AIR TRAVEL

The history of air travel is very brief but very interesting. Today when we see an aeroplane flying in the air we do not show any surprise, but about half a century ago no one could think of such a thing. Some men in ancient times made big wings and tried to fly in the air like birds but could not succeed. Some early inventors tried balloons and succeeded to a certain extent. But these flights were very small. It is only in modern times that the dream of flying in the air like birds has been realized. Today air travel is a reality and none can doubt it.

Clement Adler was the real pioneer of aeroplane flights. He built a real aeroplane with the funds given to him by the French Government. Then came the Wright Brothers. They fitted a motor into one of their machines and made four flights in 1903.
Soon the work of aeroplane construction was started in various countries. The Great War of 1914 gave it a great encouragement. Improved machines and trained pilots became a deciding factor in wars. Aeroplanes are used not only for dropping bombs but also for scouting and taking photographs of ammunition factories and military bases of the enemy. Now a days aviation is being developed in all parts of the world. The work of aerial photography, mail and passenger traffic, map-making, and throwing of artificial manure is also done with the help of aeroplanes. The distances between countries have become considerably small and the aeroplane is bringing world nations closer to one another.
Thus, the future of air aviation is very bright. In our age, trade and commerce have become so quick that old means of transport like merchant ships, goods trains and motor trucks, cannot keep pace with them. Therefore, people feel the need for a quicker method of transport. No doubt, is feared that aeroplanes will play a very horrible role in the wars of the future. Still there is every hope that man will make a better use of this remarkable invention. He may use it more to rush help to the distressed and to give airlift to the needy than to kill his fellow human beings. The invention of jets and supersonic aeroplanes equipped with wonderful radars, wireless sets and map making equipments, has opened a new chapter in the history of air travel. Let us hope for a better future.