Aviation History

In late May 1927 an inexperienced and unassuming 25-year-old Air Mail pilot from rural Minnesota stunned the world by making the first non-stop transatlantic flight. A spectacular feat of individual daring and collective technological accomplishment, Charles Lindbergh's flight from New York to Paris ushered in America's age of commercial aviation. In The Flight of the Century, Thomas Kessner takes a fresh look at one of America's greatest moments, explaining how what was essentially a publicity stunt became a turning point in history. Kessner's book is the first to fully explore Lindbergh's central role in promoting the airline industry--the rise of which has influenced everything from where we live to how we wage war and do business.

In seven crucial days of spring 1908, the Wright brothers prepared for what they thought would be a season of secret flights at Kitty Hawk, the culmination of five years spent perfecting their planes. However, they were soon discovered by a host of fast-paced reporters and photographers, forcing the brothers to try to outsmart the world press and avoid close scrutiny of their flying machine and its prowess. In Conquering the Sky, Larry E. Tise tells the fascinating untold story of how the Wrights finally introduced the world to the power of flight, taught a legion of gaping aeronauts how to put a plane in the air and keep it there, and astonished thousands of eye-witnesses both in America and in Europe with their amazing feats.

An expert examination of the evolution of military aviation and its profound impact on warfare-from the employment of balloons during the French Revolutionary wars to the use of aircraft in World War I. * Over 60 photographs of the most important aircraft of the era, organized by type and country * Glossary of aircraft abbreviations used during this period, organized by country

An in-depth history of the time when airpower became the great equalizer, changing military strategy forever and bringing once-safe targets in reach. * Comparative charts of aircraft production of the major powers during the interwar years and the Second World War * Approximately 80 photographs and tables of the most important aircraft of the era, organized by type and by country

This book focuses on the role of Glenn H. Curtiss in the origins of aviation in the United States Navy. A self-taught mechanic and inventor, Curtiss was a key figure in the development of the airplane during the early part of the century. The book addresses the broader implications of the Curtiss-Navy collaboration in the context of the long-standing trend of government-private cooperation in the introduction and development of new technologies. It also explores the interactive dynamics of weapons procurement and technological change within a large and entrenched bureaucracy and helps lay to rest the persistent myth that the navy resisted the introduction of aviation. The pioneering work of Curtiss and his close ties with Chambers and others helped the navy to define the role of aviation in the years up to and through World War I.

At the start of the twentieth century the United States led the world in advances in aviation, with the first successful engine-powered flights at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and Dayton, Ohio, beginning in 1903. Fifteen years later, however, American airmen flew European-designed aircraft because American planes were woefully inadequate for service on the Western Front. Why was the United States so poorly prepared to engage in aerial combat in World War I? To answer this question, Herbert Johnson takes a hard look at the early years of U.S. military aviation, exploring the cultural, technical, political, and organizational factors that stunted its evolution.

This poignant history of the Tuskegee Airmen separates myth and legend from fact, placing them within the context of the growth of American airpower and the early stirrings of the African American Civil Rights Movement. * 16 original documents relating to the creation and performance of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, each accompanied by a brief description that provides historical context * 28 short biographies of black aviation and military pioneers, important people among the Tuskegee Airmen, as well as several of the Airmen themselves * A comprehensive bibliographic description of major secondary works on the Tuskegee Airmen, World War II, airpower, and black participation in the American military * A glossary of specialized terms pertaining to the military, aviation, World War II, and African Americans

These timely volumes feature the history and purposes of some of the United States' most important government agencies through enlightening prose and carefully chosen photographs, engravings, and paintings. -- Informative guides to various government agencies, processes, and histories -- Perfect introductions to these important topics -- Ideal for research -- Complements school curriculum Learn how this agency works to regulate air travel -- both civil and military.

A United Nations specialized agency, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) oversees and encourages the development of international civil aviation. ICAO is the largest and most important organization involved with aviation safety, and its technical standards, legal regulations, and operating procedures have been essential in the development of international commercial aviation. In the first history of this important UN body, David MacKenzie touches on issues ranging from the Cold War to economic regulation and development assistance. With the rise of aviation terrorism, MacKenzie demonstrates that ICAO has assumed a leading role in the struggle to secure civil aviation against sabotage and hijacking, while providing a forum for international concerns and disputes. A broad political-diplomatic history of the organization and the role that it played in the evolution of international civil aviation, this work offers a unique perspective on modern transportation and international cooperation.

Examines the background of the passage of the first Federal civil aviation regulatory statute, the subsequent evolution of Federal civil aviation policy, and the enactment of the Civil Aeronautics Act

Deals with the first 14 years of the CAA, a period dominated by World War II, the Cold War, and the Korean conflict.

A history of the Civil Aeronautics Administration during Eisenhower's two terms. The work also examines the events that led to the CAA's demise and the creation of the Federal Aviation Agency

From huge, fragile airships hanging in the sky to dashing young war pilots obsessed with death and destruction, this text describes Germany's perilous romance with aviation, covering the bright idealism of flight and its darker service in total war.

Taking a broadly chronological approach, this collection explores key events and issues of British naval aviation, from the Admiralty's first order for an airship in 1909 through to debates concerning replacement aircraft carriers in the early twenty-first century. In so doing, the volume offers fascinating insights into one of the most important aspects of defence policy and Britain's military history, which is sure to stimulate further scholarly debate.