Bonfires to Beacons; Federal Civil Aviation Policy under the Air Commerce Act, 1926-1938
Washington DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, 1978. Presumed First Edition, First printing. Hardcover. vi, [2], 454, [2] pages. Illustrations. Footnotes. The book includes a Foreword by Peter R. Clapper, Assistant Administrator for Public Affairs at the Federal Aviation Administration, and also includes the Author's Preface by Nick A. Komons, Agency Historian at the Federal Aviation Administration. The book also includes a Prologue, as well as chapters on the Background to the Air Commerce Act, 1918-1926, The Republican Era, 1926-1932, and The New Deal, 1933-1938. The book includes Bibliographical Comment and Notes, as well as an Index. Signed and inscribed on the front free endpaper by the author. Inscription reads: To Stu, One of my favorite historians--and people. Nick, 4/25/78. The author, Dr. Nick Komons, tells how the U.S. Government came to recognize the independent nature of the airplane and how, between 1926 and 1938, it organized itself to foster and regulate civil aviation's development. This volume is the second to appear of a four-volume history dealing with the Federal Aviation Administration and its predecessor agencies. From a review posted on line: This book is essential reading for those interested in the history of aviation safety, the aviation industry, and its relationship with the Federal government.
Bonfires to Beacons is the first of five books published by the FAA documenting the first fifty years of the U.S. airline industry. It starts in 1926 when the Post Office was flying the mail and the transition to private carriers under control of the Commerce Dept. It follows the development of fledgling airlines into more substantial carriers, and the numerous changes to legislation and regulation that accompanied those changes.
Komons is meticulous in his attention to detail, yet writes in a readable, engaging style. Whereas most aviation histories focus on the flashy planes and colorful pilots, this book examines the infrastructure. The U.S. aviation system would not be as safe as it is without the extensive navigation and communication systems, airport facilities, licensing and certification, and all the other behind-the-scenes activity that keep the planes safely in the air. Condition: Very good.
Keywords: Civil Aviation Development, Federal Aviation Administration, Air Commerce Act, Federal Regulations, Civil Aviation, Aviation Safety, Civil Aeronautics, Air Commerce, Airways, Air Navigation, William MacCracken, Eugene Vidal
[Book #79699]
Price: $175.00