Title from end credits and cassette label. Produced by Actuality Productions, Inc. and Hearst Entertainment. Copyright held by A & E Television Networks. Running time on cassette label, 50 min. Actual running time, 46 min.
Summary:
With millions of people flying every year for business and pleasure, it is hard to imagine that air travel was once a novelty. A new generation of travelers may find it equally surprising that people once flew long distances with little more than small meals, movies and novels to distract them. The modern era of aviation began with the De Havilland Comet, the first jet-powered passenger aircraft. While a fatal design flaw drastically shortened the Comet's commercial life, the jet industry was off and running. Traces the evolution of the passenger jet, detailing the developments that made planes like the 707, 747, and Concorde special. Describes on the double-decker flying hotels of the near future, expected to include spas, stores and cinemas to help while away the airborne hours. Surveys the history of commercial jets from the war-time advances that spawned an industry to the emerging trends likely to re-invent it.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.