CHAPTER V – Flying Machines Construction And Operation

Constructing a gliding machine requires careful consideration of its design, specifically the choice between a monoplane, biplane, or triplane. For beginners, a biplane is recommended due to its compactness and ease of handling. This design is predicated on the principle that 152 square feet of surface can support the weight of an average-sized man (170 pounds), and arranging this surface across two planes results in a more manageable structure.

To embark on building a flying machine, one starts with constructing a glider, which becomes a flying machine upon the addition of a motor. Novices are advised to master the construction and operation of a glider before attempting to build a fully equipped flying machine. A practical design for a starter glider consists of a 20-foot spread and a 4-foot depth, providing the necessary surface area to sustain a man’s weight.

Materials critical to the construction include spruce for the frame due to its lightness and strength, as well as linen shoe thread, metal sockets, piano wire, cloth (silk or cotton), glue, and varnish among others. The construction process involves crafting horizontal beams and stanchions to form the frame, attaching ribs and struts to support and maintain the structure, and covering the frame with cloth to create buoyancy.

The planes are joined using metal sockets and the rigidity of the structure is ensured through the use of guy wires, providing the necessary tension to hold the frames in a fixed position. The final step involves covering the frame with a lightweight, strong, and windproof cloth, treated with varnish to enhance its properties.

The entire process emphasizes the importance of lightness, strength, and rigidity in flying machine construction, with detailed attention to material selection and structural integrity to ensure successful operation. The cost of materials is estimated to remain under $20, considering the labor is self-provided, demonstrating the project’s accessibility to enthusiasts.