The Henry Ford
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Heroes of the Sky


 

 

 

 

Entrepreneurs


Henry Ford's Aviation Ventures

The Radio Beacon
Henry Ford’s involvement in aviation also resulted in advancements in radio and navigation aids that made flying safer for everyone. Before this time, pilots had to depend on what they could see on the ground to get from place to place. The radio range beacon that Ford developed helped pilots stay on course through fog, rain, snow, and darkness. In 1927, it was installed on the grounds at the airport. By 1933, 90 other stations had been established elsewhere, aiding pilots over 18,000 miles of airways. By that time, its value had become so obvious that the United States government decided that they should operate all radio ranges, and the Ford Motor Company handed over its licenses.

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the planes   make a paper airplane  
Teachers, get lesson plans and see the curriculum ties to the Heroes of the Sky.
See the planes on exhibit, check out the specifications and get a sneak peak in a few cockpits. Try one of these high- flying designs at home!

 






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The Henry Ford is an AAM accredited institution. The complex is an independent, non-profit, educational
institution not affiliated with the Ford Motor Company or the Ford Foundation.