This text is a record of the great sweep of aviation history from man's first faltering attempts to fly to the modern technological triumphs such as the VTOL Harrier, Concorde and Stealth Bomber. This comprehensive account charts every significant aviation event, whether technological, social or miltiary and portrays the part played by the courage, imagination and ambition of the people involved.

A comprehensive record of aviation history from man’s earliest attempts at flight through the end of the twentieth century. Filled with photographs, illustrations, facts, and figures, this inclusive account of technological, social, and military aviation events highlights the courage, imagination, and ambition of those involved in each event. Timelines and annual photo-galleries underscore significant aircraft and developments in technology as well as important flight records. And an encyclopedic cross-reference system links relevant articles.

Begin in 1500 with dreams of flight inspired by birds and myths and with Leonardo da Vinci’s designs and ingenious experimental flying machines. Fly with Montgolfier brothers in their historic 1781 balloon flight and with the Wright brothers in the “Flyer” at Kitty Hawk in 1903. Research by year . . . 1937: the Hindenburg explodes at Lakehurst, New Jersey; Amelia Earhart is lost over the Pacific; Howard Hughes sets a new transcontinental speed record from Los Angeles to Newark. 1957: B52s fly non-stop around the world; the Boeing 707 makes its first flight; Joseph Kittinger flies to a record 96,000 feet in the balloon “Man High 1.”

Research an aviation pioneer, a specific aircraft, a specific event, a specific year. From aviation pioneer Jimmy Doolittle to test pilot Scott Crossfield to test pilot/fighter pilot/astronaut Neil Armstrong walking on the moon and setting business jet records, this treasure-trove of flight puts the world of aviation at the reader’s fingertips.

Highly recommended. ( )