Notice: The National Aviation Hall of Fame's Heritage Hall and Education Center is temporarily closed due to the government shutdown. Our offices will remain open and we will keep you posted on updates to our status and programs.

On October 1, 1906, NAHF Enshrinee and U.S. Army Lt. Frank Lahm made aviation history as the first American to win the Gordon Bennett International Balloon Race—flying from Paris to England, 400+ miles across the Channel. #AviationHistory #USArmyAviation #DiscoveringFlight

A record-breaking 800+ girls joined us for our 2025 Wings of Women Girls in Aviation & STEM Day for hands-on activities, mentorship, and plenty of aviation fun! Thank you to our partners and sponsors for investing in the future of aviation and empowering young women to dream big.

Happy Birthday to #NAHF Enshrinee Brigadier General Charles Duke! Born on October 3, 1935, Charlie is an American former astronaut, USAF officer, and test pilot. Explore more about his extraordinary career: nationalaviation.org/enshrinee/char… #CharlieDuke #NASA #Apollo16 #NASAGroup5

On Oct 5, 1984, Space Shuttle Challenger (STS-41-G) commanded by Robert Crippen, '16, made history: 🚀 First spaceflight with two women aboard –Sally Ride, '07, and Kathryn Sullivan, '23. 🚀 Sullivan: first U.S. woman to perform a spacewalk #WomenInSpace #DiscoveringFlight #NASA

Happy Birthday to #NAHF Enshrinee Alan Klapmeier! As co-founder of Cirrus Aircraft, he transformed general aviation with innovations in performance and safety. A true visionary in flight. #AviationHistory #NAHF #CirrusAircraft

✈️ Nominations are open! ✈️ Know someone shaping the future of aviation & aerospace? Submit by Dec 1 for the 2026 #NAHF Awards: ⭐ Spirit of Flight 📝 Crossfield Educator of the Year 🚀 Armstrong Achievement Nominate today 👉 nationalaviation.org/programs #Awards #Enshrinement2026

Oct 8, 1972, the Grumman F-14A Tomcat entered U.S. Navy service with VF-124 — the Navy’s first carrier-based jet with “swing” wings. A milestone in naval aviation, built on the legacy of Enshrinee Leroy Randle Grumman '72. #DiscoveringFlight #F14Tomcat #USNavy #Grumman

Even during the federal shutdown, the NAHF team is hard at work! We’re installing 51 new Enshrinee plaques, including the #Class of 2025—honoring the legends whose achievements define America’s aerospace heritage. ✈️ #AviationHistory #NAHF

✈️ Announcing the National Aviation Hall of Fame Class of 2026! Meet the newest legends whose vision and innovation continue to shape the future of flight. 🔗 Read the full announcement: conta.cc/474xDs5 #NAHF #ClassOf2026 #AviationHistory #Aerospace #InspirationInFlight

On October 14, 1947, Enshrinee Capt. Chuck Yeager became the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound, exceeding MACH 1 in the Bell X-1 aircraft, designed by fellow Enshrinee Lawrence Dale Bell's Bell Aircraft Company. #AviationHistory #DiscoveringFlight #ChuckYeager

On Oct 16, 1997, The Boeing 777-300 made its first flight! At 242 ft long, it became the world’s longest airliner, carrying forward the vision and genius of NAHF Enshrinees William Boeing and Joe Sutter. #OnThisDay #AviationHistory #NAHF #Boeing #777 #DiscoveringFlight

Happy Birthday to NAHF Class of 2025 Enshrinee Dr. Mae Jemison! 🚀 Engineer, physician & the first woman of color in space, Dr. Jemison’s passion for exploration and education continues to inspire generations to reach for the stars. 🌟 #NAHF #MaeJemison #WomenInSTEM

On Oct 18, 1909, French aviator Count Charles de Lambert, one of Enshrinee Wilbur Wright's first students, flew around the Eiffel Tower. Wilbur taught de Lambert as a part of a deal to have Wright Flyers manufactured and sold in France. #AviationHistory #DiscoveringFlight

Happy Birthday to NAHF Enshrinee Martha King! A true aviation pioneer and co-founder of CROWN Schools, Martha has inspired millions of pilots through her passion for teaching and dedication to flight safety. #HappyBirthday #Enshrinee #NAHF #AviationLegends

🛠️ Closed, but Still Hard at Work! Even while the NAHF is closed during the shutdown, our team is busy improving your visit, starting with new giant fans! The setup looks straight out of a space mission 🚀 Fitting for a place built on innovation. #NAHF #Aviation

On October 30, 1918, NAHF Enshrinee Eddie Rickenbacker shot down a German balloon in France, earning his 26th and final aerial victory of World War I. His 26 victories made him the top-scoring American ace of World War I. #AviationHistory #DiscoveringFlight

On November 2, 1929 the Ninety-Nines: International Organization of Women Pilots was founded for the mutual support and advancement of women pilots. NAHF Enshrinees involved include: Ruth Nichols, founding member; Louise Thaden, first Secretary; Amelia Earhart, first President.

On November 5, 1911, NAHF Enshrinee Calbraith Rodgers completed the first coast-to-coast airplane flight across the USA in the Vin Fiz Flyer. The journey took 49 days, with several crashes en route. #AviationHistory #DiscoveringFlight

On November 7, 1917 NAHF Enshrinee Eugene J. Bullard, an American pilot flying with the Lafayette Escadrille, shot down an enemy fighter, becoming the first African-American to both be a combat pilot and earn an aerial victory in World War I. #AviationHistory #DiscoveringFlight