I. My Topic

American entertainment in the early 1920's was defined by widespread fascination with emerging technologies. People took to the roads in their automobiles, flocked in droves the movie theaters, and sat glue to their radios. But perhaps the most exciting form of entertainment offered during this golden era of American materialism was the airplane race.

Early pilots were considered thrillers and daredevils, willing to throw caution to the wind for the sake of breaking speed records and wowing crowds. These pilots risked life and limb to compete in air races, both in the U.S. and abroad in Europe, for huge cash prizes - many upwards of $50,000. The public looked on these men and women much like they do professional athletes today - with awe and admiration.

In this project I'd like to learn more about airplane racing in the early 1900's, often referred to as the "golden age of aviation" because of the prestige pilots enjoyed. Who were some of the most notable pilots during this time period? What were the sport's biggest races and who were the big winners? What was it like to be an air-racer? How has the sport evolved over the years?

The intended audience for this project is anyone interested in aeronautical history. Air-racing engineering directly influenced modern aviation, and many of the pilots led fascinating, if short, lives.

1a. Keywords

UNC Library Catalog
Aeronautics AND History AND Airplanes NOT Wright NOT military
Aeronautics AND History NOT Modern
Aeronautics AND History AND pilots
Aeronautics AND History AND races

Academic Universe Lexis-Nexis
Air-racing w/5 golden age
Air-racing and pilots and history
Aviation w/5 golden age

Search Engine on the Web
Air racing and pilots
Air racing and aircraft
Air racing and famous trophies

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