New from long-time pilot and aviation historian Jerry Koszyk is “The Aviation Pioneers of McCook Field,” a book that delves into the early years of military aviation research and development.
Based on decades-old taped interviews with people who were household names during this Golden Era of Aviation, such as Harold Harris, Reuben Fleet, and Jimmy Doolittle, the book covers the development of many innovations that are commonplace in today’s air travel, according to Koszyk.
Like the ongoing research that is done daily today at Edwards Air Force Base in California, McCook Field, located near downtown Dayton, Ohio, was the Mecca for innovators from 1917 until it became too small for the newer and faster aircraft available by 1927.
At this military airfield speed and altitude records were set, Koszyk said. It was also from here that the first non-stop coast to coast flight, as well as the first around the world flight, was planned and executed.
The backpack parachute, which over the last 100 years has saved countless lives, was developed at McCook Field, he reported. Other research work, such as the pressurized cockpit, the turbo supercharger, and the military’s first attempt at a flyable helicopter all first saw the light of day at this Ohio facility.
Published by Schiffer Publishing, the book is available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers. The list price is $24.99