Air Transportation and the Outlook for the Future

Abstract

In this section we shall leave aerodynamics for a while to turn to aviation. Let us look briefly at domestic and international passenger flight. There exists an extensive, readily accessible literature on the subject, and so we will view only a few interesting— and lesser-known—facets of the traffic revolution occasioned by aviation. Airplane buffs who are interested in the great variety of existing and planned aircraft for civilian and military use should consult the works listed in Appendix 4.

I shall not attempt to argue with those who consider any increase in speed unnecessary. The public will always prefer that conveyance which is the most perfect, and speed within reasonable limits is a material ingredient in perfection in traveling.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806–59)