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Books by Aviation Historian Chet Peek Author Chet Peek has been flying since 1939. After returning from Air Force service as a B-17 crewmember in WWII, he pursued an engineering career in industry and academics. He also developed a consuming hobby; restoring and flying over a dozen antique airplanes. His 1917 Curtis Jenny was featured in the EAA "Jennys to Jets" air show at Oshkosh. He holds a single and multi-engine pilot's certificate, A&P and IA FAA ratings, and a Ph.D in Engineering. He and his wife Marian are retired, still busy with their hobbies and enjoying their grandchildren. His 1941 Taylorcraft DC-65 flies regularly.
He
has written six aviation history books. They are as follows:
The Pietenpol Story
During the Great Depression Bernard Pietenpol wanted desperately to fly, but could not afford to buy a plane. So he built his own, a simple wood and fabric monoplane powered by a Model A Ford engine. When the “Experts” in the Modern Mechanics magazine declared such a plane could not fly, he piloted his home-made masterpiece to their Minneapolis headquarters and proved them wrong. Impressed by the plane’s clever design and gentle flying characteristics, they subsequently published his plans in their Flying and Glider Manual. Over the next years thousands of copies were built, and they are still being crafted worldwide today.
ISBN: 1-886196-05-2
125 pgs, 8.5x11, SB, over 150
photos, $24.95
The Taylorcraft Story In 1936, C. G. Taylor left the “Cub” company he had founded, and designed an entirely new plane, the Taylorcraft. This book is a complete historical overview detailing the design and production of the over 13,000 Taylorcraft airplanes, including the British Auster models. Includes a wealth of information from primary sources, portraying the technical, marketing and financial aspects of the enterprise. The Ferris rebirth of the F-19 is described, as well as later, mostly unsuccessful, revival efforts. Foreword by C. G. Taylor’s son, Bob Taylor.
Book review by EAA Vintage Airplane: “A compelling story told with great enthusiasm, but not seen through rose colored glasses. Book is a visual treat, well written and researched.”
ISBN 1-886196-08-X 230 pgs, 8.5x11, SB, over 300 photos, $27,95
The Spartan Story
Born in oil rich Tulsa, OK during the 1920’s, the Spartan Airplane Co and their associated flying school became an important part of our pre-war aviation history, Guided by the flamboyant Bill Skelly it produced the legendary Spartan Executive, the most advanced personal aircraft of the day. This book details, with three-view drawings and factory photographs, all the Spartan models. Also described is the record of the Spartan school, which trained thousands of pilots, including many British cadets, during WW II. A must for classic aircraft collectors and WW II aviation history buffs.
ISBN 0-943691-16-8 150 pgs, 8.5 x 11, SB, over 100 photos, $24.95
The First Cub
"The Cub". Perhaps the most famous name in American aviation history. Instantly recognized by all flying enthusiasts, it represents that perky little yellow monoplane that taught generations of our country's pilot's to fly. Built by the thousands both before and after World War II, these planes are still a common sight in America's skies.
Because the Taylor E-2 was the precursor of the entire Taylor-Piper family of lightplanes, it deserves its own historical recognition and treatment. This book tells the E-2 story.
ISBN 1-886196-02-8 89 pgs, 8.5 x 11, SB, many photos, $19.95
Flying With 40 Horses
This is the story of the Continental A-40, the gutsy little engine which revived the struggling aviation industry during the Great Depression. Born out of a desperate necessity in 1930, it powered over a dozen lightplane models of that era. The book details each of these planes including the E-2 Cub, the Taylorcraft A and the Rose Parrakeet. Selling for half the price, ($400), of most competitors, and operating for pennies an hour, it enabled thousands to learn flying at minimum cost. Years later, its descendant the A-65 would power a host of CPT trainers, and later military planes such as the L-2, L-3 and L-4.
ISBN 1-886-196-04-4 135 pgs, 8.5 x 11, SB, 175 photos, $19.95
The Heath Story
This book chronicles the life of Edward Baird Heath and his famous “Parasol” kitplanes. From 1927 to 1931, thousands of air minded young Americans bought his kits, then spent countless hours handcrafting a plane their in attics and basements. His conversion of the Henderson motorcycle engine to aircraft use offered inexpensive power. He could truly be called, “The Father of the kitplane industry” Heath had an equally successful air racing career. His diminutive Baby Bullet bested all competition in the 1928-29national meets. Sadly, he was to lose his life while testing his latest low wing model in 1931.
ISBN 1886196-03-6 120 pages, 8.5x11, SB, 150 photos, $19.95
NEWS - 10-02-2007 Chet is currently writing a history of the Standard J-1, the "forgotten" WW I trainer. He would welcome photos, newspaper and magazine articles, company brochures, especially those relating to the 1916-1918 time period. Please send any information you may have to RBaron18@aol.com NEWS - 5-13-2008 Chet's book Resurrection of a Jenny is currently out of print. If it becomes available again, it will be added to this website. To order a book, send check or money order, and be sure specify the return address and which book(s) are to be sent. All books will be shipped via USPS Priority Mail at a cost of $5.05 (add $5.05 to the price shown above). Send orders to:
Chester L. Peek
For questions or comments, send an e-mail to: RBaron18@aol.com tcraft, tcart, continental, lycoming, airplane, aircraft, antique, wings, building, homebuilt, ford, model a, propeller, prop, flying, barnstormer, barnstormers, tapered shaft, ox-5, Bernard, cherry grove, minnesota, broadhead, wisconsin, experimental, |
