Some members of the aviation community claim that the Golden Age of air travel started in the 1930s, while others view it to have begun in the following decade. Yet, it was slightly earlier when the public became increasingly passionate about the prospects of flight.

Technological breakthroughs

It’s easy to envision friendly flight attendants serving wealthy executives in roomy cabins when thinking of the Golden Age of air travel. However, it was actually the era that preceded this environment that marked the Golden Age of flight. Notably, the interwar years from 1918 to 1939 brought numerous revolutions that would change the industry forever. A crucial aspect was the away from wooden biplanes to metal monoplanes.

The biplanes that brought pioneers such as the Wright brothers fame were made from low-powered engines and caused significant drag. So, their wings could not handle much weight or harsh winds, meaning they were more vulnerable across longer distances. The advancement of the monoplane brought far lower drag, meaning that faster flight could be achieved even if the same engines were utilized.

Producers such as Boeing were beginning to make a name for themselves since their formation and invested heavily in the manufacturing of monoplanes. The US aviation powerhouse launched its first monoplane model in 1932 with the P-26 Peashooter. This plane also entered service with the United States Army Air Corps, becoming the first monoplane to operate with the outfit. These designs went on to offer crucial support in the war effort in subsequent years.

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Both sides of the pond

Regardless of the military progress, the breakthroughs also overhauled the civil scene. Earlier this summer, Simple Flying had the opportunity to tour Cole Palen’s Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in Red Hook, New York. The museum hosts a plethora of Golden Age originals and reproductions from both Europe and North America, including the Aeromarine Klemm L-26, Aeronca C3, American Eagle A-129, Bird Model CK, Boeing Stearman – N2S-5, and several Curtiss models.

De Havilland was a major force during this period, including the United Kingdom-based manufacturer's Tiger Moth. Old Rhinebeck shares;

“The De Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth first flew in 1931 and became quite popular. Over time, it was widely used as a civilian and military trainer in England and in 25 countries around the world. Over 8,800 were built between 1931 and 1944. It was a rather docile machine with basic aerobatic abilities. It is ably powered with the 120 HP De Havilland Gypsy Major 4-cylinder engine.”

The 1930s also saw notable Fairchild experiments, including the Fairchild 24. As the aerodrome puts it:

“This sophisticated cabin monoplane is probably the most elegant aircraft in the collection. Designed to seat four, the Fairchild 24 became a comfortable and luxurious way to travel by air for the well-heeled. It is known for its pleasant handling, speed and reliable performance. Discerning buyers could choose between a Warner radial or Ranger inline engine. The Fairchild 24 remained in production from 1932 until 1948.”

Leaving a mark

Despite the shift to monoplanes, biplanes were still around. We even had the opportunity to hop on a Golden Age unit ourselves. Boarding a 1929 New Standard D-25 was a unique experience, a five-seat plane, originally used for joyriding, barnstorming, crop-dusting, and mail transporting, had 45 units produced in total. It was a loud and windy event in the air, but the flight is an example of how robust and reliable aircraft built during the era were.

Toward the end of this Golden Age, newer technologies continued to revolutionize flight. The most prominent transition was the application of the jet engine, further improving flight efficiency. Longer durations with fewer vibrations were achieved as a result. Both British and German innovators looked into the tech before Heinkel He178 became the first jet-powered aircraft in 1939. As we all know, after the dust settled following the end of World War II, the jet engine would enter the commercial realm and go on to become a mainstay, spurring another Golden Age.

What are your thoughts about the Golden Age of aviation? What do you make of the progress made during this period? Let us know what you think in the comment section.

Source: Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome