Overview of Aviation Aviation First Became a True
Overview of Aviation Aviation first became a true “industry” when the Wright Brothers flew the first powered, controlled aircraft in 1903. After their pioneering flight, aircrafts were used mainly for military purposes (throughout World Wars One and Two). In 1910, Glenn Curtiss popularized aviation in the Hudson River Valley by making the first nonstop flight from Albany to New York City. After the wars, aviation started to become a commercial business, by using ex-military aircrafts to transport people and cargo. By the 1970s, the aviation industry had begun to blossom into the industry we all know and use today. Aviation became so popular in the Hudson River Valley because of the many airfields in the area. These airfields were heavily concentrated around this area mainly because of the proximity to West Point and the necessity for military pilots. Had West Point not been in the Hudson River Valley, we would not have nearly as many airports in the area as we do today. Specific individuals mainly influenced Stewart International Airport and Albany International Airport. Stewart Airport was influenced by The Stewarts, who donated their land to be used as an airport, Douglas MacArthur, who proposed flight training for cadets at the airport, and Nelson Rockefeller, who saw Stewart’s potential to support the metropolitan area. The MTA also played a role in tuning Stewart into a major airport. Glenn Curtiss’ historic flight, and Charles Lindbergh, who helped the local government decide on using the Shaker land as the new airport site, influenced Albany. Local and state governments, as well as the military, which used airports such as Westchester and Dutchess for flight training and bases, mainly influenced the County Airports.
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