College-level depth, designed for independent learning.

Explore the remarkable story of how humans learned to fly and how aviation grew into the global system we know today.

Designed for independent learners ages 17 and older, Forces of Flight: Aviation History brings a rich exploration of aviation history to anyone who wants to learn. No aviation background, prerequisites, or previous coursework required—just curiosity.

The Forces That Shaped Aviation

Aviation history is more than a chronology of people, events, and technological milestones; this course explores the forces that shaped how aviation developed.

You’ll encounter the people, ideas, experiments, technologies, conflicts, and unexpected connections that transformed flight—from humanity’s earliest attempts to understand the air to the complex aviation world of today. 

Learn by Exploring

Each interactive module combines historical narrative, photographs and visual material, sources, activities, questions, and knowledge checks that allow you to work through the history as you learn it.

Learn at your own pace, on your own schedule.

Designed with the depth of a college-level course and the flexibility of independent learning.

Aviation History Is for Everyone

Whether you’re a pilot, aviation professional, history enthusiast, frequent traveler, or simply someone who has always wondered how aviation became what it is today, this course offers a substantive learning experience designed to be accessible to anyone with an interest in aviation.

Ages 17+ | Self-Paced | No Prerequisites