Copies are no longer available for sale. All books are available for check out at Fairfax County Public Libraries: https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov

The book explores the mechanics of flying and the history of American aviators and their achievements from A to Z. As part of the mechanics of flying, the importance of “A” for Airfoils and “C” for Catapult are explained in their use for flight. Readers will learn what the requirements are to become a commercial pilot and the history of the New York Air Police (Sky Cops.) Also, information is included that will aid young people interested in completing the scout aviation merit badge.

Juvenile, Young Adult, Adult – 65 pages

The book relates stories of American women from 1840-1940 who challenged society’s customs and beliefs about women. Each woman’s story describes her accomplishments and their importance for women. In 1879, Belva Lockwood successfully lobbied for women lawyers to be allowed to argue before the US Supreme Court. African American aviator Bessie Coleman learned French to take pilot lessons at a French flying school, after American pilots refused her request. In June 1921, she became the first African American, male or female, to get a pilot license. See review.

Young Adult, Adult – 194 pages plus Appendix

The book explores the history of aviation and aviators. Starting with Da Vinci’s illustrations of flying machines to drones, the readers are introduced to firsts in aviation, aviation records set, and thrilling aerial flights. The Wright Brothers (1903) were the first to achieve engine-powered flight. Charles Lindbergh (1927) and Amelia Earhart (1932) were the first and second to fly solo, non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean. Audiences were thrilled to watch pilots who flew loops and figure eights, thrill seekers who danced or did cartwheels on the airplane’s wings, and daredevils who would hang from below an airplane or attempt to transfer from an airplane to a car.

Juvenile, Young Adult, Adult – 90 pages plus Appendix