June 2004 - Issue 6

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The History of Commercial Aviation

Commercial Aviation Web Links

With thousands of websites devoted to aviation, it's sometimes overwhelming to know exactly where to start. Rather than put together an exhaustive list of websites, we've decided to highlight just a small selection of some of our favorites.

Along the way, we're sure you will discover many more. Share your website recommendations with other aviation enthusiasts.

Historic Wings

www.historicwings.com/features99/airmail

One of the best-designed aviation sites on the web, Historic Wings offers over a dozen photo features on flight-related subjects. One of their features, "Air Mail: Flights of Courage," explores how early aviators risked their lives to establish the nation's first network of air routes. The interactive journey covers the period from 1918 when the Post Office first began air service, until 1925 when the Kelly Act allowed commercial airlines to deliver the mail. An extensive photo gallery of air mail pilots and planes is provided at the end of the online section.

The Flying Clippers: Pan Am's Fabulous Flying Ships

http://www.flyingclippers.com/

The Flying Clippers website traces the development of all three Pan Am Clipper models: the Sikorsky S-42, the Martin M-130 and the Boeing 314. Featuring photographs from this golden age of aviation, this site describes how these glamorous planes -- who proved that travel across vast distances was possible while providing passenger accomodations on par with grand oceanliners - were ultimately drafted (along with their pilots) by American military forces during WWII. Of note is the site's excellent timeline of world events which places the Clippers in their historical context.

First Flight

firstflight.open.ac.uk

With three online flight simulators, First Flight provides users with a truly engaging way to learn about aerodynamics. The website explores how early pioneers made advancements in the development of flight. The flight simulators help demonstrate the principles of aerodynamics at work. Within the Wright Brothers page, for instance, users can sit at the controls and attempt to fly the 1903 Flyer. Two more flight simulators match the planes flown by Alberto Santos-Dumont and Samuel Cody. In addition to the simulators, video clips and computer-animated movies offer a greater understanding of each of the pioneers' contributions to aviation.

CharlesLindbergh.com

http://www.charleslindbergh.com/

This comprehensive web site offers a detailed look into the life of Charles Lindbergh. In addition to his trans-Atlantic crossing, the web site explores other areas of Lindbergh's life, such as the tragic kidnapping of his first child and his later interest in environmental issues. The website also includes information about his wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, an accomplished writer and co-pilot with Lindbergh as they mapped out new routes for airlines in the early 1930s. Controversial areas of his life are also explored, such as Lindbergh's support of Germany before WWII. Best among the site's vast array of links is the section of "New York Times" articles on events throughout Lindbergh's life..

The Kids Corner at NASA Langley

kidscorner.larc.nasa.gov/kids_corner.html

One of the best aviation-related websites for children, the Kids Corner at NASA Langley Research Center will let your children become part of an online aeronautics research team. Check out the Aeronautics Camp where kids can visit the virtual Think Tank and select a plane design, then build it with help from the model shop. Kids can test fly their aircraft and improve upon the design by using their recorded flight data. The website replicates for kids the experience of working inside a NASA research lab. The animated and entertaining graphics and sound effects make it fun to learn about aspects of flight.

Women in Aviation Resource Center

http://www.women-in-aviation.com/

The Women in Aviation Resource Center is an incredible source of current aviation news, career information and links to other aviation organizations of particular interest to women aviators. The site's discussion forums offers a national platform for users to share ideas. In addition, the site's Just Plane Fun section offers links to a number of fascinating sites -- from listening to live air traffic control to downloading pictures from space through NASA. You can even listen to Morse Code.

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