A Dream of Pilots

Philip Handleman

Apr 2009 · Pelican Publishing

About this ebook

"An evocative and insightful look at the history of flight written from the perspective of the history-makers themselves." --Dr. Richard P. Hallion, Verville Fellow, Smithsonian Institution

Presenting the lives of more than twenty aviation luminaries from throughout history, this middle reader is a captivating celebration of man's aspirations for the skies. From the story of the Wright brothers to that of Alan Shepard, Jr., the author, himself an experienced pilot, introduces young readers to the history of modern flight and the inspiring figures who followed their dreams to navigate over vast oceans, set altitude and speed records, pioneer stunt techniques, and eventually rocket into the great abyss of space.

Both children and adult readers learn about Roscoe Turner, air racer and showman, who started by flying stunts in the movie Hell's Angels and went on to clock an average speed of 283.4 miles per hour, a new record of his time. Igor Sikorsky from Russia made his first helicopter at age twelve with a rubber band, but by the time he was an adult, he had created the Sikorsky XR-4, the army's first practical helicopter.

About the author

Philip Handleman has been an active pilot since the early 1970s, and he owns and flies two planes with military history, including a biplane primary trainer from World War II. In 1973, he volunteered in Israel during the Yom Kippur War. In addition to his flying experience, Handleman has written more than twenty books on the history of aviation. In April 2008, he was presented the prestigious Harriet Quimby Award for his contributions to the history of flight through his writing and photography. He lives in Birmingham, Michigan, with his wife, Mary.