This book traces the history of Sikorsky aviation and its founder, Igor I. Sikorsky, one of the most talented and versatile aeronautical pioneers in history. Sikorsky's aviation career spanned over 60 years and was highlighted by three major achievements: the creation of the world's first four-engine airliner; the record-breaking Clipper Ships, with which Pan American Airways explored transpacific and transatlantic airline service; and the development of the helicopter. Sikorsky then led his engineers out of the piston-engine era and into the jet age with the design and development of some of the most widely used turbine-powered helicopters in aviation history. More than 200 photographs, many from the Sikorsky family archives, document the genius of Sikorsky's intuitive engineering and his lifelong interest in the challenge of the helicopter, which many historians consider to be his crowning achievement.

This book traces the history of Sikorsky aviation and its founder, Igor I. Sikorsky, one of the most talented and versatile aeronautical pioneers in history. Sikorsky's aviation career spanned over 60 years and was highlighted by three major achievements: the creation of the world's first four-engine airliner; the record-breaking Clipper Ships, with which Pan American Airways explored transpacific and transatlantic airline service; and the development of the helicopter. Sikorsky then led his engineers out of the piston-engine era and into the jet age with the design and development of some of the most widely used turbine-powered helicopters in aviation history. More than 200 photographs, many from the Sikorsky family archives, document the genius of Sikorsky's intuitive engineering and his lifelong interest in the challenge of the helicopter, which many historians consider to be his crowning achievement.

March 30, 1919, when this Russian immigrant landed in America, no one could have foretold what an impact he would make. His dreams focused on the new field of aviation spearheaded by the Wright brothers about ten years earlier.His vision was to see large airliners full of people, or cargo, or mail traveling great distances in safety and comfort-and beyond that, a vertical flight machine that would lift straight into the air.His ability to follow those dreams in his newly adopted country seemed unattainable until the combined forces of a fellow immigrant and some determined New Englanders caught on to his unheralded abilities in the world of aviation. Unknown stories of what was happening in the Sikorsky business in the mid-to-late 1920s recently came to light when records of that period were discovered in some old file boxes which had been ignored for 50 or more years. This was new information even for the Sikorsky Archives organization in Stratford, Connecticut.Through extensive research, the author has skillfully woven this new information into the well-known stories of Lindbergh's flight, the Frances Grayson debacle, and Igor Sikorsky's many attempts at providing this country with the best fixed wing aircraft possible-and finally the helicopter. Many beautiful photographs previously unpublished are sure to capture the reader's attention.

The story of Schweizer Aircraft is the story of the American dream. Three brothers became enamored with flight during the golden age of aviation. Aviation becomes their passion. In 1930, they design, build, and then teach themselves to fly in their first glider. They pursue their dream and create a company that eventually produces over six thousand aircraft. The company’s products make aviation history. Bill Schweizer tells the story of those early years — up to the transition of the company in 1981 to the second generation of Schweizers. Paul H. Schweizer picks up the story from there. The Schweizers’ entrepreneurial approach to business and refusal to let go of their dream resulted in the company becoming an industry leader in sailplanes, agricultural spray aircraft, light helicopters, covert surveillance aircraft, and unmanned vehicles. The diversity of its aviation products made it unique. At the time the business was sold to Sikorsky Aircraft in 2004, Schweizer Aircraft was the oldest privately-owned aircraft manufacturer in the world. It is a remarkable story that will inspire others with a passion and a dream.