Pilot Toys

✈️ Pilot Toys wishes you a sky-high Fourth of July! ✈️

Take Off for a Stellar Father's Day! ‍✈️

Wishing the happiest Father's Day to all the incredible dads out there! Whether you're a pilot, aviation enthusiast, or just inspire us to reach for the skies, thanks for being our guiding light.

🛫Happy 50th “Official” Flight Anniversary, F-16! 🛫

A few weeks ago, we posted about the F-16’s “accidental” first flight. Today, we are happy to celebrate the anniversary of the “official” first flight on February 2nd, 1974! The test flight lasted 90 minutes.

In honor of the 50th Anniversary, the U.S. Air Force held the “F-16 First Flight 50th Anniversary Celebration” at Edwards Air Force Base where the first flight took place. The event included over 40 F-16s and a performance from the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team

The single-engine, fighter aircraft was originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force (USAF). With over 1,000 in service, the F-16 is used by the USAF, the Air National Guard, the U.S. Thunderbirds team, and the US Navy.

Credit: Military.com
Image 1: YF-16 Prototype First Flight (Lockheed Martin)

It’s National Puzzle Day and here at PilotToys.com we LOVE puzzles! We have something for every aviator- biplanes and war birds to fighter jets and helicopters. Checkout our selection of puzzles today at PilotToys.com!

https://pilottoys.com/collections/board-games-puzzles

Happy Birthday, Bessie Coleman!🎂
The first woman of African American and Native American descent to earn a pilot license, Bessie would become famous as a stunt flier. As one of 13 children born to sharecroppers, Bessie’s goal was to “amount to something” and encourage other women and African Americans to pursue their dreams. Flying Curtiss JN-4 Jenny biplanes, her daredevil spirit earned her nicknames like; “Brave Bessie” and “Queen Bess.” Bessie’s life came to a tragic end at the age of 34 in 1926, however, her legacy lives on today. In 2023, Barbie announced the launch of its Bessie Coleman doll, as part of its "Inspiring Women" series. Here at Pilot Toys, we think educating and honoring history through toys is pretty special.😃

Happy Birthday, Queen Bess!🎂

✈️☕With all this cold weather and snow, are you looking for a way to bring some cheer to your aviation-heart? Kickstart your day with our I Love to Drink Jet Fuel in the Morning Mug. This mug will bring some joy to your mornings and be a friendly reminder to those around you that you have a passion for aviation.☕✈️

I Love To Drink Jet Fuel In The Morning Mug Let the world, or at least your office, know that you need a solid kick-start with this bold I Love To Drink Jet Fuel In The Morning Mug.

January 20th - F-16 Post. Oops! The F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter had a wonky start to its illustrious career when the first flight occurred “accidentally”.

On January 20, 1974, the F-16 prototype was engaging in a high-speed taxi test. While gathering speed, a mechanical malfunction occurred, and the aircraft then began to veer off the runway. The test pilot decided to takeoff and then was able to land the plane six minutes later thus avoiding a crash.

The first official flight would be a few weeks later. Happy Unofficial First Flight Checkout our collection of F-16 Toys and more at PilotToys.com!

https://pilottoys.com/collections/board-games-puzzles/products/f-16-fighting-falcon-3d-puzzle

Photo Credit Getty Images

Happy first flight F/A-18! On November 18, 1978, the F/A-18 flew for the first time!
Built by McDonnell Douglas, the supersonic, multirole combat aircraft was used by the United Staes Navy, Marine Corps and the air forces of other nations. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels, used this F/A-18 from 1986 to 2020 when they changed aircraft to the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

It's National Aviation History Month and at Pilot Toys we celebrate that passion everyday of the year! Pilot Toys offers a broad selection of popular items that are practical, decorative, and/or whimsical for any pilot, future pilot, or aviation enthusiast. Check us out today!✈🛩🚀