Summary

The author begins by describing the various perils faced by people flying airplanes in the early years of the 1900’s. Airplanes had only just been invented, he says, and at the time were constructed with frames of wood covered with fabric and lacquer that were easily damaged or destroyed. He describes how flying those planes was, for the most part, the purview of men; it was a time, he says, when women and their rights and abilities were just starting to emerge into public, political, and social awareness.

In order to counter the reputation of flying as a dangerous and deadly activity, the author then says, flying competitions became more and more popular. Male pilots would test themselves in speed, agility, and endurance. Eventually, one race became more popular than the others. This was a race that came to be known as The Bendix...