Warbird Information Exchange

Back in the early '70s, it seems like every meeting the FAA had, at least our local GADO (back then) (Jackson, Ms.) they showed a movie that was somewhat humerous, mainly showing all sorts of really weird aircraft from the early days of aviation. It was before videos 7 would have been 8mm or maybe 16mm. I think there were airplanes that we've all seen before, but ISTR one that its wings flapped & another that may have had round wings that worked straight up & down & made the entire airplane bounce. I doubt most of these great ideas ever flew. My guess is that was a fairly popular movie for the FAA to show back then. Anyone know what I'm talking about & the title? Thanks.

If it was a movie, it was probably "Those Magnificent Men and their Flying Machines". Otherwise, it might have simply been documentary footage.

I saw that film many times at FAA, EAA and other aviation gatherings. The USAF had a free film library in the pre-video days, where groups could borrow 16mm movies at no-cost for educational uses. All the aircraft manufacturers also provided films, most of which the cable history shows acquired their footage.
One of my favorite sites for video is:
http://www.alexisparkinn.com/aviation_videos.htm
Enjoy.

P.S. Here it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMhdksPF ... re=related

Well found. Certainly several of those clips are (re-)used in the Mag Men film intro. I'm curious as to how many of them were real actual attempts at flight, rather than newsreel fodder. The guy with the rocket pack is amusing, but certainly not attempting to fly.

As well as the Wrights, at the end, the first helicopter (the one with the rotary engine fitted horizontally) I think was was genuine, and worked to a degree.

On the other hand, the flapping bird thing looks like a spoof.

_________________
James K

"Switch on the underwater landing lights"
Emilio Largo, Thunderball.

www.VintageAeroWriter.com

Thanks, y'all! I just knew someone here would know!