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Introduction
- Louisiana State University Press
- Chapter
- Additional Information
1 INTRODUCTION Louisiana skies play a significant role in U.S. civil aviation. This collection of historic and contemporary photographs introduces the places and personalities associated with this little-known legacy. Spanning the Pelican State—from the banks of the Red River in Shreveport and Alexandria, the cotton fields of Monroe, and down to the bayou country of Houma, Patterson, Lake Charles, and Lafayette—these images offer a unique aerial journey through civilian aviation in Louisiana. Introduced here are the Louisiana personalities that made air travel an industry, inspiring and paving the way for today’s commercial and business aviation infrastructure that so heavily influences the lives and economies of our generation. Today, Louisiana is home to an incredible variety of aviation facilities dedicated to many specializations ranging from agricultural applications to petrochemical support and commercial airline travel. Several are capable of supporting the most complex global industry operations. In addition to its historic nature, this book also introduces what Louisiana offers the contemporary aviation community, giving Louisiana residents a heightened awareness of the economic value of these facilities statewide. Military aviation has played an integral role in the development of our state’s airports, and the influence of wartime operations is discussed in this narrative. However, the rich history of military aviation in Louisiana demands dedicated coverage all to itself, and a comprehensive narrative of such heroism will follow in a later companion publication. The objective of this volume is twofold. The first is to introduce the influential Louisiana citizens who have had an impact on American aviation. The second is to highlight some of the facilities that paved the way for aviation along Louisiana’s bayous, rivers, and farmlands. In an effort to most effectively introduce this important Louisiana story, this collection is presented in nontechnical terms and welcomes readers with little or no background in aviation. However, it will also pique the interest of those already acquainted with the subject matter. Contemporary Louisiana aviation is supported by a captivating sense of community. Promising young professionals desiring a future in the skies have access to a remarkable range of statewide resources. Intrastate aviation, like other industries, navigates through an endless series of peaks and troughs with variances in revenue that affect local economic bases. Louisiana’s aviation infrastructure is no exception. When fully functioning statewide aviation resources are present, supporting transportation for the businesses, industries, and personal pleasures of Louisiana communities, it inevitably attracts other businesses capable of creating jobs and increasing revenues, establishing firm support for our economy. Please sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight. This page intentionally left blank ...