Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1909-09-15
Americsu, Ga, September Is, 1903.
CHEAP FLYING MACHINES.

L he cheapest auCOmODlIeS now on
the market, the small runabouts, cost
from $500 upward. The smallest type
of aviators, the automobiles of the air.
can be bought, it is said, within a
short time for $500. In other words,
the cost of the monoplane and the au-
tomobile are practically the same.
But it is predicted by those in posi-
ton to know that the cost of the air
machines will speedily be below those
of the ground cars, and that within
an incredibly short space of time,
considering that it is only quite re-
Gently that the adaptability of the ma
chine to all conditions has been
proven, it will be possible to buy a
flying machine for $3.50 or $500, a
price that puts it within the reach O.
almost any one in ordinary circum-
stances to own one.
The operation of the flying machine,
it is stated, is no more difficult than
the operation of the automobile. All
that is required is ordinary judgment
and discretion, combined with the dis
play of good sense in following the
directions. The dangers will probably
be no greater than in automobiling.
The air machine artist who is rock
less, who tries to do speed stunts OF
turn sharp corners at full gait is
likely to meet with the same acct
dents as his brother in the auto car
beneath him. The man who is con-
tent to go along at a Is to 20 mile
clip, watching where he is going. and
taking no especial chances, has lust
about as little to fear, it is claimed,
as the man who runs his auto in the
same fashion.
The aeroplane is a novelty now. It
will soon be as common as the auto
mobile, it is predicted. 1t will be de-
cidedly more popular, too. There will
be no dust to get in the eyes, no in
sects to distress one, no wagons and
other vehicles drawn by skittish
horses to worry one. The great broad
eXpanse of air will be open for navi-
cation, with ample room for all COM
ers. The flight will be refreshing and
healthful. The scenery spread out
beneath ones vision will be superb.
Rivers will be crossed regardless of
the height of the water or the state of
the ford. Railroad crossings will
have no terrors of collisions in them.
The passing of the hills and the noun
tains will present no difficulties.
There will be no need to cut down
the speed to six miles an hour while
passing the largest of cities. In fact,
the advantages in travelling in an aer-
oplane over an automobile will be so
great and so numerous as to insure
the instant popularity of the air sport.
With flying machines down to $3.50
each, and with the confidence of the
public established in them, it is easy
to see that the day is not far distant
when the heavens will be full of these
machines. Codes regulating the use
OF s. the uncharted highways above
must come. Laws will be enacted
governing the conduct of the neviga-
tors of the air, just as they have
grown up about the navigation of the
sea. 1t all seems strange now, but
who will dare say that two or three
years from now a flying machine will
not be so common as to not even at
tract attention in the back woods a.
it scars over the fields? Fortunate,
indeed, will be those who are strong
nerved enough to enjoy the ownership
and management Of one of these new
toys of civilization. Inexpressible
SENSATIONS of delight must surely be
ahead for them