Tag: aviation
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The Aviator and the Showman by Laurie Gwen Shapiro
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Aviator and the Showman: Her Atlantic flight was the least interesting thing about her. Quick synopsis: The lives of Amelia Earhart and her husband George Putnam. Fact for Non-History People: Earhart was also a fashion designer. Well, kinda. Fact for History Nerds: Amelia set the woman’s world altitude record of…
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L.A. Birdmen by Richard Goodrich
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for L.A. Birdmen: Like their aircraft, these people had at least one screw loose. Quick synopsis: The story of the first airshow in America. Fun Fact Non-History People Will Like: The longest flight the Wright brothers accomplished on their first successful day flying was 59 seconds and a height of 852 feet.…
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Skies of Thunder by Caroline Alexander
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Skies of Thunder: Catch-22 only real life. Quick synopsis: The story of World War II pilots flying routes over the Himalayas. Fun Fact Non-History People Will Like: There are currently nearly 600 planes lying where they crashed along the route. Fun Fact for History Nerds: When British forces took over Burma…
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Brotherhood of the Flying Coffin by Scott McGaugh
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Brotherhood of the Flying Coffin: There is no damn way you’d get me in one of those things. Quick synopsis: The story of the American glider pilots of World War II. Fact for Non-History People: The U.S. produced 14,612 gliders between 1941 and 1945. Fact for History Nerds: General William Westmoreland…
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Museum Review: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Museum Focus: This is the annex of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Where is it: 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, VA 20151. Just outside of Washington D.C. to the west. What does it cost: Free! Well, sort of. It’s $15 for parking although every time I go there is no one at…