Trained as an aviation mechanic in Germany in the 1910s, Buehl arrived in the United States in 1920, at a time when we were just inventing civilian uses for airplanes. His work, both in Europe and North America, directly helped to push back major frontiers, both physical and social.

There are few books that feature the development of civilian aviation rather than military aviation, but this is one. Buehl’s work and contributions are set into the context of his time, and the discussion points out its relevance to today’s world.

Among other things, Buehl participated in:

• the first flight into the stratosphere in an airplane, 

• the first round-trip transcontinental passenger flight in North America, 

• surveying of the first New York to San Francisco airmail route, 

• pioneering routes into Canada’s far north,

• the use of airplanes to create accurate topographic maps,

• training for thousands of pilots, both at his own airports and for the US military,

• breaking racial barriers to careers in professional aviation.

185 photographs and images illustrate the book. The majority of these are from Buehl’s personal collection and many are rare. The book is extensively documented.

Individual customers may order from This House of Books, [116 N. 29th Street, Ste B, Billings, Montana 59101 telephone: (406) 534-1133.] or other independent bookstores.