The Seaplanes

Beginning with races that were staged at elegant French resorts in the early part of the century, flying boats and seaplanes have played an integral part in aviation history. World War I spurred the development of these machines, and by the 1930s, flying boats and seaplanes had become pioneers in transcontinental flight. This photo-filled history recalls the role of flying boats and seaplanes in civil and military aviation history, and the enthusiasm of the engineers and pilots who are associated with their development. In addition to the golden years of hydraviation prior to World War II, author Nicolaou examines the decline of the seaplane, and its subsequent renaissance in nations that are today considered seaplane paradises. The saga is illustrated by more than 200 rare photographs uncovered in archives around the globe.

A TIME Best Book of the Summer • A lusty young woman seeks out experience on a remote Alaskan homestead in this erotic and darkly humorous novel "Rukeyser weaves a dreamlike spell—'Twin Peaks’ by way of ‘Northern Exposure.’" —LA Times "Fantastic.” —The New York Times Mira is a loner, a drop out, an obsessive fascinated by the concept of sleaze. She wants two things: to move to Alaska and find the tattooed fisherman that’s the object of her desire. Her single-mindedness takes her to the remote Kodiak Archipelago, where she finds work at a homestead-turned-tourist-lodge offering a carousel of meticulously scripted Alaskan experiences. But the lodge is failing and, as life on Lavender Island becomes increasingly claustrophobic and strange, Mira’s plans for her future become more elaborate and perverse. Part meditation on unhinged longing, part biting commentary on eco-tourism and the mythology of the American West, and part yearning portrayal of people at the end of their tether, The Seaplane on Final Approach is wholly original, “a perfect blend of deep, dark humor, sadness, and (of course), adolescent horniness (Literary Hub).”

Beginning with the establishment of the experimental flying boat station at Felixstowe, the author explains the development of aircraft testing in two different environments and examines in detail those maritime aircraft which did much to establish British naval airpower and develop long-range links with the outposts of the Empire.

This comprehensive text on basic and advanced techniques for float planes, amphibians, and flying boats covers natural elements, seamanship, water aerodromes and seaplane bases, ground and water operations. Also included are instructions on high speed (step) taxiing, takeoffs and landings, docking, ramping and buoying, operations with amphibians, and flying multiengine seaplanes. Included are museum-quality historical and contemporary photographs; watercolour and black-and-white illustrations; and explanatory maps, and tables.

Lovable Buster Bird and his little seaplane, Buzz, are a familiar sight in the skies above their Adirondack mountain town. They fly this way and that--delivering supplies to shopkeepers, stocking the lakes with fish, and rescuing stranded hikers and boaters. Then one day they see a forest fire raging on Black Bear Peak. They have to do something--fast! But what can a little seaplane do in a big forest fire?

This report concerns the making and evaluation of a towing test of a seaplane float system. Some of the topics considered are: 1) the influence of the wing cell and power plant on the take-off performance; 2) the determination of the resistance curve for the take-off free to trim; 3) the resistance curves with elevator control (at fixed trims); 4) take-off time and take-off run.