32 Results with the "Practical" genre
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The phenomenon of soaring flight, observed in large birds able to glide for hours without flapping their wings, even against the wind, presents a fascinating contradiction to conventional physics. This process, often deemed a form of "negative gravity" by baffled onlookers, has sparked significant interest and speculation among observers and scientists alike. Octave Chanute, in his meticulous research published in the "Aeronautical Annual" of the late 1890s, delved into the mechanics of bird flight,…-
69.6 K • Ongoing
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Chapter XIX of "Flying Machines: Construction and Operation" elucidates the intricate interplay between aviation and law, a relationship prompted by the burgeoning successes of aviation. The foundational legal stance is that property ownership encompasses not only the ground but also extends indefinably upwards into the sky, an interpretation supported by legal luminaries like Blackstone, Littleton, and Coke. This principle grants property owners the right to defend against any unpermitted invasions of…
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69.6 K • Ongoing
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The rapid advancement of motor-equipped aeroplanes has surpassed even the remarkable commercial growth experienced by automobiles. This surge in interest and sales is largely attributed to Bleriot's historic flight across the Dover Straits in 1909, which served as a wake-up call to the public about the viability of aviation not just for professional aviators but for anyone with the resources and courage to engage in it. This event marked the entry of the modern flying machine into the commercial business…
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69.6 K • Ongoing
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In Chapter XVII titled "Some of the New Designs" from "Flying Machines: Construction and Operation," the focus is on the innovative steps inventors are making in the realm of aviation technology. Among these inventors, Frank Van Anden of Islip, Long Island, emerges prominently with his creation, the Van Anden biplane, which has been subject to experimental flights and showcases an automatic stabilizing device that proved its worth during a flight on October 19th, 1909. This device marks a significant…
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69.6 K • Ongoing
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The chapter describes significant advancements and alterations in aeroplane design by the Wright Brothers and contrasts their work with that of their contemporaries. The Wright Brothers, motivated by their achievements, aimed for the perfect aircraft, making notable changes to their models between 1908 and 1909. The 1908 model, measuring 40 by 29 feet and featuring a 25 horsepower engine, demonstrated a lift efficiency, but the Wrights sought improvement in speed and structural efficiency. In 1909, they…
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69.6 K • Ongoing
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In "The Element of Danger," Chapter XV of "Flying Machines: Construction and Operation," the narrative addresses the perceived risks attached to early aviation, debunking myths of excessive danger whilst acknowledging the inherent risks involved. The chapter compares aviation casualties to those of railway operations, suggesting that, relative to its novelty and the nature of flight, aviation's casualty rate is surprisingly low. This comparison is aimed at providing perspective, highlighting both the…
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69.6 K • Ongoing
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Chapter XIV of "FLYING MACHINES: CONSTRUCTION and OPERATION" delves into the complexities and unpredictabilities of wind currents, a fundamental challenge for early aviators and balloonists alike. Arthur T. Atherholt, through his experiences and observations, notably in the Aero Club of Pennsylvania, shares insightful reflections on the erratic nature of these currents, likening them to the tumultuous whirlpools of Niagara. His narrative, rich with examples from balloon competitions and solo journeys,…
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69.6 K • Ongoing
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This chapter delves into the specific demands for power in airship propulsion, distinguishing markedly from terrestrial vehicles like automobiles in terms of power requirements for a given load. Unlike cars that rest on the stable ground and require relatively less power to move heavy loads at significant speeds, airships, due to the absence of a solid resting platform, necessitate much greater power to maintain both lift and forward motion. An automobile might carry a load weighing 4,000 pounds at speeds…
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69.6 K • Ongoing
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Chapter XII of "Flying Machines: Construction and Operation" demystifies the process of operating flying machines, emphasizing the practical aspects of flight rather than the quest for record altitudes. It informs readers that contrary to popular belief, flying machines do not need to be operated at extreme heights. Experienced aviators like Farman, Bleriot, and Wright, among others, frequently fly within a safe altitude range—between 500 to 1,500 feet, with the record at about 4,165 feet, held by…
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69.6 K • Ongoing
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In Chapter XI of "Flying Machines: Construction and Operation," the focus is on the crucial aspect of controlling the machine through various means of manipulating rudders and auxiliary planes. The central idea is that the operator must have instant control over the machine to manage its direction, equilibrium, and altitude effectively. This control extends to adjusting the motor's functioning, particularly in regulating fuel supply, highlighting the need for quick, precise actions due to the critical…
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69.6 K • Ongoing
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