Skip to content
This video explores Joan Merriam Smith’s historic world flight, the planning and logistics behind her solo circumnavigation, the specifications of her Piper Apache aircraft, and the political, cultural, and navigational challenges she faced along the way. We examine the timeline of her flight, her interactions with global aviation officials, and the tragic events that led to her untimely death in a crash just a year later. This is the story of a forgotten female aviator who dared to finish what Amelia Earhart started. If you're passionate about aviation history, world flight records, forgotten pilots, women in aviation, solo circumnavigation flights, or historic aircraft like the Piper Apache, this is one video you don’t want to miss. 🔗 Find More Here: 🌎 Website: Flyingmidwest.com 📲 Instagram: @flymidwestjim 📘 Facebook: flyingmidwestpodcast@gmail.com Check out my other content here: Flying Midwest Podcast: https://flyingmidwest.com/episodes/ Fly The Transition Podcast: https://flyingmidwest.com/ftt-episodes/ ✈ About AeroExploration: Explore the skies with AeroExploration! From the most heroic moments in aviation history to breathtaking flying adventures at unique airports and destinations, we bring aviation storytelling to life. Whether you're a pilot, history buff, or just love aviation, there's always a new journey waiting. 📌 Subscribe now and take flight with us! 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more incredible aviation stories! Affiliate Links: Flying Eyes Sunglasses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://flyingeyesoptics.com Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase This video is original content researched and created by AeroExploration. Images and video clips used are Public Domain carefully selected to provide illustration. When images or video of actual event are not available in the Public Domain, images of similar aircraft and events are used for illustration. "The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement." #AviationHistory #PilotLife #FlightAdventure #HiddenGemAirports #GeneralAviation #JoanMerriamSmith #AviationHistory #WomenInAviation #SoloFlightAroundTheWorld #HistoricFlights #ForgottenAviators #PiperApache #AmeliaEarhartRoute #FemalePilot #AviationDocumentary #Circumnavigation #WorldFlight1964 #TrailblazingWomen #FlyingHistory #VintageAviation #AviationPioneers #Aviatrix #GeneralAviation #ThisWeekInAviation #AeroExploration
She FINISHED what Amelia Earhart Started: Around the world SOLO with Joan Merriam Smith
This Week in Aviation History, we’re diving into the legendary first flight of one of the most iconic attack aircraft ever built: the A-10 Thunderbolt II. On May 10, 1972, the prototype YA-10A lifted off for the first time, launching what would become a five-decade legacy of unmatched close air support. Designed around the massive GAU-8/A Avenger 30mm cannon, the A-10—better known as the Warthog—was created to survive enemy fire, protect ground troops, and bring devastating firepower to the front lines. But despite its battlefield success, the U.S. Air Force has tried to retire it again and again. In this episode, we explore the birth, mission, and ongoing legacy of the A-10. From its armored titanium cockpit and dirt-strip takeoffs to combat stories from Iraq and Afghanistan, we break down why this low-and-slow beast refuses to die. We’ll also talk about pilot Kim Campbell’s harrowing return flight with total hydraulic failure, the A-X program that gave birth to the Warthog, and the modern upgrades keeping it relevant. Whether you call it the Warthog, the BRRRT machine, or the tank killer, the A-10 is more than just an aircraft—it’s a symbol of grit, survival, and battlefield dominance. 🔗 Find More Here: 🌎 Website: Flyingmidwest.com 📲 Instagram: @flymidwestjim 📘 Facebook: flyingmidwestpodcast@gmail.com Check out my other content here: Flying Midwest Podcast: https://flyingmidwest.com/episodes/ Fly The Transition Podcast: https://flyingmidwest.com/ftt-episodes/ ✈ About AeroExploration: Explore the skies with AeroExploration! From the most heroic moments in aviation history to breathtaking flying adventures at unique airports and destinations, we bring aviation storytelling to life. Whether you're a pilot, history buff, or just love aviation, there's always a new journey waiting. 📌 Subscribe now and take flight with us! 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more incredible aviation stories! Affiliate Links: Flying Eyes Sunglasses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://flyingeyesoptics.com Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase This video is original content researched and created by AeroExploration. Images and video clips used are Public Domain carefully selected to provide illustration. When images or video of actual event are not available in the Public Domain, images of similar aircraft and events are used for illustration. "The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement." #AviationHistory #PilotLife #FlightAdventure #HiddenGemAirports #generalaviation #A10Warthog #A10Thunderbolt #CloseAirSupport #MilitaryAviation #AvGeek #Warthog #BRRRT #AirPower #GAU8 #AviationPodcast #ThisWeekInAviationHistory #AircraftHistory #AirForce #FirstFlight #AviationLegends
Five Decades of BRRRT: The First Flight and Legacy of the A-10
On April 28, 1988, Aloha Airlines Flight 243 ripped open at 24,000 feet. A massive section of the Boeing 737’s fuselage was torn away in an instant. One flight attendant was tragically lost. And yet, against all odds, the pilots brought the broken aircraft down safely. In this gripping episode of AeroExploration, we walk through the story in full — from the quiet pre-dawn preflight checks to the violent explosive decompression, and through the terrifying descent and investigation that shook aviation forever. Discover the facts behind the aircraft’s structural failure, the heroism of the flight crew, and the investigation that revealed a systemic maintenance oversight. ✈️ Support my Content on Patreon: patreon.com/flyingmidwest 🔗 Find More Here: 🌎 Website: Flyingmidwest.com 📲 Instagram: @flymidwestjim 📘 Facebook: flyingmidwestpodcast@gmail.com Check out my other content here: Flying Midwest Podcast: https://flyingmidwest.com/episodes/ Fly The Transition Podcast: https://flyingmidwest.com/ftt-episodes/ ✈ About AeroExploration: Explore the skies with AeroExploration! From the most heroic moments in aviation history to breathtaking flying adventures at unique airports and destinations, we bring aviation storytelling to life. Whether you're a pilot, history buff, or just love aviation, there's always a new journey waiting. 📌 Subscribe now and take flight with us! 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more incredible aviation stories! Affiliate Links: Flying Eyes Sunglasses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://flyingeyesoptics.com Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase Portions of this video contain clips from the following sources: - Mayday - Air Disasters; Season 3, episode 1 - KHON News, Hawaii. This video is original content researched and created by AeroExploration. Images and video clips used are Public Domain carefully selected to provide illustration. When images or video of actual event are not available in the Public Domain, images of similar aircraft and events are used for illustration. "The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement." #AlohaFlight243 #AviationHistory #AircraftIncident #ExplosiveDecompression #Boeing737 #MidairDisaster #AviationExplained #AviationAccidents #PilotTraining #FlightCrewHeroism #AirDisaster #AeroExploration #FlyingMidwest #NTSB #AviationSafety #Flight243 #MiracleLanding #AircraftMaintenance #PlaneBreakup #TrueAviationStories #AviationHistory #PilotLife #FlightAdventure #HiddenGemAirports #GeneralAviation
Torn Open at 24,000 Feet: The Incredible Survival of Aloha Airlines Flight 243
Ever wondered what happens when a pilot unintentionally breaches restricted airspace? In this episode, we delve deep into the world of Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and the critical intercept procedures that follow. From unexpected fighter jet escorts to the protocols every pilot needs to know, we uncover real-life scenarios that highlight the importance of airspace awareness.​ What You'll Learn: The intricacies of TFRs and how they're implemented. Step-by-step intercept procedures and pilot responsibilities. Real-world incidents of airspace violations and their outcomes. Tips to stay informed and avoid costly mistakes.​ Whether you're a seasoned aviator or an aviation enthusiast, this episode offers invaluable insights into the protocols that keep our skies safe. A HUGE thank you to my friends @thebadgerpilot and @JustPlaneSilly for the use of some of their content as B-roll in the video. Be sure to check out their channels if you haven't already! ✈️ Support my Content on Patreon: patreon.com/flyingmidwest 🔗 Find More Here: 🌎 Website: Flyingmidwest.com 📲 Instagram: @flymidwestjim 📘 Facebook: flyingmidwestpodcast@gmail.com Check out my other content here: Flying Midwest Podcast: https://flyingmidwest.com/episodes/ Fly The Transition Podcast: https://flyingmidwest.com/ftt-episodes/ ✈ About AeroExploration: Explore the skies with AeroExploration! From the most heroic moments in aviation history to breathtaking flying adventures at unique airports and destinations, we bring aviation storytelling to life. Whether you're a pilot, history buff, or just love aviation, there's always a new journey waiting. 📌 Subscribe now and take flight with us! 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more incredible aviation stories! Affiliate Links: Flying Eyes Sunglasses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://flyingeyesoptics.com Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase #Aviation #PrivatePilot #TFR #InterceptProcedures #GeneralAviation #FlyTheTransition #AirspaceViolation #PilotLife #FlightTraining #FighterJetIntercept #RestrictedAirspace #AeroExploration #AviationEducation #FlyingMidwestMedia #avgeek #Aviation #PrivatePilot #TFR #InterceptProcedures #GeneralAviation #FlyTheTransition #AirspaceViolation #PilotLife #FlightTraining #FighterJetIntercept #RestrictedAirspace #AeroExploration #AviationEducation #FlyingMidwestMedia #AvGeek #AviationHistory #PilotLife #FlightAdventure #HiddenGemAirports #GeneralAviation
INTERCEPTED! The TRUTH Behind TFR Violations
On April 24, 1943, the first class of Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) graduated—marking a groundbreaking moment not just in aviation history, but in the fight for gender equality in the armed forces. In this powerful deep dive, we explore the incredible—but often erased—story of the WASPs: a group of civilian women who stepped up when America needed pilots most. From grueling training in Sweetwater, Texas, to ferrying high-performance aircraft and towing live-fire targets, these brave aviators flew over 60 million miles in support of the war effort. They wore uniforms. They flew military aircraft. But they were denied military status, veterans' benefits, and even proper burial honors. This episode honors the legacy of the first graduating class, Class 43-W-1, and the thousands who followed. We’ll dive into their triumphs, their tragedies, and the decades-long fight for the recognition they earned. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or a history buff, this is a story that will inspire you—and infuriate you. It's time to give the WASPs the spotlight they always deserved. Don't forget, you can now support me on Patreon! Merch and other perks coming soon. 🔗 Find More Here: 🌎 Website: Flyingmidwest.com 📲 Instagram: @flymidwestjim 📘 Facebook: flyingmidwestpodcast@gmail.com ✈️ Patreon: patreon.com/flyingmidwest Check out my other content here: Flying Midwest Podcast: https://flyingmidwest.com/episodes/ Fly The Transition Podcast: https://flyingmidwest.com/ftt-episodes/ ✈ About AeroExploration: Explore the skies with AeroExploration! From the most heroic moments in aviation history to breathtaking flying adventures at unique airports and destinations, we bring aviation storytelling to life. Whether you're a pilot, history buff, or just love aviation, there's always a new journey waiting. 📌 Subscribe now and take flight with us! 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more incredible aviation stories! Affiliate Links: Flying Eyes Sunglasses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://flyingeyesoptics.com Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase This video is original content researched and created by AeroExploration. Images and video clips used are Public Domain carefully selected to provide illustration. When images or video of actual event are not available in the Public Domain, images of similar aircraft and events are used for illustration. "The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement." #AviationHistory #PilotLife #FlightAdventure #HiddenGemAirports #GeneralAviation #WASP #WomenPilots #AviationHistory #WWIIHistory #ThisWeekInAviationHistory #HiddenHistory #MilitaryWomen #FemaleAviators #WASPStory #WomensHistory #WWIIAviation #WomensAirforceServicePilots #AviationDocumentary #Airpower #HerStory
DENIED Military Status, The WASP Pilots flew ANYWAY
On April 15, 1952, a legend took flight. The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress roared off the runway for the very first time—and aviation history was changed forever. Designed at the dawn of the jet age and still flying missions more than 70 years later, the B-52 isn’t just a bomber—it’s a symbol of engineering endurance and airpower evolution. In this episode, we take you back to the B-52’s first flight and explore how this aircraft became one of the longest-serving military planes in history. From Cold War tensions to modern upgrades, the B-52 has remained relevant across eight decades—and might still be flying into the 2050s. Whether you’re an aviation history buff, a military aircraft enthusiast, or just curious how something built in the 1940s is still dominating the skies today, this one’s for you. 🔔 Subscribe for more aviation history shorts and deep dives into legendary aircraft. 🔗 Find More Here: 🌎 Website: Flyingmidwest.com 📲 Instagram: @flymidwestjim 📘 Facebook: flyingmidwestpodcast@gmail.com Check out my other content here: Flying Midwest Podcast: https://flyingmidwest.com/episodes/ Fly The Transition Podcast: https://flyingmidwest.com/ftt-episodes/ ✈ About AeroExploration: Explore the skies with AeroExploration! From the most heroic moments in aviation history to breathtaking flying adventures at unique airports and destinations, we bring aviation storytelling to life. Whether you're a pilot, history buff, or just love aviation, there's always a new journey waiting. 📌 Subscribe now and take flight with us! 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more incredible aviation stories! Affiliate Links: Flying Eyes Sunglasses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://flyingeyesoptics.com Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase This video is original content researched and created by AeroExploration. Images and video clips used are Public Domain carefully selected to provide illustration. When images or video of actual event are not available in the Public Domain, images of similar aircraft and events are used for illustration. "The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement." #B52 #Stratofortress #B52FirstFlight #B52History #BoeingB52 #ColdWarBomber #MilitaryAircraft #AviationHistory #USAirForce #LongestServingBomber #BUFF #JetBomber #AerospaceHistory #IconicAircraft #B52Documentary #FlyingLegend #BomberLegacy #B52TestFlight #AirForceHistory #AviationDocumentary #AviationHistory #PilotLife #FlightAdventure #HiddenGemAirports #GeneralAviation
Why the B-52 Is STILL Flying After Over 70 Years
The Flight Attendant Who Stayed Behind – The Story of Barbara Jane Harrison & BOAC Flight 712 On April 8th, 1968, BOAC Flight 712 caught fire shortly after takeoff from Heathrow Airport. What followed was a harrowing emergency landing—and one of the most selfless acts in aviation history. In this episode of This Week in Aviation History, we explore the gripping story of Barbara Jane Harrison, the 22-year-old flight attendant who stayed behind as flames engulfed the rear of the aircraft. While others escaped, she chose to help passengers—making the ultimate sacrifice in the process. Her courage earned her the George Cross, the highest civilian award for bravery in the United Kingdom. We’ll walk you through what happened aboard BOAC 712 that day, how a technical failure turned into a deadly in-flight emergency, and why Barbara’s actions still echo in the aviation community today. 🔗 Find More Here: 🌎 Website: Flyingmidwest.com 📲 Instagram: @flymidwestjim 📘 Facebook: flyingmidwestpodcast@gmail.com Check out my other content here: Flying Midwest Podcast: https://flyingmidwest.com/episodes/ Fly The Transition Podcast: https://flyingmidwest.com/ftt-episodes/ ✈ About AeroExploration: Explore the skies with AeroExploration! From the most heroic moments in aviation history to breathtaking flying adventures at unique airports and destinations, we bring aviation storytelling to life. Whether you're a pilot, history buff, or just love aviation, there's always a new journey waiting. 📌 Subscribe now and take flight with us! 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more incredible aviation stories! Affiliate Links: Flying Eyes Sunglasses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://flyingeyesoptics.com Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase #BOAC712 #AviationHistory #AirDisaster #Flight712 #VC10 #HeroFlight #BarbaraJaneHarrison #PlaneCrash #TrueAviationStory #Heathrow #CaptainCliffTaylor #AirCrashInvestigation #FlightAttendantHero #RealHeroes #AeroExploration #AviationHistory #PilotLife #FlightAdventure #HiddenGemAirports #GeneralAviation
This Flight Attendant Gave EVERYTHING So Others Could Live. The Disaster of BOAC 712
💥 Decades before the Miracle on the Hudson, another airliner was forced to ditch into open water… When disaster struck, the crew had seconds to decide their fate. On April 2nd, 1956, Northwest Airlines Flight 2, a Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, faced an emergency that left pilots with only one option—a water landing in Puget Sound. Much like Captain Sully’s legendary Hudson River landing, this crew had only seconds to react, battling mechanical failure and limited options. In this episode of This Week in Aviation History, we uncover the tense final moments before impact, the incredible skill of the flight crew, and the miraculous survival of so many of the passengers and crew on board. How did they manage a near-perfect water landing? What aviation lessons were learned from this emergency? ✈️ Key Topics Covered: 🔹 The chain of events leading to Flight 2’s failure 🔹 How the crew executed a textbook water landing 🔹 How this emergency changed aviation safety and training 🔗 Find More Here: 🌎 Website: Flyingmidwest.com 📲 Instagram: @flymidwestjim 📘 Facebook: flyingmidwestpodcast@gmail.com Check out my other content here: Flying Midwest Podcast: https://flyingmidwest.com/episodes/ Fly The Transition Podcast: https://flyingmidwest.com/ftt-episodes/ ✈ About AeroExploration: Explore the skies with AeroExploration! From the most heroic moments in aviation history to breathtaking flying adventures at unique airports and destinations, we bring aviation storytelling to life. Whether you're a pilot, history buff, or just love aviation, there's always a new journey waiting. 📌 Subscribe now and take flight with us! 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more incredible aviation stories! Affiliate Links: Flying Eyes Sunglasses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://flyingeyesoptics.com Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase #AviationHistory #PilotLife #FlightAdventure #HiddenGemAirports #GeneralAviation #FlightHistory #AviationDisasters #AviationSafety #HistoricFlights #AviationHeroes #NorthwestFlight2 #PugetSoundLanding #WaterLanding #EmergencyLanding #PilotDecisionMaking #AviationSurvival #MiracleOnTheHudson #SullySullenberger #USAirways1549 #WaterLandingSurvival #PlaneCrashSurvival #AviationDocumentary #PilotStories #RealPilotStory #AirlineEmergencie
The Miracle Before the Miracle on the Hudson
🚀 Gemini 3: The Bold First Steps Toward the Moon 🌎 Before Apollo soared to the Moon, NASA needed a mission to test critical spaceflight maneuvers—enter Gemini 3, the first crewed flight of the Gemini program. On March 23, 1965, astronauts Gus Grissom and John Young piloted a spacecraft that would revolutionize human spaceflight. This historic journey was packed with first-time orbital maneuvers, a rogue space sandwich, and the daring innovations that set the stage for Apollo’s lunar landings. But this wasn’t just a routine mission. From technical challenges to astronaut antics, Gemini 3 proved that NASA’s new spacecraft was ready for the next frontier. Join us as we break down this legendary flight, the risks, the triumphs, and the moment when John Young smuggled a corned beef sandwich into space! 🔔 Subscribe for more space history, NASA archives, and untold astronaut stories! #NASA #SpaceHistory #Gemini3 #GusGrissom #JohnYoung #ApolloProgram #MoonLanding #SpaceExploration #Astronauts #RocketScience #NASAHistory #GeminiProgram 🔗 Find More Here: 🌎 Website: Flyingmidwest.com 📲 Instagram: @flymidwestjim 📘 Facebook: flyingmidwestpodcast@gmail.com Check out my other content here: Flying Midwest Podcast: https://flyingmidwest.com/episodes/ Fly The Transition Podcast: https://flyingmidwest.com/ftt-episodes/ ✈ About AeroExploration: Explore the skies with AeroExploration! From the most heroic moments in aviation history to breathtaking flying adventures at unique airports and destinations, we bring aviation storytelling to life. Whether you're a pilot, history buff, or just love aviation, there's always a new journey waiting. 📌 Subscribe now and take flight with us! 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more incredible aviation stories! Affiliate Links: Flying Eyes Sunglasses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://flyingeyesoptics.com Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase #AviationHistory #PilotLife #FlightAdventure #HiddenGemAirports #GeneralAviation
How Gemini 3 Set the Stage for the Moon Landing
Load More... Subscribe

Catch
The
Latest
Videos

Explore our newest videos right here! Featuring compelling historical moments with This Week in Aviation History, to fun flights and adventures, the latest videos are just a click away.

Watch Directly from the feed or check out the channel. 

Stories from the Sky - Past and Present

Welcome to AeroExploration, where flying isn’t just about destinations. Where each episode aviation comes alive through stories, and adventures.

AeroExploration is my way of sharing the awe, excitement, and wonder that aviation has brought into my life. At the heart of the channel is my weekly series, This Week in Aviation History, where I spotlight the daring missions, pivotal breakthroughs and legends who shaped the skies. I’ll deep dive the milestones that made aviation what it is today. 

But this channel isn’t just about the past – it’s also about living the adventures of aviation in the present. I take you along on real-world flights to remote airports, forgotten aviation landmarks, and small-town airports full of big stories. You’ll discover stunning aerial views, and get a pilot’s-eye perspective of what it means to truly explore. 

Whether you are a seasoned aviator, an aspiring student pilot, or just someone who loves aviation, you’ll find something here to inspire you. 

This is aviation brought to life – past, present, and future. I’m glad you’re here! 

 ~ Jim

Facebook Instagram