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Bellanca C.F.: the emergence of the cabin monoplane in the United States
First edition. Illustrated. Includes an appendix with letters from Harry G. Smith and William C. Hopson. 95+ 1 pages. stiff paper wrappers. 4to..
94 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 1982
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July 11, 2026
Bellanca CF by Jay Spenser is less a biography of the Bellanca CF than a concise history of Bellanca aircraft. Spenser traces Giuseppe Bellanca's innovative designs, the company's rise during aviation's Golden Age, and the aircraft that made the Bellanca name synonymous with efficiency and long-distance flight. The final chapter, detailing the Smithsonian's painstaking restoration of the Bellanca CF, serves as a satisfying conclusion.
The book is an enjoyable read but has several glaring factual errors. Most notably, during the discussion of the Atlantic Derby on page 50, Spenser states that the Columbia was grounded by an injunction obtained by Bert Acosta. In reality, the legal action was brought by Lloyd Bertaud, not by Acosta. Mistakes like this are distracting for readers familiar with the era and diminish confidence in the historical narrative.
Still, not much is written on Bellanca, and this title is a worthwhile introduction to the company's remarkable aircraft and a fitting tribute to the Smithsonian's restoration efforts.
The book is an enjoyable read but has several glaring factual errors. Most notably, during the discussion of the Atlantic Derby on page 50, Spenser states that the Columbia was grounded by an injunction obtained by Bert Acosta. In reality, the legal action was brought by Lloyd Bertaud, not by Acosta. Mistakes like this are distracting for readers familiar with the era and diminish confidence in the historical narrative.
Still, not much is written on Bellanca, and this title is a worthwhile introduction to the company's remarkable aircraft and a fitting tribute to the Smithsonian's restoration efforts.
Displaying 1 of 1 review