The first powered flight over Antarctica was made by
Hubert Wilkins and
Carl Ben Eielson on 16 November 1928 in a
Lockheed Vega 1. Departing from
Deception Island, they flew a circuit over the Antarctic Peninsula and went on to conduct a number of aerial surveys over the following months.
Fokker Super Universal Virginia piloted by
Richard Evelyn Byrd was the first aircraft to land on the
mainland of Antarctica during Byrd's first Antarctic expedition, 1928–1930, when he was first to fly over the
South Pole on November 29, 1929. Byrd used Ford Trimotors and other aircraft for aerial surveys and reconnaissance during his expeditions. After
World War II, military aviation played a significant role in exploration.
Operation Highjump, led by Admiral Byrd, used
U.S. Navy aircraft to extensively map large portions of Antarctica. Its primary objectives were scientific exploration, mapping, and training in a harsh and largely uncharted environment. During the 1960s-70s, there was a great development of Antarctic research programmes. Various countries established
research stations in Antarctica, leading to an increased need for air support. The United States, in particular, utilized ski-equipped
LC-130 Hercules aircraft to transport personnel and cargo to remote locations. In the modern era, from 1990s onwards, technological advancements, including the use of
satellite imagery, have improved navigation and safety in Antarctic aviation. Various countries operate specialised aircraft, including ski-equipped planes and helicopters, to support research activities and transport personnel. The use of long-range transport aircraft, like the
Basler BT-67, has become common for reaching deep-field research sites. ==See also==