Chanute, 1907, Conditions of Success with Flying Machines

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Octave Chanute, "Conditions of Success with Flying Machines", American Magazine of Aeronautics Vol. 1, No. 1, July 1907.

Chanute observers that European aviators have not matched the success of the Wright Brothers and suggests seven "prerequisites" to heavier-than-air flight:

  1. Effective steering, vertical and horizontal
  2. Adequate size and shape of sustaining surface: he recommends 1.5–2 lbs per square foot of vessel weight per sustaining surface (and says the current European machines have 3.5–4.5 lbs per square foot)
  3. Minimize air resistance of frame and hull
  4. Lightest possible motor
  5. Most efficient propeller: undecided whether screw propeller or beating wing is more efficient
  6. Equilibrium: Automatic stabilization is desirable but doesn't exist yet
  7. Practice: He suggests solo practice with a glider before trying to pilot an airplane