Commercial Aviation from the 1920’s-1930

Qantas Ltd. No. 16 aeroplane - Photo: Wikimedia

The start of scheduled passenger services in the United States was not known, according to Roger Bilstein an aviation historian.  Passengers were transported by Silas Christofferson via hydroplane from San Francisco to Oakland harbors in 1913.  A Benoist flying boat successfully flew passengers from Tampa to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1914.

Lawson C-2 was the first multiengine airplane designed for commercial air travel.  Alfred W. Lawson built it in 1919.  Since there are cheaper military airplanes available the Lawson C-2 did not become successful.  Lawson built another model called L-4; this can carry 34 passengers and about 6,000 pounds of mail.  It crashed on its test flight and discouraged the development of large planes.

Inglis Uppercu a Florida entrepreneur began scheduled international passenger flights in 1920, initially from Key West, Florida to Havana, Cuba.  Soon other routes were added such as, between Miami and the Bahamas, between New York and Havana.  There is also a Midwest, between Cleveland, Ohio, and Detroit, Michigan.  His company was named “Aeromarine airways” it has 15 flying boats and made 2,000+ flights with 10,000 passengers.  A plane crash killing four people made Aeromarine Airways lose business in 1924.

The birth of U.S. commercial air transportation and United Airlines was when Walter T.  Varney began contract airmail services from Pasco, Washington, and Elko, Nevada, through Boise, Idaho.  

Seven years after the first official airmail flight, 1925, U.S. Post Office airplanes sent 14 million letters, packages a year.   Airmail was very popular with bankers and businessmen.

It was in 1926 when the Air Commerce Act was implemented, this authorized the Secretary of Commerce to plan air routes, build up air navigation systems, test and license pilots and aircraft, and investigate accidents.  The carriers were then obliged by law to base pay to the weight of mail.  This all started with the appointment of Dwight Morrow to develop a national aviation policy.  

In the 1920s, Harry Guggenheim a multimillionaire and aviation enthusiast started a foundation, which aims at teaching aeronautical engineers and developing flight instruments.  He gave funding to the Western Air Express to check if airlines can live on passenger fares alone, but the company barely made enough money without airmail.

Investments in aviation stocks significantly rose between 1927 and 1929.  This was brought about by Charles A. Lindbergh’s solo flight to Paris.

Travelers could cross the country faster by train than by air at the end of the 1920s.  It was not comfortable to travel by plane because of the un-insulated thin sheets of metal that made noise in the wind.  The cabins were not pressurized.  In spite of this, airline passengers in the U.S. grew in number from 6,000 to 173,000 in the span of 1926 to 1929.  The majority were businessmen.

U.S.  Airlines’ planes have enough capacity for 15 passengers.  The fuselage has a corrugated design and the plane depends on a Ford Trimotor 5-AT. 

In the 1920s, manufacturers transferred near airports.  There were aeronautical schools that taught airplane engineering, design, and operation.  New technologies were being developed that gave the potential for commercial aviation expansion.

Harry Guggenheim set up a full flight laboratory, which developed very helpful navigational tools like the barometer, artificial horizon and gyroscope and radio direction beacon for landing.  In September 1929 James Doolittle a U.S. army lieutenant benefited from these tools when he had to land the plane without his vision.

Huge progress as it may seem still did not make passenger travel exclusive airlines profitable up to the 1930’s.

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Garage floor remodeling

Garage Space - Photo: Pixabay

The garage is a very important part of your house. It is not only the room where you keep your car but it can be used also as a storeroom. In the garage, you keep things that you do not use every day or things that you want to dispose of later on. 

Sporting equipment is usually stored in your garage. Also, a lot of people use the garage as a laundry, a workshop or even as a home office. The growing importance of the garage has increased the number of remodeled garages through the past years. Garages are becoming an integral part of the house. 

One of the things that need to be changed when planning to remodel your garage is the floor. Concrete floors serve the purpose of flooring but do not look good, even if you paint it, the floor will look bare. It is best to have a garage expert adviser to do the job. 

The best type of garage floor is made of specially formulated polyvinyl, this special material for flooring conceals cracks and protects the floor from getting stained. This flooring protects the floor from accidental spills: oil, battery acid, grease and any other dirt that gets into your garage. By making a few minor changes to your garage you can transform it into an attractive storage room.

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RUNNING Indoors has its advantages

Treadmill - Photo: Pixabay

Treadmills have many advantages over real running and walking. Sure, you don’t get to go outdoors in nature, but you can also avoid bad weather and all the other hazards that come with going out of your houses, such as cars and passers-by. It’s much more relaxing to not have to keep your mind and one eye on the potential problems, and just concentrate on your running.

Apart from that, though, there are many more serious benefits. The ground remains at the same level for the whole run, which avoids you having to constantly adjust the way you’re running – you can build up a pace and then keep going. Also, the run is always at the speed you’re most comfortable with, and you can change it whenever you like. If you do want to run uphill, though, you can simulate that too, by adjusting the gradient of the machine.

Another advantage is in all the statistics you can collect about your running: because the machine is setting the pace of the run, it can calculate all sorts of things automatically, such as the amount of energy (calories) you have burned. You can also hook yourself to various monitors – heart rate monitors, breathing monitors, and so on – to check all the different aspects of your health when you run.

One of the best things about running indoors is that you don’t have to be bored while you’re doing it – you can watch TV or read a book while you’re using it. Even though it can be quite relaxing, though, treadmills are still a more effective form of exercise than some complex cardiovascular exercises. Faced with a choice between getting into all sorts of strange positions and contorting my body into odd shapes or just running on a treadmill, I know which one I’d choose.

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Basic FIRE PREVENTION

Photo: Pixabay

According to the estimates of USFA in the year 2004 alone the number of fires that took place in the United States was 1.5 million. The estimated loss in dollars stood at a staggering 9.8 billion dollars. More horrific figures reveal loss of the death of about 3,900 approximately and about 18,000 injuries the same year. The USFA also said that during the same year the fatalities due to fires surpassed fatalities due to all sources combined. 

And the USFA also adds that even this number could be small in actuality as many small fires are not reported. The statistics also reveal that more than eighty-three percent of all fatalities and eighty percent of the total injuries due to fires took place in homes. These figures come as a bitter surprise as most of the fires are pretty much preventable if adequate precautions are taken. Following certain basic fire safety guidelines could greatly reduce the chances of fires and protect the homes and people from this disaster from striking. 

One of the best ways to prevent home fires is to install smoke detectors on every floor of the home and also fire alarms. But, installing the smoke detectors alone would not serve the purpose. Some people think that “once installed forever installed” after installing smoke detectors. But, the fact is many a time the smoke detectors don’t work and do not detect smoke due to mere negligence on behalf of the house owner. The smoke detectors batteries should be tested and checked on a regular basis and in fact, the smoke detector should also be tested in whole. Make it a point to replace the battery every year. Do not smoke at home. It is one of the biggest causes of home fires. 

The next big cause is an electrical short circuit. Use properly rated wires for house wiring and so does other components. Also when plugging in electrical gadgets check the voltage rating to avoid short circuits. Also, keep cords at a distance from rugs and carpet. Disconnect any appliance when done using. Replace old appliances or fix them before they become an electrical fire hazard. Also, use circuit breakers in the house wiring and also for plugging outlets to prevent fires due to overloading. 

In recent years a lot of fires have been experienced due to electrical heaters to supplement home heating. Care should be taken to keep portable heaters at a distance from combustible materials to prevent fires. Also, go for heaters that have auto shutoff in case of overloading or overheating. 

Fireplaces are also one of the biggest fire hazards in houses with fireplaces. Use screens to prevent fire spark from flying off to the outside of the fireplace. Keep combustible material at a distance from the fireplace to prevent them from catching fire. Also, do not overload the fireplace with excessive wood, which may cause a sudden outburst of fire within a few seconds and unexpectedly. Clean the chimneys periodically to help smoke escape freely into the air and also to clean bird nests which can catch fire. 

Have an escape plan ready for the home. It is a good idea to be also prepared for a fire. Practicing an escape from time to time also increases response during the times of actual fire. Have a plan for every room in the house. 

Educating the house inmates especially children would make evacuation plan easier in the event of an emergency. Children are especially fascinated by fires and like to create fires, about a hundred thousand fires a year are started by children while playing. 

People have a negligent attitude towards fire safety, especially during the holidays. They relax every rule just for fun and end up paying a huge price for that. Care should be taken even while selecting a Christmas tree, see that it’s not too big so as to make it difficult to manage and which can catch fire easily. Decorations which are non-flammable in nature should be used to decorate homes. 

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Tips and Tricks in Building a RC Car

Photo: Flickr

If you have a heart of a kid and are fond of playing RC cars and don’t mind getting dirty, then this article if you. 

Yes. You definitely should engage in building your personal radio controlled vehicle for on-road car racing or off-road car game. This is fun, though it needs a little effort especially when you have to assemble your car. 

They say assembling your own RC car is complex but when it comes to maintenance and repair nothing compares knowing what you had placed inside your car.

If you like to cut your expenses, try to construct your own toy car. Building your personal car is more practical since you can always decide for yourself the parts you will use. In addition, you can also show your creativity in building your own model car. You can also purchase the best parts or accessories indefinitely lower cost. Other costs like fuel and batteries are just similar whether you assembled your own car or buy a car package.

Building your RC car may consume longer time. But it will still depend on the manufacturer of the car, the type of car, and your knowledge in building a radio-controlled car. 

The trick is to always follow and read the instructions carefully. Never expect to finish your own kit in just a matter of time. It is advisable to have a break from time to time because it can help you think better plus you’ll get new ideas on how to reassemble your kit easily.

Here are some more tips to consider before you start building your own car. 

1. The Car instruction booklet. Read first all the contents of the manual before building your RC car. Understand properly the guidelines to get ahead complicated steps and be able to prevent it from not wasting your time. Check from time to time if you are on the right track and careful not to skip steps so that you won’t keep on starting all over again.

2. Always have a Pencil and notepad. Aside from taking keynotes in your guide booklet, you should also concentrate on the screw setting and positions. Focus your attention on rights and lefts, rears and fronts. Although it is usually marked on it spots, it is still important to make supplementary notes so that you’ll understand them correctly.

3. An organized building space. It must have a dry and clean hand towel to avoid car parts from rolling and bouncing and will suck up any fluid you spill or tip out. Be careful to construct your pit where you would not be disturbed. Be sure to cover up the car you made with a towel or cloth when you’re not there to avoid loss of pieces. And lastly, put an ample light like a desk lamp for you to see the tiny parts and inside of your car.

4. Containers. It is advisable to store your mini parts in hardware trays, use empty containers, muffin tins, and medium-sized boxes are some propositions to make things organized. Be sure to keep everything separated and sorted when you’re building your kit.

5. Set of tools. You’ll need to have good basic tools such as Philips-head screwdrivers, a series of jeweler’s screwdrivers and a 1¼ 4-inch flat blade screwdriver are considered sufficient. A pair of slip-joint and needle nose pliers and nitro models requires control-lock pliers that will be used for grasping flywheels. Flush cutter is also needed for oil lines and parts that need to be close and clean cut.

If you’re a beginner in building RC car you must have patience because it is difficult to build one if you do not have experience on it. Keep in mind that building your personal RC car can also be fun and rewarding. 

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The History of KAYAKS

Kayaks - Photo: Pexels

Canoeing and Kayaking go back to the dawn of human culture. The word "kayak" literally means "hunter's boat." The kayak was used for transport, but it was a miraculous hunting tool, facilitating a quiet approach towards one's desired prey. The covered deck of the kayak made it more sea-worthy and better able to shed waves than the traditional canoe. Kayaks are mostly used during summer months, primarily for hunting and fishing. 

Similar to the kayak, the umiak is a larger boat which can carry up to 20 people. The umiak and the kayak existed side by side, both finding useful niches for transporting and hunting throughout history. 

Kayak design varied according to the specific needs of inhabitants of particular regions. For instance, early kayaks designed by inhabitants surrounding the Bering Strait were wider and shorter. Whereas the kayaks from Greenland were sleek and low. Kayaks from Baffin Island were wider and longer. 

The kayak was first created by the Inuit, an artic people. Interestingly, despite being the birthplace of the kayak, very little archaeological evidence of the covered kayak can be found on the Siberian Coast.

Early Eskimos made kayak frames using driftwood, and early kayaks were wrapped in sealskins. 

In fact, most early kayaks were fabricated using wood for the frame and then tied together using sinew, or tendons, with a sealskin cover. Kayaks were virtually unsinkable with air-filled seal bladders. Today, very few traditional skin kayaks are still in use and the knowledge of their construction is quickly fading. Other early kayaks were made from whalebone or driftwood. 

The materials that have been used to make a kayak have changed significantly over the years. Europeans eventually discovered the versatility of the kayak, and kayaks once designed with sealskins were designed by Europeans with fabric covers. This method continued until the 1950's when a company known as Valley Products began producing the first fiberglass kayak. Then in 1984, the first plastic kayak was introduced. Kayaks continue to become lighter, sturdier, and more versatile. 

Now there are several types of kayaks designed with various materials suitable for a variety of sporting events. Today, kayaking is accessible to all skill levels, providing a quiet and gas-free form of breathtaking travel, exploration, and exercise.

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Why You Should Take a Wine Country Tour

Wine Country Canada - Photo: Pixabay

Are you a wine drinker?  If you are, have you ever thought about the history of wine, such as how it is made or why wine drinking and tasting is known as a popular activity?  If you have, you may want to plan a visit to wine country.  With that being said, a “traditional,” visit isn’t all that you should do, you should also take a wine country tour.

As nice as it is to hear that you should visit wine country and take a wine country tour, you may be wondering why.  After all, depending on where you live, you may need to travel quite far to visit an area that is referred to as wine country.  After a close exanimation, you will see that there are a number of reasons why you should not only visit wine country but also take a wine country tour.

One of the many reasons why you should arrange to take a wine country tour is because of the options you have.  For starters, wine country is a phrase that is used to describe an area that is known for their production of wine. When many of us think of wine country, California, namely Northern California, is often what first comes to mind.  With that said, there are other areas in the United States that are commonly referred to as wine country as well, such as part of New York State and Washington State.  Many of these other areas and their wineries also offer tours for wine enthusiasts.

As previously stated, depending on where you live, you may have to travel quite a distance to arrive at California’s wine country or another state’s wine country.  Even so, you are still urged to examine your options.  This is because wine tours make for great vacations.  Depending on where you visit, you can spend a few hours touring local vineyards and wineries or you can spend a few days doing so.  Also, in terms of being a great purpose for being a vacation, many of the communities surrounding well-known vineyards and wineries have an unlimited number of fun activities, such as hiking and dancing, as well as affordable overnight accommodations.

Returning back to the options that you have, it is important to know that wine tours come in a number of different formats. Guided wine tours are perfect for tourists who want to see the “best parts,” of wine country, as well as those who are unfamiliar with the area or may not have their own mode of transportation.  Although you will find some variations, many guided wine tours have tourists meet in a public place and then travel is provided, often by van or bus.

Although guided wine tours are popular with tourists, there are many more individuals, including both tourists and locals, who are interested in taking independent wine country tours.  Independent wine tours are ideal for wine enthusiasts who want to enjoy wine and its history without feeling rushed or pressured by other tourists and tour guides.  Most wineries and vineyards in California, as well as Washington and New York, have open doors.  If not, information on ideal times for visiting should be readily available online.  This information is typically posted to prevent conflict with planned events, such as weddings.

For the most part, tourists find that taking wine tours are affordable.  Many wineries and vineyards provide free access to visitors, but there are no guarantees.  For the most part, the costs associated with wine tours comes from wine tasting, which is a must do.  However, you still shouldn’t have to be worried about the costs.  Most wine country wineries and vineyards have affordable wine tasting rates, which are typically between five and fifteen dollars per person.  As for taking a guided wine tour, you will likely be charged a fee, but your fee may include wine tasting at a number of wineries along the way.

Perhaps, the greatest reason why you should take a wine country tour is that it is an experience that you will never forget.  Not only are wine tours fun for wine drinkers, but they are also enlightening and educational in nature.

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