Theodore Roosevelt became the first US President to fly in an airplane, on October 11, 1910. It all started when he visited an aviation field in Kinloch, MO, a year and a half after he left office. There was a pilot there named Alex Hoxsey who had just descended from a flight and soon was introduced to the former president. “Colonel,” Hoxsey said, ” I’d like to have you for a passenger.” The president wanted no time replying, “Thanks,” before proceeding to climb into the plane.