Opportunities in Aviation

The book opens by arguing that flying is far more attainable than most people assume. Drawing on the authors’ firsthand experience with both the U.S. Air Service and the Royal Air Force, it makes a case that ordinary, healthy adults—whether clerks, mechanics, or salesmen—can become competent pilots with proper instruction. Emphasis is placed on common sense, balance, and a “feel” for the machine rather than on high‑brow academic qualifications, echoing the authors’ belief that training, not innate talent, creates the aviator.

From this foundation, the work surveys how the war transformed the skies and how peace offers new commercial possibilities. It walks readers through the essentials of pilot instruction, safety practices, and the technical skills needed by aircraft mechanics. The authors also highlight the urgent demand for landing fields and outline how everyday people might soon own and operate their own planes, setting the stage for a broader, more inclusive future in aviation.