Question.4237 - Module 2 Personal Analysis: I Am an Aviation PioneerM2 | Personal AnalysisI Am an Aviation PioneerThis assignment provides an opportunity for you use your imagination and the historical facts discussed in Module 1 and Module 2 readings. Research an early aviation pioneer (Before 1920), it can be in any aspect of aviation you chose (Examples: an engineer, pilot, business owner, mechanic, etc.) It also gives you the opportunity to learn about primary and secondary sources. Two key sources for historians. Before starting this assignment watch this video on primary and secondary sources in history.Links to an external site.Important: Use of encyclopedias, wikis or unreliable websites in any scholastic work is prohibited.Develop a written post from the first person point of view (using âIâ) of at least 400 to 450 words that explains your interests as this pioneer, how you developed your invention and ideas, and how you may have learned from contemporary competitors (provide specific details). You may utilize any lens: historic, scientific, technological, engineering, and math.Use (and cite in current APA format) at least one primary source in your analysis. A primary source is a first-person account such as a diary, a letter, an autobiography ⦠. You may use any primary source that includes information about your type of person. For example, if you are an engineer, you could use a primary source from any engineer at the time. After posting your analysis, read your classmates' posts. Primary SourcesPrimary sources provide firsthand accounts of an event or topic. Usually, primary sources are created at the time of the event or topic. Diaries, letters, reports, financial records, memos, and newspaper articles are examples of primary sources that were created when the event unfolded. However, primary sources are sometimes created after the fact. Oral histories, memoirs, and autobiographies are usually produced years after the events in question, but they are still primary sources because they are personal, firsthand accounts. Look at the date of publication of your source. If it is pre-1920 it is probably a primary source. If it is after 1920, it is probably a secondary source.Here is one primary source websiteLinks to an external site. on aviation that may be helpful in finding primary sources. Secondary SourcesSecondary sources summarize, interpret, or provide commentary on primary sources. Secondary sources include biographies, most books on a topic, journal articles, and newspaper articles that were written well after the fact. They are created by someone who did not experience or witness the event or topic in question.Read this documentLinks to an external site.Links to an external site. for more about the differences between a primary and secondary source.Optional: Respond to at least two of your classmates' posts.Refer to the discussion rubric for detailed grading criteria.
Answer Below:
Source: (Research Guides: Glenn Curtiss: Topics in Chronicling America: Introduction, n.d.)I was drawn by personality of Glenn H. Curtiss, who being one of the most influential aviation pioneers before 1920s, as seen in the image (although it is a little noisy) it provides such a memory of Curtiss standing next to a biplane, who had an extensive background in mechanics and engineering, that drove him to become an instrumental figure in the development of early aviation (Research Guides: Glenn Curtiss: Topics in Chronicling America: Introduction, n.d.). As I read about Curtiss, he was initially worked at a bicycle company as a mechanic, which gave him experience to handle mechanical principles that aided him to work mechanical principles that would later inform his work in aviation. I was intrigued by his passion of motorcycle, Curtiss achieved success in motorcycle racing, pushing him further into the world of engines and aerodynamics; in 1907 he became the fastest man on earth to ride a v8-powered motorcycle, a record that not only established him as a skilled engineer but also sparked his fascination with flight (Launius & Embry, 1995).Following his speed thrilled races, Curtiss’s entry into aviation industry seems to be closed to tied to his expertise as a mechanic, as read, around 1908s Curtiss was already designing and manufacturing newer engines for flying machines, one such success story can be seen in his achievement with “June Bug,” that went on to win the Scientific American Trophy in 1908, marked a turning point (Research Guides: Glenn Curtiss: Topics in Chronicling America: Introduction, n.d.). This achievement of Curtiss is a lesson to learn from, because it demonstrates mastery of both mechanical knowledge allied with practical aspects of flight, June Bug flew to be the first American aircraft to fly over a significant distance, it even won our nation a prestigious aviation prize; this victory of Curtiss just fueled his growing expertise, and propelled him into being the leading guy in the aviation industry in the early 1900s (Launius & Embry, 1995).Another learning we all can draw from is Curtiss's development of the "Triad," the world’s first successful amphibious plane around 1914, that not only showcased is continuous innovation journey in aviation, but paved the way as a direct response to the needs of contemporary aviators and military which was the need of the hour for defense, who were seeking versatile aircraft for both land and water operations (Research Guides: Glenn Curtiss: Topics in Chronicling America: Introduction, n.d.). Curtiss was a quick learner, he observed the patterns of his contemporaries particularly Wright brothers and Louis Blériot, whose work on fixed-wing flight and cross-channel flights respectively, spurred Curtiss to refine his designs, one learning we need to take notes from the perspective of pioneering is how Wright brother only focused control mechanisms and aerodynamics, but Curtiss’s took a distinct approach that heavily relied on engineering-driven, as seen in his focus on engine reliability and aircraft durability (Launius & Embry, 1995).Curtiss’s engagement with international competitors, like the first international air race in Rheims, France, and his efforts to secure aviation contracts for the U.S. military, emphasized his ability to adapt and learn from the broader aviation community. Wright brothers pushed the boundaries of Curtiss through immense competition, as Curtiss got very innovative in bringing advancements for aviation industry, like how he expanded his company, the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company, that went on to supply aircraft for military use in World War I (Launius & Embry, 1995). Don’t you guy feel that fire breathed by Curtiss, quite motivating right? In terms of how Curtiss redefined his aircraft design that resulted in significant contributions to both civilian and military aviation to what we have today, he was one of the stepping stones. I believe Curtiss’s engineering background along with his competitive spirit and ability to grasp and learn advancements of others shaped his early years of aviation but one thing to learn is the importance of innovation and adaption in rapidly developing field. ReferencesPrimary source: Research guides: Glenn Curtiss: Topics in Chronicling America: Introduction. (n.d.). https://guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-glenn-curtissSecondary source:Launius, R. D., & Embry, J. L. (1995). Fledging Wings: Aviation Comes to the Southwest, 1910–1930. New Mexico Historical Review, 70(1), 2.
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