British Light Aviation

Extract

Private flying dates from the earliest days of practical aviation. Indeed, for a time, it seemed that the development of aeroplanes would run parallel to that of motor cars and that these new vehicles would emerge primarily as a more rapid and flexible means of personal transport. Although the British military authorities rather belatedly became interested in aeroplanes in 1911–12 and increasingly thereafter involved themselves in their development, up to 1914 sporting, private and exhibition flying continued as a major part of aviation.