Blue Skies, Black Wings: African American Pioneers of Aviation

Book Description

At the age of 17, Samuel L. Broadnax--enamored with flying--enlisted and trained as a pilot at the Tuskegee Army Air Base. Although he left the Air Corps at the end of the Second World War, his experiences inspired him to talk with other pilots and black pioneers of aviation. Blue Skies, Black Wings recounts the history of African Americans in the skies from the very beginnings of manned flight. From Charles Wesley Peters, who flew his own plane in 1911, and Eugene Bullard, a black American ace with the French in World War I, to the 1945 Freeman Field mutiny against segregationist policies in the Air Corps, Broadnax paints a vivid picture of the people who fought oppression to make the skies their own.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful read.......2007-06-08

At times moving and other times funny, this book gives it all, as well as being historical. It should be a must read in schools.

Calculated Risk: The Extraordinary Life of Jimmy Doolittle-Aviation Pioneer and World War II Hero

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Must Read
Calculated Risk:
The behind the scenes of this famous American hero.

Calculated Risk: The Extraordinary Life of Jimmy Doolittle-Aviation Pioneer and World War II Hero
Jonna Doolittle Hoppes
Manufacturer: Santa Monica Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1891661442

Book Description

Famous for leading the Tokyo Raid, America's first strike against Japan in World War II, Jimmy Doolittle lived a remarkable life as an American pilot. This firsthand account by his granddaughter reveals an extraordinary individual—a scientist with a doctorate in aeronautical engineering from MIT, an aviation pioneer who was the first to fly across the United States in less than 24 hours and the first to fly "blind" (using only his plane's instruments), a barnstormer well known for aerobatics, a popular racing pilot who won every major air race at least once, recipient of both the Congressional Medal of Honor and Presidential Medal of Freedom, a four-star general, and commander of the 8th, 12th, and 15th Air Forces. This memoir provides insights into the public and private world of Jimmy Doolittle and his family and sheds light on the drives and motivation's of one of America's most influential and ambitious aviators.

Customer Reviews:

Must Read.......2006-11-01

I can sum this up in a very short space. This is a well written book that not only gives an insight into General Jimmy Doolittle's contributions to our nation and the world, but also into his family and his wife's contributions on the home front during WWII. As far as I am concerned, no history class should be taught without this book as required reading.

Calculated Risk:.......2006-03-02

This book was purchased for my son who is interested in WWII planes and fliers, and since I was a civilian during WWII and lived through that era, this book was definitely to be read (especially after watching Life and Times on our local KCET station and the granddaughter was interviewed regarding this book). Both of us enjoyed reading the life of this remarkable man and it was a must for his growing library.

The behind the scenes of this famous American hero........2005-05-28

This book is about the family life of Jimmy Doolittle written by his granddaughter. It's touching in every aspect of what a family goes through over the years. After reading this book you will understand why his biography is titled " I Could Never Be So Lucky Again" by CV Glines, and why he is known as "The Master of Calculated Risk."

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PIONEER LADY OF FLIGHT
Regina T. Hawkins
Manufacturer: Mercer University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Base 66: A Story of Fear, Fun, and Freefall

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Must Read 4 All BASE Jumpers
What a great book
Excellent Book
Incredibly captivating!
Great discovery.

Base 66: A Story of Fear, Fun, and Freefall
Jevto Dedijer
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0595335101

Book Description

BASE 66 is the true, nerve-wracking account of three young skydivers and their quest for membership in the most select extreme sports club on earth: The BASE club. In order to become a full-fledged member, Jevto Dedijer, Bernard Poirier, and Scott Elder had to parachute from the top of a building, an antenna tower, a bridge and a cliff, and survive to tell the story--a feat only some 800 adrenaline addicted people have succeeded in doing.

In BASE 66, Jevto Dedijer tells the tale of his hunger for the ultimate adrenaline rush. He and his companions shared several near death experiences while traveling across Europe with their parachutes and beer in Bernard's dented Renault 4.

They were pioneers in a sport so dangerous that several of their fellow BASE jumpers died in action.

"BASE 66 is a fascinating story about life and death, terror and joy, and intimate friendship. It is an account of extraordinary people taking a step beyond the edge."

Yuri Kuznetsov--BASE 416

"Everyone will enjoy reading Jevto's thrilling and humorous tale of his fascinating BASE odyssey and his discovery of a way of life that surpasses artificial boundaries and provides lifelong inspiration."

Jean Boenish--BASE 3

Customer Reviews:

Must Read 4 All BASE Jumpers.......2007-06-13

Jevto did a great job of sharing his excitement and fear at exploring a new and extreme sport.
Many years later, after I had made my first BASE jump, I found his feelings similiar to my own
experiences --- although the countries and objects were different.

I also really enjoyed the inclusion of the impact of his participation in this sport on his family.
So much so that I loaned my copy to my mom so she might better understand why I want to
make more BASE jumps.

The book is well written, moves quickly, has some great vintage BASE photos and would make
a great addition to any jumper's library.

Take It Light,
~Tom

What a great book.......2006-02-03

After reading this book, I have a greater appreciation for the pioneers of BASE jumping and the courage, fear and mental challenges they faced by being the first. This book captures the determination, frustration and excitement they experienced while blazing a trail in a completely new and thrilling sport. This is a "must read" for anyone that is intersted in participating in the wonderful sport of BASE.

Excellent Book.......2006-01-11

I ordered this book because I had an interest in BASE. All I can say is: "Well Done Jevto." This book gives you an up close view on BASE jumping. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in BASE, or anyone looking for a (true story) adventure book. Again.. Good job!!

Incredibly captivating! .......2005-11-29

Could not put this book down.

It is incredible in that it offers you a very personal behind-the-scenes of base jumping which is a rarity in itself - but what makes this book even better is that it is really well written!

A lot of times it would trip me out because all the emotion and adventure is so so so so incredibly intense - but it all really happened!

Cannot recommend it enough!

Great discovery........2005-07-14

I enjoyed a lot that wonderful story. It reminded me also about some of my past "crazy" experiences while rappelling, climbing and paragliding.
I recommend it also to everybody who does not understand why some people do that kind of sports. Jevto gives a previleged insight into his motivations and into his true reasons.
A must !

21st Century U.S. Military Documents Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Roadmap 2002 to 2027 ¿ Comprehensive, Fully Illustrated Overview of Current and Future Aircraft, Predator, Hunter, Shadow, Pioneer, Global Hawk, Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAVs), Dragon Eye

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21st Century U.S. Military Documents Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Roadmap 2002 to 2027 ¿ Comprehensive, Fully Illustrated Overview of Current and Future Aircraft, Predator, Hunter, Shadow, Pioneer, Global Hawk, Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAVs), Dragon Eye
Department of Defense
Manufacturer: Progressive Management
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Ring-bound
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ASIN: 1592482945

Book Description

This important military document presents the Department of Defense's roadmap for developing and employing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAVs) over the next 25 years (2002 to 2027). DoD's operational UAV systems include Predator, Hunter, Shadow, and Pioneer which have demonstrated tremendous capability in recent military operations. Developmental systems such as Global Hawk and many small UAV systems have also been put to the test in recent combat and combat support operations. Taken as a whole, this technology area offers profound opportunities to transform the manner in which this country conducts a wide array of military and military support operations. As with any new technology, there is naturally some reluctance to transition to a radically new capability. The need to fully demonstrate UAVs in combat and realistic training environments is critical to the migration of this technology. The overarching goal of this roadmap, in concert with the Defense Planning Guidance (DPG), is to define clear direction to the Services and Departments for a logical, systematic migration of mission capabilities to a new class of military tools. The goal is to address the most urgent mission needs that are supported both technologically and operationally by various UAV systems. Some missions can be supported by the current state of the art in unmanned technology where the capabilities of current or near-term DoD assets are sufficient and the risk to DoD members is relative low. Other mission areas, however, are in desperate need of additional capability and present high risk to aircraft crews. These mission areas, highlighted in this roadmap, will receive significant near-term effort by the Department. This Roadmap describes the Services' ongoing UAV efforts (Section 2) and identifies the capabilities needed by theater commanders to which UAVs could be applied (Section 3), then couples them to emerging technologies (Section 4) and operational concepts (Section 5) that could enable these capabilities within the Services' programs. The resulting Roadmap (Section 6) links capability-enhancing technologies to the life cycles of current and projected UAV programs. It is a map of opportunities, not point designs - a description of the future potential of UAVs. This Roadmap also provides a current snapshot of the status of the Department's numerous unmanned aviation efforts. There are over 100 detailed illustrations, charts, graphs, photographs, and tables; the document was issued in December 2002.

Flying Cold: The Adventures of Russel Merrill, Pioneer Alaskan Aviator

Average customer rating:

First commercial pilot in Anchorage
Outstanding book on early alaskan aviation!

Flying Cold: The Adventures of Russel Merrill, Pioneer Alaskan Aviator
Robert Merrill Maclean , and Sean Rossiter
Manufacturer: Epicenter Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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Customer Reviews:

First commercial pilot in Anchorage.......2002-05-10

Trained as a pilot during World War I, Russel Merrill was determined to spend his life flying. His love of flight lured him from Oregon to Alaska, the far frontier of aviation, where Merrill piloted the first airplanes to fly into Petersburg, Wrangell, Kodiak, and Anchorage. FLYING COLD chronicles Merrill's daring 750-mile journey across the Gulf of Alaska in a flying boat with a single small motor, his first rescue mission by air, crash landings, and strandings. In 1928, Merrill nearly died after being forced down in the Arctic, showing up weeks later, half dead, but still carrying a cup of rice he had saved for an "emergency." Many photos. A great read.

Outstanding book on early alaskan aviation!.......1999-08-03

Heroic account of how Russell Hyde Merrill brought aviation to Anchorage Alaska. This book is a must read for pilots and anyone interested in Alaskan History and bush pilots. Merrill was an ex Navy pilot who was the fist man to fly into Petrsburg,Wrangell.Kodiak and Anchorage. He discovered Merrill Pass in the Alaska Range and put Anchorage on the map as the "Tranportation Hub of Alaska" He brought aviation to Anchorage in 1927 the same year that Lindberg crossed the Atlantic.He faced incredible hardships and pioneered air routes all over Alaska that are still used today. He was a true hero and a very thoughtfull and kind man whose mark on aviation and Alaska is still very evident even today. He was lost over Cook inlet on 9/16/29. He was never found, but it is evident he went down and perished in the frigid water off Tyonek Alaska. Merrill Field(very busy general aviation airport in Anchorage) and Merrill Pass(important pass to the west through the Alaska Range)bear his name.In Alaska we all stand on the shoulders of this great man.

Boeing 707: Pioneer Jetliner (Jetliner History)

Average customer rating:

A Classic Revisited
Like the 707 Itself, This Book Will Become a Classic

Boeing 707: Pioneer Jetliner (Jetliner History)
Rene J. Francillon
Manufacturer: Zenith Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

History of Technology | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0760306753

Book Description

This is the complete story behind the design, development, and use of one of the world's most influential jetliners: Boeing's 707. Included are the impetus for 707 development, details of all variants, airline orders and deliveries, and operational uses, much more is also covered, making this book a comprehensive history.

Customer Reviews:

A Classic Revisited.......2005-09-02

Dr. Francillon couldn't write a poor book if he tried. For those wanting an overview of the classic jetliner that laid the foundations of modern civil aviation, this is it. Detailed, not too technical, well-illustrated in color and with line drawings, it's a good balance, and represents good value for money.

Most appreciated were the comprehensive description of the differences between versions, both civil and military. There are specifications sufficiently detailed for most enthusiasts, and the book is not likely to be improved upon for a long time.

If I could have only one book on the 707, this would be my choice.

Like the 707 Itself, This Book Will Become a Classic.......2001-12-29

Although I have read several books on the Boeing 707, something told me to give this one a try. And so I did. With confidence, I can say that this is the most detailed and insightful book on the Boeing 707 I have read. The depth of detail is breathtaking.

Most interesting is Rene Francillon's description of the many designs Boeing engineers conceived before building the prototype, the famous Dash-80. Early flights of this pioneering jetliner are described; I only wish the author had spent more time describing the flight in which Tex Johnson executed a Dutch roll, as that story always makes a fascinating read. Nevertheless, though I had read a great deal about the subject, this book showed me how much I still could learn.

Mr. Francillon then goes into detail of every 707 variant, commercial, government, and military. One really appreciates both the versitality of the 707 design and the ingenuity of the Boeing marketing team (the author holds a PhD in aviation economics). The text is highly readable and enjoyable, except for the one occasion when Mr. Francillon injected his political views vis-a-vis the destruction of MEA 707s and 720s at Beirut. I would have also loved to have seen a box on the Shanghai Y-10, a most unusual Chinese attempt to build a long-range jet airliner, using spare engine pylons and engines from the 707-3J6s it ordered in the 1970s.

Book Description

These true-life tales of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, based on the remembrances of her sister Pidge, will inspire and thrill young readers. Kids will cheer as Amelia rescues two neighbor boys from an angry dog and when she builds her own “rolly coaster” off the roof of her grandparents’ shed. Amelia’s fascination at seeing her first airplane, as well as her curiosity, courage, and determination to learn, will make this portrayal of an American heroine a favorite of both children and adults.

Download Description

These true-life tales of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, based on the remembrances of her sister Pidge, will inspire and thrill young readers. Kids will cheer as Amelia rescues two neighbor boys from an angry dog and when she builds her own "rolly coaster" off the roof of her grandparents' shed. Amelia's fascination at seeing her first airplane, as well as her curiosity, courage, and determination to learn, will make this portrayal of an American heroine a favorite of both children and adults.

Customer Reviews:

A great book.......2001-07-11

Amelia Earhart is a very good book. I think every child ages 9 - 12 should read Amelia Earhart because it teaches them to do what you want to do. Amelia's dad was trying to stop her but Amelia said it was her dream to fly. Amelia always liked to see the airplanes take off to fly. I think Amelia Earhart is a very excellent book.

I enjoyed reading this wonderful story about Amelia Earhart........1999-09-27

Once I started reading this book, I had a hard time putting it down. I thought this was a super book and I can't wait to read more of the "Young Patriots Series." I highly recommend this book to kids my own age (10 years old).

Brittani Castle

Entertaining and inspiring.......1999-07-23

Amelia Earhart, Young Air Pioneer is well written, delightful and nicely illustrated. A geat read for both boys and girls, ages 8-12, and sure to entertain and inspire.

Average customer rating:

Stinsons: Air Pioneers and Aircraft
John W. Underwood
Manufacturer: Aviation Book Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0911834060

The Sky's the Limit: Women Pioneers in Aviation

Average customer rating:

Profiles of women who made their mark in aviation

The Sky's the Limit: Women Pioneers in Aviation
Wendy Boase
Manufacturer: Macmillan Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0025119702

Customer Reviews:

Profiles of women who made their mark in aviation.......2003-04-23

(by E.M. Singer, author of "Mother Flies Hurricanes) This book is more European in outlook, telling of the women pilots in Britain's Air Transport Auxiliary (but not of the WASPs) and of Hanna Reitsch, Germany's gliding expert and military test pilot. "The Sky's the Limit" also harks back to the earliest days of aviation and the women who made their mark in what was at that time the world's most glamorous, and often most dangerous, profession. Amelia Earhart, Amy Johnson, Anne Lindberg, and Jean Batten, among others, are featured in this engaging account. For more recommendations on books about women pilots, visit motherflieshurricanes.com

Customer Reviews:

Useful resource for the budding illustrator..........2002-05-16

As my fellow reviewer mentioned, the title of this book is a bit misleading (albeit unintentionally misleading). However, the book can still be an invaluable resource for those interested in woking in the picture book field.

While not a guidebook or "how to" manual, "Children's Book Illustration & Design II" does give an informative overview of various styles established illustrators have used with their children's book projects. As such, the book can be a useful tool for the novice commercial/picture book illustrator who may need inspiration when faced with a particular assignment.

Like a set of picture files on various topics, books such as this one are very handy to have in the artist's studio.

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