Flight Test Historical Foundation

10/15/2026

Happy 79th Anniversary to the team that broke the sound barrier on October 14, 1947. Chuck Yeager was in the cockpit, but the flight belonged to a team. Maj. Robert Cardenas piloted the B-29 that carried the X-1 aloft. Bob Hoover flew chase. Engineer Jack Ridley rigged a sawed-off broom handle so Yeager, flying with two broken ribs, could seal the hatch. Behind them were Bell Aircraft, NACA, and the Army Air Forces crews who made each flight possible.

At about 43,000 feet, the X-1 reached Mach 1.06, and flight testing entered a new era. Yeager, Cardenas, and Hoover went on to be supporters of the Flight Test Historical Foundation, and we’re proud to help carry their story forward. Here’s to the team that proved it could be done

Edwards Air Force Base Flight Test Museum

The Bell X-1 was the first piloted plane to fly faster than the spe...

10/14/2026

Happy 79th Anniversary to the entirety of the aerospace community. Like going to space, some questioned if breaking the sound barrier was even possible. We don't have the sound, but this is the official "unclassified" footage of Chuck Yeager (and team!) breaking the sound barrier 79 years ago today! Edwards Air Force Base Flight Test Museum

10/13/2026

The 2026 Gathering of Eagles tickets are on sale now. The Quest for Quiet: Minimizing The Impact of the Sonic Boom: https://flighttestmuseum.org/ Saturday, Nov 7 at John P. Eliopulos Hellenic Center in Lancaster, CA; 5PM Take Off- 10PM Landing. Check out our silent auction of aviation collectibles!

The Flight Test Historical Foundation’s fund-raising efforts focus on museum improvements, new construction, exhibits, aircraft acquisition and restoration, and STEM Education programs.

09/30/2026

This month is the 35th Anniversary of Blackbird Airpark, an annex of the Air Force Flight Test (AFFT) Museum at Edwards AFB, it was officially dedicated on September 27, 1991. It is the world’s only display of a Lockheed SR-71A together with its predecessor A-12 (this is the first A-12 ever flown) along with the once ultra-secret D-21 drone and the only remaining U-2 “D” model in the world. Thank you Michael Darcy for sharing your photo of opening day.

09/28/2026

Flight Test Historical Foundation board members- supporting the 70th Anniversary of the Society of Experimental Test Pilot Symposium.

09/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who participated in the FTHF Labor Day Golf Tournament and for making it a huge success. Congratulations to the Northrop Grumman team for taking home first place.

08/20/2026

Our Golf Tournament is right around the corner, please reach out to [email protected] if you would like to become a sponsor and don't forget to sign up early to play.

Thank you to all our local donors so far Antelope Valley Country Club Morgan Stanley Mojave Air & Space Port Palmdale Regional Medical Center Visit Palmdale Diamond Jim's Casino AV Edge Dryvebox Lancaster Lancaster Performing Arts Center AV Fair & Event Center Desert Aire Golf Course.

08/13/2026

When is the last time you made a souvenir penny? Stop by the and for only $.51 pick from the Bell X-1, Space Shuttle, B-2 Stealth Bomber or F-22Raptor. What would be your top choice?

07/22/2026

Happy "125th" Birthday to Pancho Barnes. Thank you to all our donors, only a few days left to secure a chance to win one of three sold-out 2023 Pancho Barnes "Happy Bottom Riding Club" Cabernet Sauvignon bottles produced in limited release from https://ancientpeaks.com/product/2023-pancho-barnes.

The three top contributors during the month of July, donating a minimum of $100, will receive one of these bottles. Visit our website to donate and secure a bottle. https://flighttestmuseum.org/

07/13/2026

Thank you Antelope Valley Press.

The Flight Test Historical Foundation continues to Preserve Flight Test History.