The Problem with Early Flying Machines

Taking to the skies has always been a dream for human beings. Watching birds and bees take flight while people remained chained to the soil provided the inspiration to experiment with machines capable of flying high overhead. But these experiments proved dangerous–and often deadly. From early helicopter designs and bicycles with wings, learning how to fly was far more than a physics experiment. Often, it was a matter of life and death! Readers are taken on a journey through the history of aviation, and discover the contributions of luminaries such as the Wright brothers and Howard Hughes.