing about it.

I spent a day at the Museum of Flight in Seattle looking at back issues and seeing what the publication was doing before and during WWII.