Have you ever wondered how scary it must have been flying in the flimsy planes built at the beginning of the twentieth century? Plane trips are quite common today, but in days gone by this form of travel was unbelievable. Unlocking the secrets of flight was a lifelong goal of pioneers such as the Wright Brothers, and modern day explorers break new boundaries in the space shuttle. This book shows you the old and the new: from the inventions of George Cayley and Lawrence Hargrave and the first hot air balloons to the planes used in both world wars to stealth fighter and trips beyond Earth. And it even provides handy hints for those of you who want to keep a Harrier jump jet in your family garage!