Bookvica

[EDUCATION FOR PILOTS] Fizicheskaia kul’tura i aviatsiia: Sbornik statei i zametok o fizicheskoi podgotovke letchikov i parashutistov [i.e. Physical Culture and Aviation: Collection Of Articles And Notes About Training Pilots And Parachutists]

Moscow: Fizkul’tura i sport, 1939. Item #1293

128 pp.: ill., 1 ill. 22x15 cm. In original illustrated wrappers. Small fragments of spine edges lost, two pale stains on front cover and two first leaves, covers slightly rubbed, some colored pencil underlinings, otherwise very good.

First and only edition. One of 8000 copies.
The edition is about organism reactions to speedy flights and turns at high altitude – and what complexes of physical exercises had been developed for pilots by Soviet physicians and scholars. In general, it overviewed gliding, airplane and balloon flights, parachute jumping and aircraft modeling popularized among Soviet youth.
In the early 1920s, the Soviet Union started mass aviation propaganda and involvement of Soviet people in raising money for airplane construction. In 1923, the Society of Friends of the Air Fleet was established and became the first of its kind. Later, its campaigns were organized by Aviakhim (1925-1927), Osoaviakhim (1927-1948) and DOSAAF (1951 - until now). Osoaviakhim was the most mass organization for arming, aviation and chemical defence during the period of Stalin’s power. One of its main activities was wide propaganda of military knowledge, in particular aviation. Young male and female workers were engaged in avia sport in their free time attending classes in aviation clubs. An annual Aviation Day was first held in 1933 straightening their interest.
Parachute jumping was widely introduced into training of youth in 1933 as well. In that year, 69 parachutists simultaneously jumped over the Moscow Central Aerodrome - and this number increased up to 2200 in 1937. International records were broken by male and female parachutists - names of some jumpers were published in this book.
An educational program of pilots contained exercises on gymnastics wheels of varying complexity that developed their vestibular system, as well as common sports and physical activities. All required fields and playgrounds were organized on territories of aviation colleges and institutes. Students of these institutions participated in sports competitions and Soviet propaganda of physical culture was even more important for them.

Worldcat doesn’t track this edition.

Price: $750.00