Golden Age of Aviation

The Golden Age of Aviation was the period between World War I and World War II in which civil aviation, fueled by many daring and dramatic record-breaking feats, became popularized. It was made possible in part by inexpensive surplus military aircraft made available after the First World War, and the craze was fueled by lucrative prize-money offered in competitive air racing and for "firsts" such as trans-atlantic and round-the-world flights. This period coincided with the development of "barnstorming", and produced a number of the most skilled pilots who would be instrumental in the success of military air forces during World War II on all sides of the conflict.

In the 1930s development of the jet engine began in Germany and in England. In England Frank Whittle patented a design for a jet engine in 1930 and towards the end of the decade began developing an engine. In Germany Hans von Ohain patented his version of a jet engine in 1936 and began developing a similar engine. The two men were unaware of the other's work, and both Germany and Britain would go on to develop jet aircraft by the end of World War II.

An exhibit hall at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC is dedicated to this age and exhibits several planes from this era.