The Passion That Left The Ground; The Remarkable Airplanes of Leon Levavasseur
Tarentum, PA: Word Association Publishers, 2007. Presumed First Edition, First printing. Trade paperback. xiii, [1], 158, [2] pages. Illustrations. Chapter Notes. Bibliography. Cover has some wear and soiling and small edge tear. Sticker residue at back. Format is approximately 9 inches by 9 inches. Stephen King, an "Air Force brat," developed an avid interest in aviation at an early age. His wife is a distant cousin of Hubert Latham, and therein was born his desire to learn about early French aviation and, more specifically, about Latham himself and the airplane he flew. Mr. King is a retired U.S. Foreign Service Officer. Léon Levavasseur (8 January 1863 – 26 February 1922) was a French powerplant engineer, aircraft designer and inventor. His innovations included the V8 engine, direct fuel injection, and liquid engine cooling. Primarily associated with the Antoinette company. In the spring of 1909, Antoinette pilot Hubert Latham made several impressive flights. This convinced Levavasseur that Latham could cross the English Channel in an Antoinette aircraft and win the Daily Mail prize for doing so. Latham made two attempts to cross the English Channel in July 1909, both of which were unsuccessful due to engine failure while over the Channel. Between Latham's attempts, former Antoinette vice-president Blériot successfully crossed the Channel in his own aircraft. Latham's efforts to promote Levavasseur's Antoinette products were more successful at the Grande Semaine d'Aviation de la Champagne on 22–29 August 1909 at Reims, France, where he won the altitude prize, finished second in the speed competition, took third place in the Gordon Bennett Cup for aeroplane, and, in the Grand Prix event, trying to fly the longest distance around the circuit in a single uninterrupted flight, he won second prize in one aircraft and fifth prize in another. Condition: Good.
Keywords: Leon Levavasseur, Aviation, Airplane Design, Hubert Latham, Antoinette Company, Bleriot, Grande semaine d'Aviation, Gordon Bennett Cup, Daily Mail prize
ISBN: 9781595711786
[Book #75517]
Price: $85.00