Aeroplane Inventors and Daredevils: The First Aeronauts Race for Fame and Fortune

by B.Z. Kelly

By 1909 aviation engines became powerful enough and light enough that many aeroplane designs could take to the sky. Aeronauts began competing to be the first, the fastest, fly the highest or fly the longest. Since their successful flights at Kitty Hawk, the Wrights pursued royalties on their patents. The Aero Club de France was full of aeronauts that were both rivals and collaborators. Santos-Dumont gave away his Demoiselle design, free of royalties, thinking it would bring to mankind a new era of peace and prosperity. The French set world records. English and American aeronauts tried to keep up with the pace of the French. Louis Bleriot crossed the English Channel in an aeroplane powered with just a 24 hp engine. Glenn Curtiss used his experience building motorcycle engines to produce aviation engines. An engine of his design, in an aeroplane of his design, carried him to a world speed record. Before WWI, a wealthy sportsman could design and build an airplane with his own hands, teach himself to fly, and compete for fame and fortune. Aero clubs fought to host international racing meets. Thousands of spectators came out to see flying machines race - initially at speeds of less than 50 mph, but so close to the ground they sometimes touched wheels. Many of the aeronauts that survived became wealthy. Aeroplane Inventors and Daredevils brings to life a largely forgotten era in aviation, from the first international aeroplane meet to the races that resumed after WWI. Fourteen illustrations based on historical images bring to life the early aeroplane and engine designs. Extensively researched with references.

138 pages, Paperback

Published March 24, 2017