A History of Black Country Aviation: Balloons, Bleriots and Balliols

The Black Country's place in aviation history is indisputable, ranging from the balloon that took off from Wolverhampton Gas Works in 1862, setting a world altitude record, to the powered flight controls for the European fighter aircraft, destined to serve well into the next century. In a wide-ranging and fascinating account, the achievements of numerous Black Country firms are brought to life, including Sunbeam, the premier aero-engine supplier at the beginning of the First World War, and Boulton Paul, the makers of one of the Battle of Britain fighters, the Defiant. As well as describing the earliest flights in the area - Cody's kites in Wolverhampton in 1902, and Spencer's airship at Amblecote in 1905 - the author brings to life the flying circuses, which brought aviation to the region. Many people may remember the airfields at Walsall, Wolverhampton and Perton, and the Black Country's 'own' airline, Don Everall Aviation, but it is less well known that the world's largest aeroplane was once constructed in Oldbury and that heavy bombers were built in Smethwick.Illustrated with many previously unpublished photographs, The History of Black Country Aviation is a readable and authoritative account of the subject, and contains much to surprise and inform Black Countryman and aviation enthusiast alike.