Flying Machines: Construction and Operation

A Practical Book Which Shows, in Illustrations, Working Plans and Text,

How to Build and Navigate the Modern Airship.

By W.J. Jackman, M.E. and Thos. H. Russell, A. M., M. E.

1912

 

Table of Contents

 

Preface

 

I. Evolution of the Two–Surface Flying Machine
Introductory Chapter by Octave Chanute, C. E.

 

II. Theory Development and Use
Origin of the Aeroplane—Developments by Chanute and the Wrights—Practical Uses and Limits.

 

III. Mechanical Bird Action
What the Motor Does—Puzzle in Bird Soaring.

 

IV. Various Forms of Flying Machines
Helicopters, Ornithopters and Aeroplanes— Monoplanes, Biplanes and Triplanes.

 

V. Constructing a Gliding Machine
Plans and Materials Required—Estimate of Cost— Sizes and Preparation of Various Parts—Putting the Parts Together

 

VI. Learning to Fly
How to Use the Glider—Effect of Body Movements —Rules for Beginners—Safest Place to Glide.

 

VII. Putting On the Rudder
Its Construction, Application and Use.

 

VIII. The Real Flying Machine
Surface Area Required—Proper Size of Frame and Auxiliaries—Installation of Motor—Cost of Constructing Machine.

 

IX. Selection of the Motor
Essential Features—Multiplicity of Cylinders—Power Required—Kind and Action of Propellers—Placing of the Motor

 

X. Proper Dimensions of Machines
Figuring Out the Details—How to Estimate Load Capacity—Distribution of the Weight—Measurements of Leading Machines.

 

 XI. Plane and Rudder Control
Various Methods in Use—Wheels and Hand and Foot Levers

 

XII. How to Use the Machine
Rules of Leading Aviators—Rising from the Ground—Reasonable Altitude—Preserving Equilibrium— Learning to Steer.

 

XIII. Peculiarities of Aeroplane Power
Pressure of the Wind—How to Determine Upon Power—Why Speed Is Required—Bird find Flying
Machine Areas.

 

XIV. About Wind Currents, Etc.
Uncertainty of Direct Force—Trouble With Gusty Currents—Why Bird Action Is Imitated.

XV. The Element of Danger
Risk Small Under Proper Conditions—Two Fields of Safety—Lessons in Recent Accidents.

 

XVI. Radical Changes Being Made
Results of Recent Experiments—New Dimensions —Increased Speed—The One Governing Rule.

 

 XVII. Some of the New Designs
Automatic Control of Plane Stability—Inventor Herring’s Devices—Novel Ideas of Students.

 

XVIII. Demand for Flying Machines
Wonderful Results in a Year—Factories Over-crowded with Orders.

 

XIX. Law of the Airship
Rights of Property Owners—Some Legal Peculiarities—Danger of Trespass.

 

XX. Soaring Flight

 

XXI. Flying Machines vs. Balloons

 

XXII. Problems of Aerial Flight

 

XXIII. Amateurs May Use Wright Patents

 

XXIV. Hints on Propeller Construction

 

XXV. New Motors and Devices

 

XXVI. Monoplanes, Triplanes, Multiplanes

 

XXVII. Records of Various Kinds

Flying Machines: Construction and Operation