If Man Were Meant to Fly

The historic evolvement of flight from Icarus of Greek mythology to modern flight is delineated. Basic flight principles are defined with the interrelation of power plants, aerodynamics, and structural materials.

The development of fighters, bombers, commercial transports, cargo airplanes, anti-submarine airplanes, flying boats, balloons, dirigibles, and helicopters are described. The FAA rules and regulations on passenger aircraft performance are examined and critiqued. Antidotes of people involved with this evolution are presented relating to the specific subjects. Lessons learned and speculation on Aviation's future is presented. Reasons for cost escalation are investigated with the conclusion that some are necessary but other are not owing to wish list items which do not contribute to the overall objective. Space is looked at as a very expensive venture with pay-off, at present, in the communication arena. Launching costs requires major reduction to provide more meaningful results compared to the present almost entertainment value of space travel.

Jim Hong was born at Pocatello, Idaho in 1920. Graduated Cum Laude, University of Washington, Seattle Washington, BS Aeronautical engineering in 1941.

He had more than 33 years involvement in all phases of analysis, design, testing, manufacturing, and management at Lockheed Aircraft Corp. on fighters, bombers, civilian transports, cargo, anti-submarine aircraft, and helicopters. After Lockheed other development programs involved the successful re-engine of the stretched Douglas DC-8 airplane with the G.E., CFM-56 engine. This resulted in major improvements in noise and fuel consumption for the DC-8. A similar program was initiated for the Douglas DC-9, the Boeing 727 and the 737 with the use of an improved Rolls Royce engine.

Awarded the SAE Wright Brothers medal in 1970. Taught several courses during WWII. Guest lecturer at California Institute of Technology. Taught one semester at University of Southern California after retirement from Lockheed prior to moving to Fallbrook, Ca. Lectured on aviation progress at Nanjing Aeronautical Institute, Nanjing, China in 1979.