Wings #6 - McDougle

1.  I believe that the most significant impact that aviation has had, and will continue to have on the world is the changes in conflict and war.  The ability to fly over both land and sea is what brought about global wars, rather than war occurring between just neighboring countries or cities.  This threat, and eventual execution of a war being brought to all corners of the world helped to jumpstart not only the development of more advanced aircraft, but also the creation of many other technologies including those used for weather prediction, radio communication, and navigation. The globalization brought on by the development of aviation did not only impact war, though.  International commerce has enabled economic growth for many countries.  Humanitarian aid is now more readily available, because remote areas can be accessed more quickly with air support that can provide resources.  The first one hundred years of flight had an impact on so many different aspects of the world, but its affect on war was very significant.

2.  It is difficult to even consider what the next one hundred years of innovation will bring to the areas of aviation and all other forms of technology.  Many people, including Orville Wright, witnessed in their lifetimes both the first flight as well as the first airplane to break the sound barrier.  One advancement of the twenty first century is the improvement of unmanned aircraft, or drones.  Eventually drones might be able to fly in the same areas as manned aircraft, or perform missions that are more advanced than just exploration.  Another area that I believe will achieve significant growth is space travel.  Satellites already occupy outer space and there is continuous research being completed utilizing said satellites as well as space shuttles.  Perhaps the future will bring about the ability for astronauts to safely visit and research other planets in person.  Cost is an additional change that could be experienced throughout this century.  The cost of commercial flights has been affected by security and competition, but maybe innovation and research could lower fuel expenditures and lower prices so that it is more affordable for consumers.