Unlike typical institutional histories, this book is much more than an account of what went on within an organization. It traces the development of flight in the U.S. by viewing aviation from the perspective of the Aero Club of America and its successor, the National Aeronautic Association.

With a focus more upon the early days of flying, this is an especially valuable resource for researchers and others interested in the pioneering era of flight. Included in the expansive appendicies are lists of America's first holders of flying licences -- issued by the Aero Club decades before the U.S. government became involved. Also shown are the names of the country's first military aviators, licensed balloonists and dirigible pilots, and a wealth of other information.

Why, for example, were the Wright brothers NOT issued U.S. airplane pilot license numbers one and two? Was there a conspiracy against them? Were there airplane pilots whose flights pre-dated theirs? The book explains the facts behind this and lays to rest years of speculation about the controversial matter.

Developments in aeronautics are traced through the late years of the 20th century, especially noting events that earned America's most prestigious annual award in aviation achievement, the NAA's Collier Trophy.

Whether a scholar or aviation "buff," the reader will find this to be one of the more useful references for American aviation history, and especially for the early years of flight.

The 7 issues of crucial importance are differences of:
gender, loyalties, money, power, sex, privacy, and
children.