Date On This Date In Aviation History Information Source 4/22/1942 First units of the Eight Air Force set sail aboard the SS Cathay for England. The Mighty Eighth by Roger A. Freeman 4/22/1922 The Secretary of the Navy approved the recommendation of the General Board that one spotting plane be assigned to each Fleet battleship and cruiser, and that the feasibility of operating more aircraft from these ships be tested. United States Naval Aviation 1910-1960 by Deputy Chief Of Naval Operations 4/22/1970 Two USAF HH-53 helicopters completed the first non-stop rotor flight across the pacific. Wright To Fly, by Peter R. March 4/22/1938 World War I ace Eddie Rickenbacker buys Eastern Airlines from North American Aviation, Inc. for $3.5 million. U.S. Airforce - A Complete History by The Air Force Historical Foundation 4/22/1944 A late start brings 448BG Liberators home at dusk.Luftwaffe nightfighters attack landing aircraft. 13 lost. Crowood Aviation Series-B24, No Month, 1998, Volum, No Month, 1998, Volume 001, Issue 0 4/22/1969 First flight of first two-seat Harrier RAF XW174. Pilot: Duncan Simpson Harrier Naval Institute Press, No Month, 1983, Vol, No Month, 1983, Volume 001, Issue 2