Stories – Hangar 5 Foundation, Inc.

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Stories

The Stories to be found in this section showcase people, places and events that speak to the Florida aviation experience. Please be sure to check back with us periodically as we will be adding many more!

Close-up of the 'Spirit of St. Louis' airplane with its propeller and exterior details, surrounded by a crowd in the background. — When Lindbergh touched down in Jacksonville

A black and white newspaper image of a woman with short hair, wearing a hat and smiling, accompanied by a caption about her involvement in flying and beauty contests. — Ruth Elder, Florida’s “Flying Flapper”

Historic photograph of the seaplane 'La Niña' preparing for its inaugural flight in Miami on October 15, 1927, with a crowd observing and a ship in the background. — Juan Trippe’s close call

A cartoon illustration depicting a bull exhaling steam on the left side, and a surprised pilot in a plane on the right side, reacting to the bull. — Bull creates uproar at MIA

Historical photograph of a seaplane landing on water with a small boat nearby, while a crowd watches from the shore. — Boarding the flying boat — a Dinner Key memory

US postage stamp depicting Jacqueline Cochran, a pioneering pilot, smiling with a vintage airplane in the background. — The unlikely aviator — Jackie Cochran

Vintage airplane labeled 'Miss Fort Myers' and 'Florida Airways' on the side, parked on a snowy surface, with a person walking nearby. — Florida Airways’ misadventure in Nashville

A black and white portrait of a man with short hair, wearing a light suit and a tie, with a serious expression. — Miami’s aviation pioneers

A vintage photo showing a large seaplane at Pan American Air Base in Miami, with people gathered around to welcome visitors. — W. F. Gerecke – Miami aviation photographer of the 1930s

Historical photograph showing key figures associated with George Haldeman's flight departure in Miami, featuring an airplane with spectators, a tall building in the background, and individuals engaging with the pilot. — The day Biscayne Boulevard became an airstrip

A pilot stands next to a World War II fighter plane featuring a shark mouth design on the nose. — Florida’s Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. is first African American four-star general

A commemorative stamp featuring Bessie Coleman, an early African American aviator, with the text 'BLACK HERITAGE', and the year '1995'. — Remembering Bessie Coleman

A vintage black and white image of a young pilot wearing a helmet and goggles, with the cockpit of an airplane visible behind him. — Jacksonville’s Laurie Yonge is area legend

Historic image of the Dornier Do X seaplane, identified as the first landing in American waters, captured in Miami, Florida. — DO-X: The future of air travel arrives in Miami

A historical image of a rocket on a launch pad, surrounded by scaffolding and engineers observing the setup. — The Space Age arrives in Florida — with the help of Pan Am

Historic image of the airship Graf Zeppelin flying over Miami's skyline on October 23, 1933. — October 23, 1933: A day with the Graf Zeppelin

Black and white image of a large building with the words 'SCHOOL OF AVIATION' visible on the front, surrounded by palm trees and greenery. — The Fritz Hotel: From boom era dream to Aviation Building

A vintage biplane performing aerobatics above an airshow with a variety of small aircraft and spectators visible on the ground, including a large military transport plane in the foreground. — Lakeland Fly-In becomes an aviation institution

A vintage biplane with yellow wings and a black fuselage, showcasing a detailed radial engine. — Captain Eddie’s anniversary surprise

Historical photograph of a group of men carrying a large early aircraft prototype along a beach. — Charles Hamilton defies death at Jacksonville Beach

Two men stand beside the aircraft named Miami Maid, which is intended for a flight from Miami to New York. The pilot, Eddie Nirmatler, is on the left, and L. C. McCarty, chief engineer of the Miami Aircraft Corporation, is on the right. — The Rise and Fall of Miami Aircraft Corporation and the Miami Maid

Aerial view of Miami's Dinner Key Marina and Convention Hall in Coconut Grove, Florida, featuring boats docked at the marina and surrounding greenery. — Dinner Key (1946-1954): From Seaplane Base to Miami City Hall

Cover of Life magazine featuring a portrait of Eddie Rickenbacker, dated January 25, 1943, with the headline 'Tells His Own Story - In This Issue' and prices for the magazine. — Captain Eddie Rickenbacker: Eastern Air Line’s indomitable chairman

Portrait of Glenn Curtiss, an early aviation pioneer, looking contemplative. — Glenn Curtiss: Pioneer of the air, godfather of Miami aviation

Black and white portrait sketch of J. T. Trippe, accompanied by text indicating it is the first in a series of Pan American portraits. — Juan Trippe: Creator of an American aviation empire

INDEX TO “STORIES”