Aviation History Research Guides
Expert guidance from Charles E. MacKay, renowned aviation historian with over 12 years of research experience
About These Guides
These research guides are based on decades of experience investigating aviation history. Each methodology has been proven through the publication of 18 authoritative books and is used by researchers worldwide for academic and historical projects.
Scottish Aviation Heritage Research
Essential guide to researching Scotland's aviation history, from early pioneers to modern developments.
Key Research Topics
- •Beardmore Aviation Company archives
- •Clydeside shipbuilding and aviation connections
- •Scottish aviation pioneers and manufacturers
- •RAF stations and training facilities in Scotland
- •Primary source locations and archives
Essential Resources
- →National Records of Scotland
- →Glasgow City Archives
- →Royal Museum of Flight
- →Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum
World War I Aviation Research
Comprehensive methodology for researching Great War aircraft, pilots, and military aviation operations.
Key Research Topics
- •RFC (Royal Flying Corps) records and personnel
- •RNAS (Royal Naval Air Service) operations
- •German aircraft identification and development
- •British aircraft manufacturers during WWI
- •Pilot training and casualties research
Essential Resources
- →The National Archives (Kew)
- →Imperial War Museums
- →RAF Museum Hendon
- →Cross & Cockade International
World War II Aircraft Research
Advanced research techniques for WWII aviation history, focusing on aircraft development and operations.
Key Research Topics
- •Luftwaffe aircraft and operations
- •British aircraft development 1939-1945
- •Test pilot programs and experimental aircraft
- •Aircraft production statistics and factories
- •Combat operations and squadron histories
Essential Resources
- →Bundesarchiv (German Federal Archives)
- →Churchill Archives Centre
- →Fleet Air Arm Museum
- →American Air Museum
Aviation Biography Research
Methods for researching aviation pioneers, test pilots, and industry figures.
Key Research Topics
- •Service records and military careers
- •Personal papers and correspondence
- •Company histories and industrial archives
- •Newspaper and magazine coverage
- •Oral history projects and interviews
Essential Resources
- →British Newspaper Archive
- →Flight International archives
- →Royal Aeronautical Society
- →Society of Experimental Test Pilots
Helicopter and Rotorcraft Research
Specialized guidance for researching early helicopter development and autogyro history.
Key Research Topics
- •Cierva autogyro development
- •British helicopter pioneers
- •Test flight records and development
- •Industrial helicopter applications
- •Military helicopter adoption
Essential Resources
- →Science Museum archives
- →Helicopter Museum Weston-super-Mare
- →Cierva estate papers
- →Westland Aircraft archives
Research Tips & Best Practices
Primary Sources
- 💡Always start with official military records and government archives
- 💡Company archives often contain technical drawings and correspondence
- 💡Personal diaries and letters provide unique perspectives
- 💡Contemporary newspapers offer valuable context and public reaction
Secondary Sources
- 💡Cross-reference multiple historical accounts for accuracy
- 💡Check bibliography citations for additional source leads
- 💡Academic dissertations often contain unpublished research
- 💡Aviation magazines provide technical details and industry news
Digital Resources
- 💡Online archives are expanding but don't replace physical visits
- 💡Digital newspaper databases enable keyword searching
- 💡Government databases often have military personnel records
- 💡Museums increasingly digitize their photographic collections
Need Research Assistance?
These guides represent decades of aviation history research experience. For specific research questions or collaboration opportunities, contact us directly.