Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Bonfires to Beacons: Federal Civil Aviation Policy Under the Air Commerce Act, 1926-1938

Rate this book
Reprint (with a new preface). Originally published by the US Dept. of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, in 1977. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

464 pages, Paperback

First published October 17, 1989

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1 (100%)
4 stars
0 (0%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
Profile Image for Michael Haupt.
Author 1 book
December 19, 2018
This book is essential reading for those interested in the history of aviation safety, the aviation industry, and its relationship with the Federal government.

Bonfires to Beacons is the first of five books published by the FAA documenting the first fifty years of the U.S. airline industry. It starts in 1926 when the Post Office was flying the mail and the transition to private carriers under control of the Commerce Dept. It follows the development of fledgling airlines into more substantial carriers, and the numerous changes to legislation and regulation that accompanied those changes.

Komons is meticulous in his attention to detail, yet writes in a readable, engaging style. Whereas most aviation histories focus on the flashy planes and colorful pilots, this book examines the infrastructure. The U.S. aviation system would not be as safe as it is without the extensive navigation and communication systems, airport facilities, licensing and certification, and all the other behind-the-scenes activity that keep the planes safely in the air.

Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review