This day in Military Aviation History: February 2nd 1974, the F-16 (FY-16) 90-minute “Maiden flight” was made at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) at Edwards AFB, California.

Its actual “First Flight” occurred accidentally during a high-speed taxi test on 20 January 1974. While gathering speed, a roll-control oscillation caused a fin of the port-side wingtip-mounted missile and then the starboard stabilator to scrape the ground, and the aircraft then began to veer off the runway. The test pilot, Phil Oestricher, decided to lift off to avoid a potential crash, safely landing six minutes later! The slight damage was quickly repaired and the official first flight occurred on time. 

Thank you to all who fly, maintain and support the F-16 “Fighting Falcon”.

(Also known as the “Viper”!)

Photo (L) FY-16  –  Artwork (R) 425th Fighter Squadron – “Black Widows” – by Squadron Posters

See all our vintage F-16 vintage style artwork here – at Squadron Posters!

http://www.squadronposters.com/product-category/aircraft/fighter/F-16/