Born On The South Wind
By Frank Joseph Rowe and Craig Miner
The photographs may be in black and white, but along with the well- researched text they tell a colorful history of aviation in Kansas. Rowe, an aviation design engineer, and Miner, a history professor at Wichita State University, are right: Kansas has a lot to be proud of, and not only because it is home to much of today's general aviation industry. Kansans pioneered in dirigible-style aircraft about the same time the Wright brothers were perfecting heavier-than-air flight.
Those tracking the history of aviation will discover a large percentage of it happened in Kansas. Authenticity is enhanced by quotes from articles in the Wichita Eagle and Beacon, which published the book. $29.95, plus $2.75 shipping. The Wichita Eagle and Beacon Publishing Company, Post Office Box 820, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0820. 800/825-6397, extension 6663. — Alton K. Marsh
Videos
Aircraft Buying Advice from the Experts
Lanier Media Video Productions
Those looking for a guide to buying used aircraft need to look no further than any aviation library. Unfortunately, reading a book on the subject can be very time-consuming and downright boring. In just longer than two hours, Aircraft Buying Advice from the Experts gives an extremely thorough look into all aspects of aircraft purchasing. Ten experts from various fields of aviation offer their advice on avionics, TBO, insurance, and maintenance. For those looking into buying a used aircraft, this video will hit on all the major points that should be considered. Aircraft Buying Advice from the Experts is available for $29.95, plus $2 shipping, from Butterfield Press 800/648-6601. — Peter A. Bedell
Airplane! Airplane!
Tag-A-Long Productions
Airplane! Airplane! contains the best videography we've seen of all the kids' videos that we've reviewed. Compared to the jerky, home-video-like productions reviewed previously, Airplane! Airplane! is a marked improvement. A two-year-old relative of an AOPA staff member remained enthralled for the video's 30-minute duration. His parents, although turned off by the video's persistent (read annoying) singing segments, agreed it was the best kid video to pass through their VCR. Airplane! Airplane! is available for $19.95, plus $3.95 for shipping and handling. Call Tag-A-Long Productions 800/571-3725. — PAB
Have plane, will travel
Aviation Media
Travel segments from the successful "Wonderful World of Flying" videotape series in this 73-minute tape cover most people's dream vacations spots.
Professional-quality video explains the hazards and rewards of travel to the Idaho wilderness, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Nova Scotia, Arizona, and California's Catalina Island. Many of the segments are hosted by Preston Westmoreland, a talk show host with considerable flying experience.
$19.95. Aviation Media, Inc. 50 East 42nd Street, New York, New York 10017; 800/772-WWOF. — AKM
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