Happy '100 years of powered flight' Day!

Thanks, PhantomII. Nothing is signed yet, but it looks pretty certain to go ahead, so needless to say I’m rather chuffed! It’s never going to make the bestseller list, but having spent a considerable period of time on research, I’d really like to see some of that information in print.

Sadly, the RAeS publication is not, as far as I know, going to be on general sale, but is being distributed to defence contractors, military colleges, embassies, etc. I should be able to get a pdf file of my contribution (on the history of radar, needless to say!) but I doubt anyone will want a copy.

Great news on your accomplishments.

Congrats.

I’ve certainly had a good day. I had a meeting this morning with a potential publisher of my book on radar, and it looks as though it might become a reality – after 17 years of research!

I am also one of the contributors to One Hundred Years of Powered Flight, a publication to mark the centenary produced in conjunction with the Royal Aeronautical Society. The book is being given to everyone attending this evening’s gala dinner for the RAeS at the Science Museum.

So, all in all, I’ve had a pretty good aviation day today!

Morley at no point did I say that my list was the only aircraft that were in any way important.

I simply listed some of my favorites and then listed their respective accomplishments.

If you ever read any of my other posts you’d know I have great respect for the aircraft of other nations.

Basically your reply is childish and boils down to “whining” because I didn’t post something you might have wanted mentioned.

Good grief….

Grow up.

google did a nice tribute today on their website with this header.

I feel that your aeroplane selection has a rather US tinge to it. No mention of the first jet airliner or the first to cross the englisg channel. On the American front you forgot the fisrt aeroplane to break the sound barrier and the first to fly the Atlantic ocean solo. As for what I’m doing to mark the day well it reminded me to have a look at the Flypast website and so write this pointless reply.

Aviation never ceases to amaze me. From December 17, 1903 to December 17, 2003, people from all over the globe have put out airplanes and helicopters and spacecraft of all types for all purposes and it seems as if something new pops up every day.

How lucky we are to live in a world where the airplane, the helicopter, the blimb, and anything else that flies is such a commonplace sight for everyone in the world to enjoy.

How exciting it must have been witnessing the birth of aviation or taking witness to the boom in aviation technology that took place from about 1930 to 1960.

Let us all hope that aviation continues to be an all-important part of our world and that we can all continue to enjoy it as we have.

Who knows what lies in store for the next 100 years, but I’m sure we’ll see some pretty great accomplishments as time roles on.

Here’s to Wilber and Orville…….thanks guys. We owe ya!

The Wright Flyer in action!

The world’s greatest jet fighter! (McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II)

The USAF’s first operational jet fighter, and victor of the world’s first jet vs. jet air battle! (Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star)

The famous mount of the legendary AVG, also known as the Flying Tigers, as well as one of the most important Allied fighters of World War II! (Curtiss P-40 Warhawk)

The world wouldn’t be the same without the immortal Gooney Bird, aka DC-3, aka C-47. Still going strong today after all these years! Perhaps the most important aircraft in aviation history! (Douglas DC-3)

The world of jet travel as we know it today is because of this incredibly important aircraft. That’s not even mentioning it’s vital contribution in a countless number of military roles. (Boeing 707)