Grand Central Air Terminal (CA) (Images of Aviation) [Paperback]

John Underwood (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 18, 2006

From 1923, when it was known as the Glendale Airport, to the World War II era, when the military took it over, Grand Central Air Terminal was the main commercial airport serving Southern California and the ancestral home of what became Convair (General Dynamics) and Hughes Aircraft. The first scheduled transcontinental passenger service was flown out of Grand Central by Charles Lindbergh, with Amelia Earhart among the passengers. Grand Central had the first paved runway west of the Rocky Mountains, and was a terminal for Pickwick, TWA, American, and Pan Am's Mexican subsidiary. After Pearl Harbor, commercial operations ceased and the Army Air Corps turned Grand Central into a training center and a key element in the air defenses for Los Angeles when a Japanese invasion seemed imminent.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Underwood, the author of a dozen books and scores of articles, drew on his extensive collection of historical aviation images to create this comprehensive pictorial tour through the formative years of commercial aviation in the West. Underwood learned to fly at the Glendale School of Aeronautics in 1949 while employed by Grand Central Aircraft, then refurbishing World War II-era C-46 Commandos, B-25s, and P-51 Mustangs for use by Third World allies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (December 18, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738546828
• ISBN-13: 978-0738546827
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,425,664 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book!, May 11, 2009

By 

Susan (South Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Grand Central Air Terminal (CA) (Images of Aviation) (Paperback)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The photos of the old airplanes, and the history of early flight is fascinating. Would recommend this highly.

4.0 out of 5 stars Flying in the past, February 25, 2008

By 

Loretta Maxwell (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Grand Central Air Terminal (CA) (Images of Aviation) (Paperback)

I bought this book for my boyfriend who is a private pilot and flew into Grand Central when he was young. He got a lot out of the book in memories which was my reason for giving it to him.
It was my first purchase from Amazon and I was pleased with the ease in buying from them so I bought part of my Christmas presents from them.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good overview of long-forgotten airport..., February 8, 2008

By 

D. B. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Grand Central Air Terminal (CA) (Images of Aviation) (Paperback)

Grand Central Air Terminal (CA) (Images of Aviation)

The book covers all aspects of the history of this now closed airport, filling a gap in my knowledge of the history of aviation in the L.A. area. It contains many photos of unusual aircraft, both military and civilian. I found it a bit light on the "airline" side of things. I found it worthwhile and would appreciate more of this type covering more Socal aviation history. (Santa Ana/Orange County, anyone?)