Flight Not Improbable
Octave Chanute and the Worldwide Race Toward Flight
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Beschreibung
This book is a must-read for all those interested in the evolution of airplanes.
Its protagonist, Octave Chanute, is best known for his scientific and collaborative approach to the engineering problems related to the development of flight and for the support he gave to the many aeronautical pioneers, including the Wright Brothers. But, as the author clearly demonstrates, this engineer’s contributions in the aeronautical field have frequently been underestimated, even though almost every famous and not so famous aeronautical enthusiast contacted him and used the readily available drawings of his glider to build and then learn to fly in their own design. Chanute’s biplane glider design, developed and flown first in 1896 in the Indiana Dunes along Lake Michigan, proved to be a key step in the evolution of the flying machine. By freely sharing not only drawings of the general design of this aircraft but also the lessons learned, the biplane became the starting point or prototype for many experimenters and can be considered the foundation for the modern airplane.
This book focuses on Chanute’s work in aeronautics. Not having the internet of today, he became the “post-box of early aeronautics,” not only because of his landmark book “Progress in Flying Machines” but also because of his strong connections to anyone and everyone who worked in the aeronautical field. He made a point of continuing to learn throughout his own life, and strongly believed in sharing knowledge, while fostering and mentoring all those who were willing to learn.
This book is a must-read for all those interested in the evolution of airplanes.
Its protagonist, Octave Chanute, is best known for his scientific and collaborative approach to the engineering problems related to the development of flight and for the support he gave to the many aeronautical pioneers, including the Wright Brothers. But, as the author clearly demonstrates, this engineer’s contributions in the aeronautical field have frequently been underestimated, even though almost every famous and not so famous aeronautical enthusiast contacted him and used the readily available drawings of his glider to build and then learn to fly in their own design. Chanute’s biplane glider design, developed and flown first in 1896 in the Indiana Dunes along Lake Michigan, proved to be a key step in the evolution of the flying machine. By freely sharing not only drawings of the general design of this aircraft but also the lessons learned, the biplane became the starting point or prototype for many experimenters and can be considered the foundation for the modern airplane.
This book focuses on Chanute’s work in aeronautics. Not having the internet of today, he became the “post-box of early aeronautics,” not only because of his landmark book “Progress in Flying Machines” but also because of his strong connections to anyone and everyone who worked in the aeronautical field. He made a point of continuing to learn throughout his own life, and strongly believed in sharing knowledge, while fostering and mentoring all those who were willing to learn.
Provides new angles on early aviation Shows how Chanute drove the invention of heavier-than-air flight as a cooperative project Demonstrates the important role of gliders in aeronautical development
Autor*in
Simine Short
Themen in »Flight Not Improbable«
Teamwork and collaboration for success Chanute Biplane Chanute glider Aviation history Early aviation development Motorless flight Knowledge sharing Technology cooperation
Stimmen zu »Flight Not Improbable«
“Octave Chanute? A curious name which will stir memories in some aviation enthusiasts ... . Octave Chanute has been a passion of Simine’s for many years, and this is the electronic version of her meticulously written hardback of the same name, published by Springer. ... The book tells you: Chanute can be credited with inventing the ‘trussed biplane’, that is, the classic strutted and wire-braced form which dominated aviation until the 1930’s- though not gliding, of course.” (Andrew Jarvis, VGC News, Issue 168, Summer, 2023)
“Chanute’s role as ‘influencer’ is expertly traced by the author. … The writing style is impeccable; there are 43 pages of references, and an index of eight pages. By the end, you will feel you really know this true gentleman of the air.” (Andrew Jarvis, SAILPLANE & GLIDING, Vol. 74 (4), August-September, 2023)
“This book is a must-read for all those interested in the evolution of airplanes. Its protagonist, Octave Chanute, is best known for his scientific and collaborative approach to the engineering problems … and for the support he gave to many aeronautical pioneers, including the Wright Brothers. ... He made a point of continuing to learn throughout his own life, and strongly believed in sharing knowledge, while fostering and mentoring all those who were willing to learn.” (Edward Hindman, SSA Soaring Society of America, ssa.org, December, 2023)
“Short says she long has wanted to write a book on Chanute’s involvement with aviation but the publisher of her first book about him wanted her to focus on his engineering accomplishments which she did in 'Locomotive to Aeromotive: Octave Chanute and the Transportation Revolution.' Chanute’s accomplishments in this field are also outstanding. … Short with her connection to aviation and Miller Beach has told this man’s story eloquently in both her books.” (Jane Ammeson, nwitimes.com, September 24, 2023)
“This book is an excellent reference work to have in one’s collection and highly recommended by this reviewer. While not only documenting Chanute’s life and contributions to aviation, Mrs. Short has provided extensive references, 42 pages worth, documenting the sources of the story. The work is well written and organized, easy to understand and loaded with images that help explain various concepts and ideas.” (Hayden Hamilton, AAHS FlightLine, Issue 210, 2023)
“Simine Short observes at the start of her scholarly and highly readable ‘Flight Not Improbable: Octave Chanute and the Worldwide Race Toward Flight’ … it is something of an injustice that Chanute should not be as widely recognised today as he clearly once was. He was, after all, honoured with inclusion on the Frieze of American History that encircles the Rotunda of the United States Capitol.” (Nick Smith, E&T Engineering and Technology, eandt.theiet.org, May 26, 2023)
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