University of Virginia Library

---

CONTENTS

• I. Evolution of the Two-Surface Flying Machine . 7
  Introductory Chapter by Octave Chanute, C. E.
• II. Theory Development and Use . . . . . . . . . 19
  Origin of the Aeroplane—Developments by Chanute and the Wrights—Practical Uses and Limits.
• III. Mechanical Bird Action . . . . . . . . . . .23
  What the Motor Does—Puzzle in Bird Soaring.
• IV. Various Forms of Flying Machines . . . . . . 29
  Helicopters, Ornithopters and Aeroplanes—Monoplanes, Biplanes and Triplanes.
• V. Constructing a Gliding Machine . . . . . . . .33
  Plans and Materials Required—Estimate of Cost—Sizes and Preparation of Various Parts—Putting the Parts Together.
• VI. Learning to Fly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
  How to Use the Glider—Effect of Body Movements—Rules for Beginners—Safest Place to Glide.
• VII. Putting On the Rudder. . . . . . . . . . . .57
  Its Construction, Application and Use.
• VIII. The Real Flying Machine. . . . . . . . . .61
  Surface Area Required—Proper Size of Frame and Auxiliaries—Installation of Motor—Cost of Constructing Machine.
• IX. Selection of the Motor . . . . . . . . . . .83
  Essential Features—Multiplicity ofCylinders—Power Required—Kind and Action of Propellers—Placing of the Motor.
• X. Proper Dimensions of Machines. . . . . . . . 101
  Figuring Out the Details—How to Estimate Load Capacity—Distribution of the Weight—Measurements of Leading Machines.

---

6



• XI. Plane and Rudder Control . . . . . . . . . .109
  Various Methods in Use—Wheels and Hand and Foot Levers.
• XII. How to Use the Machine . . . . . . . . . .115
  Rules of Leading Aviators—Rising from the Ground—Reasonable Altitude—Preserving Equilibrium—Learning to Steer.
• XIII. Peculiarities of Aeroplane Power . . . . .123
  Pressure of the Wind—How to Determine Upon Power—Why Speed Is Required—Bird find Flying Machine Areas.
• XIV. About Wind Currents, Etc . . . . . . . . . 133
  Uncertainty of Direct Force—Trouble With Gusty Currents—Why Bird Action Is Imitated.
• XV. The Element of Danger. . . . . . . . . . . .141
  Risk Small Under Proper Conditions—Two Fields of Safety—Lessons in Recent Accidents.
• XVI. Radical Changes Being Made . . . . . . . . 145
  Results of Recent Experiments—New Dimensions—Increased Speed—The One Governing Rule.
• XVII. Some of the New Designs. . . . . . . . . .155
  Automatic Control of Plane Stability—Inventor Herring's Devices—Novel Ideas of Students.
• XVIII. Demand for Flying Machines. . . . . . . .163
  Wonderful Results in a Year—Factories Over-crowded with Orders.
• XIX. Law of the Airship. . . . . . . . . . . . .169
  Rights of Property Owners—Some Legal Peculiarities—Danger of Trespass.
• XX. Soaring Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179
  
• XXI. Flying Machines vs. Balloons . . . . . . . 191
  
• XXII. Problems of Aerial Flight. . . . . . . . .197
  
• XXIII. Amateurs May Use Wright Patents. . . . . 205
  
• XXIV. Hints on Propeller Construction. . . . . .213
  
• XXV. New Motors and Devices . . . . . . . . . . 219
  
• XXVI. Monoplanes, Triplanes, Multiplanes . . . .227
  
• XXVII. Records of Various Kinds . . . . . . . . 244