Arkansas has a long history of aviation since the first flight in the state in 1910. With that flight, a
community a community and culture of aviators was born. During World War Two, military pilots were rightfully glorified and held on a pedestal in the United States. This romanticizing of aviation only grew the love and fascination for the trade. Additionally, the comradery and
fellowship formed by pilots in the war often persisted even after World War Two came to a close. With such a strong community with a passion for flying, it’s no wonder how the magazine, Arkansas Airmen, came to be.
For $1.50 per year, an Arkansas local could have the new issue of Arkansas Airmen delivered to
their homes every month. Based in Little Rock, the Airmen Publishing Company began writing and publishing this magazine in 1947, when the love for flying was at an all time high. Arkansas Airmen Magazine would often advertise aircraft and aviation accessories. The magazine also contained the Honor Roll for the month which was a list of pilots who successfully soled or obtained their private license in Arkansas. Of course, Arkansas Airmen also contained news and stories from and about Arkansas pilots. Unfortunately, Arkansas Airmen Magazine would be discontinued some years later.
In the July 1947 edition, the first edition, that we hold in our collection advertisements for flight
training and the new Bellanca Cruisair Senior can be found in the first few pages. More advertisements for McRadio Aircraft Radio Equipment and the “better than ever” new Cessna, and those are just a few of the ads sprinkled throughout the issue. Readers could also catch up on the status of Arkansas Air Reserve Program which was only just being assembled and would not be officially founded until two months after the publication of this magazine.
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