Connecting the Nation A short thematic history of Australian civil aviation

• Main Author: Ashton, Paul (auth)
• Other Authors: Ireland, Tracy (auth), Keaney, Jaya (auth), Wain, Alison (auth), Whitelaw, Mitchell (auth)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Broadway UTS ePRESS 2017
• Subjects: Australasian & Pacific history; Industrialisation & industrial history; Aerospace & air transport industries; Aerospace & aviation technology; History of engineering & technology; International law of transport, communications & commerce; Australian modern and cultural history; Australian Twentieth century aviation; Australian transport economics and geography; Australian civil and industrial engineering and technology; Australian aviation and aerospace engineering and technology; Australian electrical; electronics and communications engineering and technology
• Online Access: OAPEN Library: download the publication; OAPEN Library: description of the publication

Aviation has played an important part in shaping Australia's culture and history through the course of the twentieth century. Australia embraced aviation from its earliest days, eagerly responding to its potential to cover a challenging country, to bring far-flung communities closer and to provide services that could not be delivered any other way. Add the romance of pioneer heroes, the vital role of aviation in wartime and the capacity to deliver aid to people in need in Australia and beyond, and it is clear why aviation is at the heart of Australia's recent history. This book aims to set out the major themes that characterise Australia's aviation history for a broad audience and to provide a foundation for a broader discussion, and for further research, about how aviation transformed Australia. Connecting the Nation is a vital and timely introduction to the history of civil aviation in Australia as we prepare for the centenary of civil aviation services in 2020.