Civilian Aviation

There has been a great deal written about the history of military aviation, but very little about the history of civilian aviation.

Early on, flying was novel and exciting. Just taking off, making a few turns, and then landing safely was a feat. Later, during the First World War, there were rapid advances in aviation technology, and — of course — military exploits were exciting.

Civilian barnstorming promoted aviation as a novelty. Unfortunately, nothing about this form of entertainment suggested the idea that airplanes might have practical use in peacetime. Certainly, it did not boost people’s interest (or confidence) in flying as passengers. On the contrary, it associated flying with danger.

The transcontinental flight described in the book, however, was an early effort to promote aviation as a practical industry.