T. A. Heppenheimer (1947–2015)

Once you realize that the words “in the United States” is missing from the History of Commercial Aviation subtitle then it gets easier to ignore what isn’t covered and focus on a well researched look at the development of the American commercial aviation industry.

I found the reasoning behind the setting up of the original major airlines (United, TWA, American, Eastern, & PanAm) and their operational parameters particularly interesting.

What makes this different from other similar texts I’ve read is that it doesn’t just focus on the airlines and aircraft developments but also gives equal weight to the evolution of the airports and air traffic control systems that allow air travel to work at the incredible traffic volumes we have come to take for granted.… (meer)

An aviation expert uncovers the brilliance behind the first successful flight of an engine-powered plane
In the centennial year of the Wright Brothers' first successful flight, acclaimed aviation writer T. A. Heppenheimer reexamines what Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved. In First Flight, he debunks the popular assumption that the Wrights were simple mechanics who succeeded by trial and error, demonstrating instead that they were true engineering geniuses. Heppenheimer presents the background that made possible the work of the Wrights and examines the work of Samuel P. Langley, a serious rival. He places their work within a broad historical context, emphasizing their contributions after 1903 and their convergence with ongoing aeronautical work in France.
T. A. Heppenheimer (Fountain Valley, CA) has written extensively on aerospace, business, and the history of technology. His many books include Turbulent Skies: The History of Commercial Aviation (0-471-10961-4), Countdown: A History of Space Flight (0-471-14439-8), and A Brief History of Flight: From Balloons to Mach 3 and Beyond (0-471-34637-3), all from Wiley.… (meer)

The amazing chronicle of our passion for the sky Flight-subject of poetry, art, scientific inquiry, and war-continues to fascinate us. From the days before ballooning to the development of the Boeing 777, flight has fired our imaginations and transformed our lives. Meticulously researched and filled with entertaining first-person anecdotes, little-known historical facts, and offbeat humor, A Brief History of Flight puts into context the social, political, and economic factors that have stoked our passion for flight. You'll see how big business has helped the most daring-and expensive-inventions get off the ground, laugh at some of history's most bizarre flight attempts, and even get a rare peek inside some of the earliest passenger "flight kits."… (meer)