Pioneers of Profit Among the Clouds

A decade after the Wright brother some pioneers along Tampa Bay began the first scheduled airline service. It was not successful but paved the way for future attempts. Commercialization of the airways would begin in earnest after World War I. For one thing there was an abundance of war surplus flying machines available, meaning aircraft were affordable for such ventures. For another matter, manpower to power these machines, or at least "pilot" them, was also available. Barnstorming pilots would become all the rage in the 1920's, but regulations on aircraft and flying meant there was more order to the skies. This book explores that early history.