Opportunities in Aviation

"Opportunities in Aviation" by Arthur Sweetser and Gordon Lamont is an early 20th-century guidebook that examines the emerging world of aviation soon after World War I. The book details the growth, education, and potential future of flying, arguing that aviation is accessible to all. It examines the socio-economic opportunities aviation brings to military, business, and individual travel. The authors begin by showing how WWI sped up the development of aviation technology, changing it from a dangerous hobby to an important part of the military. They point out the changes in planes during the war, focusing on improvements in reconnaissance, bombing, and air fights. The opening part makes it clear that with the right training many people can become good pilots, and it deals with false ideas about flying, leading into conversations about pilot training, safety measures, and the important support systems required for aviation to grow after the war.