Blog — Flying Machines

Fascinating exhibit from SFO Museum. These pilots truly had the right stuff. “In addition to the practical necessity of this distinct clothing, flight gear served as the identifier of a new breed. Set apart from the multitude of the earthbound, its wearer could not be mistaken for any other type.” Flight Gear: Pilot Equipment from the Open-Cockpit Era: The invention of the airplane in 1903 was followed by a specialized line of equipment designed to meet the needs of its operator and new master of the air—the aviator. From lying prone, to sitting upright in a rudimentary seat amid open...

The description text on this balloon was in French. So I used Google Translate, and it talked dirty to me, “...simple and inexpensive ways to get off and go back to ruffle a ball into the air…” I feel a bit used, yet curiously satisfied. From Library of Congress Aerostat system Vaussin Chardannes (patented). simple and inexpensive ways to get off and go back to ruffle a ball into the air without losing gas and nimble. + Source: Aerostat System Vaussin Chardannes :: Flying Machine :: Libary of Congress

From the Library of Congress: Pictorial letter sheet shows British inventor William Samuel Henson’s proposed steam powered flying machine in an imaginary flight over the Thames River, London, 1843. Attempts to fly a model of the aerial steam carriage were not successful. + Source: The Aerial Steam Carriage :: Library of Congress

I’m more inclined to call it Clement’s Flying Pinata.1 1 What can I say – I’m Mexican. And when my people see paper mache hanging by a string, it’s an open invitation to strap on a blindfold, grab some timber, and take a few mighty whacks. Unfortunately, there’s not much information about this scale model…or pinata. Take your pick. + Source: Clement’s Flying Machine :: Library of Congress

Why am I even here? As always, the best stuff around here just writes itself. Although, I see a new phrase for Urban Dictionary. “After a spectacular flight of 206 miles, in which his balloon was soaked with rain and beaten by hail, William F. Assmann, amateur aeronaut of St. Louis, landed two and a half miles north of Macomb Ill., last night, exactly four hours after his ascension.” Special to The New York Times. St. Louis Mo., May 2, 1910. Balloonist Goes 206 Miles. Published by The New York Times. May 3, 1910. + Source: Assmann Balloonist Photo ::...