Aviation Chicago Timeline traces the pivotal role that Chicago played in the development of aviation in the United States. Long before the Wright Brothers took to the air, Chicago had an active balloon community and Octave Chanute was providing the latest aviation research to scores of experimenters. In the 1910s, the city was bustling with flight schools, airplane manufacturers, air shows, and aviation developers. By the 1920s, Chicago was the core of the U.S. air mail system and easily transitioned into a major air passenger hub. Throughout its history, Chicago has produced leaders who shaped U.S. aviation policy including Benjamin Lipsner (the first Superintendent of Aerial Mail of the Post Office Dept.), Daniel McCracken (major designer of the Air Commerce Act of 1926 and the the first Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Aviation), and Samuel Skinner (Secretary of Transportation under Pres. George H.W. Bush).
Aviation Chicago Timeline offers a fascinating account of over 1,000 events documenting the development of aviation. The author, Michael Haupt, provides a series of well-written stories that portray Chicago's gripping aviation history in an inviting and interesting fashion. Haupt's meticulous research, attention to detail, and exhaustive notes make this book an essential tool for everyone interested in the history of aviation in this country.
Michael Haupt is a recognized aviation historian and lifelong aviation enthusiast. Michael moved to Chicago in 1980 and adopted the city, becoming engrossed in its fascinating history. Following a career working with IBM large-system mainframe computers, he rekindled his interest in aviation. As part of a community-liaison group associated with Palwaukee Airport, Michael became the airport's unofficial historian. His research about Palwaukee resulted in a presentation which he has given many times to various aviation and community organizations including a forum at EAA's AirVenture in Oshkosh. Michael nominated Chicago aviation pioneer Edward Bayard Heath to the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame, and made a presentation about Heath at the group's Induction Banquet. Determined to give youth a chance to pursue their early interest in aviation, Michael volunteers with youth aviation groups including Aviation Explorer Post #9 and Young Eagles, both at Chicago Executive Airport, as well as the annual Aviation Exploration Base held during AirVenture. Aviation Chicago Timeline is Michael's first book addressing his twin passions for Chicago and aviation. His insatiable curiosity and research uncover fascinating events otherwise unknown. His meticulous attention to detail and copious references enable the reader to satisfy their own curiosity. Michael formed Aviation Chicago Press to publish this work as well as future non-fiction titles by himself and other authors.
