From historical figures like Buzz Aldrin and Sally Ride, to their fictitious counterparts, the media has cultivated a romantic image of heroic astronauts... more >
The Museum of Flight Blog
Your destination for stories and insights on all things aviation and aerospace.
Black History Month Pilot Profile: Major Kristofer W. Duckett
Major Duckett’s dreams of flight began when he first saw a poster of an F-16 as a little boy growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana. At that moment, he set... more >
What's It Like Being a U-2 Pilot?
Imagine breathing 100% oxygen, strapping into an astronaut-like suit, and then flying 60,000 feet above the Earth for nine to ten hours. This is what... more >
Pilot Profile: Meet First Officer Kim Ford
As a black woman and professional pilot, Kim Ford exemplifies what happens when young people of color pursue their dreams of flight. Ford’s high-flying... more >
What You Should Know About Space Law
Aerospace companies like Blue Origin, SpaceX, and satellite communications ventures before them, have been paving the way for a new generation of... more >
What Makes an Aircraft 'Stealth'?
So you want to build a spy plane? We don’t blame you. Some of the most exciting and memorable design in aircraft history can be seen in spy planes. The... more >
Think You Know Pilots?
When you hear the word “pilot,” what image comes to mind? There’s a good chance you imagine someone flying a large commercial jet for a regional, national... more >
5 Engines That Made Aviation History
From the rotary engines of the early 20th century, to the advanced jet engines of today, the course of aviation history has been marked by numerous... more >
The B-52 in Vietnam: Notes from A Pilot's Experience
What was it like to fly one of the most recognizable high-altitude bombers during the Vietnam War? One of our docents, Dave Wellman, flew B-52s during... more >
What Makes a Great Pilot?
Confidence. Focus. Courage.
These are just a few words that are often used to describe pilots, but they only scratch the surface of the many traits that... more >