A Century in the Sky: The History of FLYING Magazine
FLYING Magazine has served as an iconic institution in the aviation world for nearly a century, chronicling the evolution of flight. It has been a trusted guide, educational resource, and source of inspiration for pilots and enthusiasts alike.
The Dawn of Popular Aviation (1927-1942)
- 1927: Inspired by Charles Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight, Chicago advertising executive and World War I aviator William B. Ziff Sr. launches Popular Aviation in August.
- Name Changes: The magazine undergoes several name changes in its early years.
- 1929-1930: Briefly renamed Aeronautics.
- Mid-1940: Name updated to FLYING and Popular Aviation as its focus shifts towards the impending war.
- 1942: The name is permanently shortened to FLYING as the magazine concentrates on military aviation during World War II.
The Post-War Boom and a Golden Age of Writing
- Post-WWII: The magazine becomes essential reading for a new generation of pilots as general aviation experiences a massive boom.
- Journalistic Reputation: FLYING solidifies its reputation for high-quality journalism, technical accuracy, and in-depth storytelling.
- Iconic Writers: The magazine becomes home to some of the most respected voices in aviation writing, including:
- Richard Collins: Known for his long-running “On Top” column.
- Gordon Baxter: Admired for his insightful and often humorous contributions.
Changes in the Cockpit: Ownership and Evolution
- Ziff-Davis: The magazine is founded and published for many years by the Ziff-Davis publishing empire.
- 1984: Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. acquires the magazine from Ziff-Davis.
- 2009: The Bonnier Corporation, a U.S. division of the Swedish-based Bonnier Group, purchases FLYING.
- July 2021: Digital media entrepreneur and pilot Craig Fuller acquires the magazine, establishing the FLYING Media Group (now known as Firecrown).
Flying into the Digital Age
- Digital Expansion: FLYING embraces the digital age by launching a comprehensive website with news and features and introducing digital editions for various devices.
- 2022 Print Redesign: The print edition transitions to a quarterly schedule. It is redesigned into a high-quality, “coffee-table-style” publication with a greater emphasis on stunning photography and in-depth features.
An Enduring Legacy
- Industry Resource: For almost a century, FLYING has been a mirror reflecting the evolution of aviation.
- Global Reach: It remains the world’s most widely read aviation magazine.
- Mission: The magazine continues to inspire individuals to fly, provide critical safety and technical information, and foster a strong sense of community among aviation enthusiasts worldwide.
