[Gutenberg 45825] • The Aeroplane

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1911 edition. Excerpt: ... SECTION II AEROPLANE FLIGHTS AND RECORDS In this Section, grouped concisely under their var'ous headings--such as cross-country, altitude, and oversea flying--are set forth the principal feats achieved with the aeroplane. Heading each section, will be found a table revealing progress at a glance. --C.G.W.--H.H. CROSS-COUNTRY FLYING. PROGRESS AT A GLANCE. Year Airman Non-stop Flights 1909 ... ... Bleriot ... ... 27 miles 1909 ... ... Farman ... ... 42 miles 1910 ... ... Sopwith ... ... 169 miles Year Airman Flights with Stops 1910 ... ... Bellenger, Capt. ... 200 miles 1911 ... ... Bellenger, Capt. ... 450 miles Year Airman (with passenger) Non-Stop Flights 1909 Bleriot 1,000 yards 1910 ... ... Camerman, Lieut. 145 miles Year Airman (with passenger) Flight with Stops 1910 ... ... Wynmalen ... 380 miles Nothing has illustrated the progress of the aeroplane more than the growth in the number and the importance of cross-country flights. In the early days of aeroplaning, before they were confident in their motors, their machines, and in their own skill, airmen were content to fly around aerodromes, close to the ground. But, as soon as motors were improved, machines were made more practical, and pilots gained confidence by flying at heights of 1,000 feet and more, a regular series of cross-country flights were instituted, culminating to-day in aerial journeys across country of many hours' duration, carried out at heights of 2,000 and 3,000 feet, and at speeds superior to those of express trains. Skill in the manipulation of his machine, and confidence in the strength and practicability of that machine, and also in the reliability of his motor, are all indicated by a pilot's cross-country flying. Below are set forth the most notable...