A Flier's World

by Wolfgang Langewiesche

A collection of articles on flight which embrace not only the scientific aspects but also personal adventures and interpretations. For the author, through years of flying, can tell, almost in layman's terms, the secrets of air, structure and construction of planes; tales of the pioneers; the paradoxes and contradictions of familiar logic and aerial sensitivity; -- he makes clear the progress from the theoretical to the practical as years of experience uncovered facts that could be applied to airborne actuality. There is a section on ocean flights and the ""how-gozit"" of commercial flying; on weather, wind and allied fronts; on an air view of the world and its history; on private flying; A book for the enthusiast, professional or amateur, which should indicate a wide market, and almost as interesting for the both-feet-on-the-ground reader.

255 pages, Hardcover

First published April 8, 1951

Reviews

[Denise Spicer · Rating 5 out of 5]

forward by Frederick Lewis Allen

Contains chapters on “What Makes An Airplane Fly”, and “What Makes the Weather”. Author gives us scientific and aeronautical information plus personal details from his life story. Some history of flight, Wright Brothers, etc. History of airline industry, military, etc. Tricks on ocean flying.

Part III is a super interesting account of the author’s personal flights over numerous countries including takeoffs, landings, airports and other local details. Lots about Europe and the Middle East. Author gives some interesting political, sociological commentary re “identity cards” in 1939 and current (1953) on page 235. “This cancerous growth of the state is as malignant under the label of democracy as any other.” Reading this in 2022 Youza!

Part IV Fly It Yourself? discusses personal aircraft as a hobby. The chapter about “American Air”
is very pertinent, even prescient, social commentary on the traditional American way of life as seen from above. Boundaries, fences, small towns, etc. Page 277 “It is shirt sleeve country.” “Half an hour west of tidewater, all nonsense stops, and it doesn’t start again till Hollywood.” An apt description of the much maligned “flyover country” by the political and media elite in our current times.

[Nicholas Kokolakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable lighthearted read.