People have always wanted to fly. In the 1700s and 1800s, humans flew in lighter-than-air ships such as balloons, airships, and gliders. It was not until 1903 in North Carolina that two brothers built and flew the first heavier-than-air craft—the airplane. Of course, aviation has come a long way since then. Today's planes fly at high speeds and great heights. They quickly transport passengers, mail, cargo, and our armed forces around the world. This fully illustrated resource examines the many different breeds of airplane, the anatomy of a plane, and the exciting future of air travel.