A Revolution in Travel: The Airplane

    From the beginning of history we have been fascinated by flight. As noted in the opening section, ancient myths and legends of every culture are filled with tales of gods and humans with the ability to fly. Symbols of freedom and mastery, flight myths fanned the dream of people everywhere to join their heroes in reality.

    But aeronautics - the science of flight based upon precise mathematical principles - took many centuries to develop. Throughout this period and despite the accumulation of knowledge to the contrary, individuals persisted in attaining the dream of flight by patterning their attempts on myths: harnessing chariots to birds, attaching wings to their bodies, or invoking the assistance of gods. The poetry of myth both inspired the discoveries of science and impeded their acceptance. Only through repeated observation and practical demonstration did new concepts of reality replace the old.

    Aerodynamics put simply combines three principles: lift, thrust and control. Lift is the ability to rise in the air, thrust is the power needed to move through the air, and control is the means to direct one's course. The modern airplane uses thousands of sophisticated parts to apply these principles. It is intriguing to note how some mythic conveyances intuitively applied aerodynamics as well. Two legends among many tell of Alexander of Greece and Kai Kaiwus of Persia, each of whom harnessed four large birds to a basket in which the hero rode. By dangling meat in front of each bird and dangling it this way or that, lift and control were achieved. The birds of course provided all the necessary power. Kai Kaiwus was embarrassed when his eagles grew tired and forced a sudden landing. Alexander fared better, perhaps because his birds, like his flight, were also mythical. Daedalus, the master craftsman, did away with both bird and basket when he fashioned his own wings. Lift, thrust and control were provided by himself and his invention.

    The historic pioneers of flight took several different paths suggested by myth. Some jumped with wings, some jumped without. Some used movable wings, some used stationary ones. Some designed chariots lighter than air, some heavier. All, often without conscious intent, attempted to utilize one or more of the principles necessary to successful flight. When rigorous discipline developed theories that were in turn validated by invention, the reality of flight was achieved. Once attained, the pace of advancement has been breathtaking.

The Wright Brothers-the Fathers of Aviation

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