CHAPTER VIII – Flying Machines Construction And Operation

Chapter VIII of “Flying Machines: Construction and Operation” discusses the transition from constructing a basic glider to building a real flying machine capable of directed flight with a pilot onboard. It emphasizes the need for a significantly larger surface area to support the additional weight of a motor, propeller, and other equipment. The chapter presents the Wright brothers’ biplane, with a 41-foot span and 538 square feet total surface area, as an example, highlighting its ability to carry over 1,000 pounds, which equates to about two pounds per square foot of surface.

Comparatively, it notes the different requirements for monoplanes, pointing to Bleriot’s substantially smaller monoplane which successfully crossed the English Channel, demonstrating that smaller surface areas can achieve high speeds and sufficient lift with less resistance to air.

The chapter further details considerations for selecting a machine type, pointing out the advantages of biplanes in carrying capacity versus monoplanes in speed. It guides through the construction process, advising on the sizing of frames, selection of materials (favoring wood over metals like aluminum for its strength-to-weight ratio), and the intricacies of splicing timber for the frame’s construction.

Additionally, it elucidates on motor installation, suggesting flexibility based on the aircraft’s design and weight distribution requirements. The placement of rudders and auxiliary planes also varies significantly among aviators, with no consensus on the optimal design, indicating the experimental nature of early aviation.

Lastly, it addresses the practical aspects such as calculating the necessary surface area for lift and the cost considerations for amateur builders. The chapter ultimately serves as both a technical guide and a historical snapshot of the early 20th-century aviation experimentation, emphasizing the combination of theoretical principles and empirical testing in developing functional aircraft.