Jessica Cox, The First Person Born Without Arms To Become A Licensed Pilot
Today in 1983, the birthday of Jessica Cox, the first person born without arms to become a licensed pilot. And that’s just one of her many accomplishments.
There’s A Secret Military Airline Known As “Janet”
At the airport in Las Vegas, there's a terminal you can't use to fly in and catch a Golden Knights game or drop by a casino. It's used only by one of the most out-of-sight airlines in the world, a secret airline known as "Janet."
Douglas “Wrong Way” Corrigan Flew To Ireland When He Was Supposed To Fly To California
Today in 1938, a pilot named Douglas Corrigan was supposed to fly from New York to California, but ended up in Dublin. “Wrong Way” Corrigan became an international celebrity - even if the story he told was not necessarily what actually happened.
Gregory Robertson Saved An Unconscious Skydiver After A High-Speed Dive
He called it just another day of skydiving, but today in 1987, Gregory Robertson saved a fellow skydiver’s life with a high-speed free fall of more than a mile.
The Air Force Once Bombed Montana
Today in 1944, the U.S. Air Force carried out a bombing raid in Montana. Even stranger, they did so at the request of the governor. We'll explain.
When The Supreme Court Kind Of Ruled That An Airplane Wasn’t A Motor Vehicle
Today in 1931, the US Supreme Court issued a ruling that seems to say that a guy who stole an airplane was not guilty of breaking the law against stealing motor vehicles. It’s actually a little more complicated than that.
Helen Keller Once Flew A Plane, No Matter What People On The Internet Think
Today in 1880, the birthday of Helen Keller, the activist, author, speaker, and, on one occasion, a pilot. Never mind what randos on social media have claimed, here's the real story.
When Jacqueline Cochran Broke The Sound Barrier
Today in 1953, Jacqueline Cochran became the first woman to break the sound barrier. Then again, Cochran moved at high speed her whole career.
This Vole Protects Itself From Predators By Cutting The Grass
The Brandt’s vole has an interesting way to protect itself from predators overhead: a research project found that the little rodent cuts the grass so it can keep a lookout.
Jets Can Burn Less Fuel Thanks To Electric Towing
Taxiing accounts for about 5 percent of a jet's fuel consumption, so one way to make flying greener is making taxiing greener, like through an all-electric towing system.