1926: The first federal legislation regulating civil aeronautics is passed by the U.S.Congress. The Air Commerce Act authorizes the Weather Bureau to provide meteorological service over routes designated by the Secretary of Commerce.

1935: The U.S. Commerce Department announces in Washington, D.C. that blind-landing radio equipment developed by a U.S. Army Air Corps team under Captain Hegenberger is to be installed at all major airports between New York and Los Angeles.

1945: VE Day; Germany surrenders, ending the Second World War in Europe.

1971: Mariner 8, USA Mars Flyby, launched. Failed to reach Earth orbit.

1973: The Airbus A300B prototype makes the type’s first fully automatic landing in Toulouse, France.