First Flights with Neil Armstrong

Early planes are temperamental.

Designers attempt to build safe, predictable aircraft.

The first fighter plane is developed.

War pilots become barnstormers and businessmen.

Airline companies need larger, more comfortable airplanes.

Fighter aircraft designs evolve as war approaches.

World War II Allies must test in combat.

Pacific warplanes have special requirements.

Aerial warfare requires coordination among pilots.

Flying with jet engines requires new techniques.

The hot-air balloon is developed 100 years before the airplane.

The turboprop combines the best of jets and propellers.