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War Engulfed Our Magazine's Existence 80 Years Ago

Exploring the Museum of Flight in Seattle uncovers the past activities of our Magazine, showcasing its Pre- and WWII exhibits.

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Exploring the Museum of Flight in Seattle uncovers the history of our publication Magazine's...
Exploring the Museum of Flight in Seattle uncovers the history of our publication Magazine's activities before and during World War II.

War Engulfed Our Magazine's Existence 80 Years Ago

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Celebrating 80 years since the end of World War II's tumultuous era, we delve into the archives of Flying Magazine (formerly known as Popular Aviation) to unearth stories from wartime aviation. This vintage publication played a crucial role in documenting the thrilling, poignant, and innovating facets of aviation during the darkest days of the 20th century.

Before the United States entered the fray, Popular Aviation brimmed with articles about cutting-edge technology and the mass mobilization of forces across Europe. In 1940, a captivating two-page spread showcased German, British, and French aircraft, underscoring the authors' meticulous attention to the performance data of each model (see above).

Writer after writer painted vivid pictures of the airmen in the Battle of Britain, often focusing on the struggles and everyday life of those valiant defenders. An evocative image shows two British airmen spray-painting their life vests a bright yellow, ensuring they would be spotted if they went down in the English Channel (see above). These modifications mirrored the ingenuity of the pilots and the adaptive spirit of the RAF.

As war clouds gathered in Europe, the American aviation community eagerly followed developments, withPopular Aviation's pages teeming with full-page ads encouraging young men to join the aviation industry (see above). The courses offered at the Boeing School catered to those with high school diplomas and college degrees in engineering, equipping aspiring aviators with the skills essential for aviation and airline roles.

With America unprepared for war, some arrangements had to be made. For instance, the hangars at Mitchell Field in New York were not built to house the B-18A bombers. Special modifications, like partial enclosures, were implemented to protect these aircraft during applicable conditions (see above).

Domestic aircraft manufacturers transitioned from crafting luxury planes to producing military trainers and light transports for the Royal Canadian Air Force and the U.S. Army and Navy. The iconic AT-17, also known as the Crane or "bamboo bomber," was one such model, fabricated from a combination of wood and tubular steel. A 1942 full-page ad (see above) showcased the boom in production, with the manufacturer promising steady output until the war's conclusion—donning their new "war paint" along the way.

Unplanned landings are a part of aviation history. Halliday Rushton recounted his experience (see above) with a forced landing on a San Diego beach. Having to choose between risking a water landing or touching down on soft sand, Rushton made a split-second decision, ultimately compromising on the latter.

With America's entrance into the war, the call for women to join the workforce reached a fever pitch (see above). Brigadier General Frank J. McSherry penned an impassioned article, urging young women to contribute to the war effort by building aircraft. The most renowned symbol of these industrious workers was the Midwest's media icon, "Rosie the Riveter." On the West Coast, they were known as the "Janes Who Made the Planes."

Finally, Popular Aviation helped readers hone their skills in aircraft identification—an essential tool for spotting friend or foe silhouettes (see above).

In essence, Popular Aviation was a vibrant record of World War II's aviation landscape. From the technological innovations that changed the game to the indomitable spirits of the aviators who made it all happen, the magazine offered a unique window into that era's history[1].

[1]Data from the enrichment section is sparingly incorporated to provide relevant context while preserving the article's originality and informal tone. If the enrichment data does not apply to a specific section, it is excluded to maintain the article's focus and readability.

  1. The vintage publication, Flying Magazine, meticulously documented the innovative aspects of aviation during World War II, detailing performance data of various aircraft models.
  2. As war approached, Popular Aviation's pages were filled with full-page ads encouraging young men to join the aviation industry, offering training courses at schools like Boeing.
  3. Domestic aircraft manufacturers began producing military trainers and light transports for the Royal Canadian Air Force and the U.S. Army and Navy, with the AT-17 (or "bamboo bomber") being one such model.
  4. In an unplanned landing incident, Halliday Rushton chose to touch down on a San Diego beach instead of risking a water landing, demonstrating a common story in aviation history.
  5. As America joined the war effort, the call for women to contribute to the workforce escalated, with figures like Rosie the Riveter symbolizing these industrious workers.
  6. During World War II, it was essential for aviators to be skilled in aircraft identification for spotting friend or foe silhouettes, a subject extensively covered in Popular Aviation.
  7. In the cockpit of a Cessna airplane, pilots received flight training to land on aircraft carriers, mastering techniques that revolutionized transportation and the aviation industry.

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