The story of Schweizer Aircraft is the story of the American dream. Three brothers became enamored with flight during the golden age of aviation. Aviation becomes their passion. In 1930, they design, build, and then teach themselves to fly in their first glider. They pursue their dream and create a company that eventually produces over six thousand aircraft. The company’s products make aviation history. Bill Schweizer tells the story of those early years — up to the transition of the company in 1981 to the second generation of Schweizers. Paul H. Schweizer picks up the story from there. The Schweizers’ entrepreneurial approach to business and refusal to let go of their dream resulted in the company becoming an industry leader in sailplanes, agricultural spray aircraft, light helicopters, covert surveillance aircraft, and unmanned vehicles. The diversity of its aviation products made it unique. At the time the business was sold to Sikorsky Aircraft in 2004, Schweizer Aircraft was the oldest privately-owned aircraft manufacturer in the world. It is a remarkable story that will inspire others with a passion and a dream.

This book tells the story of Schweizer sailplanes and includes a chapter on each of the 22 glider types and variations that were built and flown by the company. It describes how each type was developed, its purpose and gives the details of its construction, special features and how it flew. Outstanding flights made by each type are also included. Specification sheets give precise dimensional details and three-view drawings will assist all interested model builders. Many rare and unique photographs have been borrowed from the company archives to illustrate this book. --fly leaf.