How did Aviation Technology Change the World?

Aviation is the term used to refer to the design, development, and operation of aircraft. The aviation industry has changed the world in many ways, in the context of air transportation, general aviation, and military technology. The transportation of goods and people via aircraft has truly made the world a smaller place, by opening up trade routes and giving people access to other cultures. Aviation can be split into the distinct areas of civil and military aviation, and the former can also be split into air transport and general aviation. Whether you are using civil or military examples, the technology of aviation has had a huge impact on the world since its inception in the early 20th century. Aviation and aircraft design has become more and more advanced over the latter few years, with aircrafts now carrying the very latest in aircraft parts.
 

Military and Civil Aviation

Military technology and aircraft development has changed the nature of international warfare in the 20th century, and had a huge impact on the global relationships between different nations. The availability of military aviation technology has changed the power relationships between a number of countries around the world, and has had a huge effect on the international political sphere.

While many cultures around the world have used kites and projectiles since the dawn of time, modern aviation began in 1783 with the first hot air balloon. However, the first heavier than air flight took place on December 17, 1906 with the Wright brothers. An aviation industry did not really exist until the later half of the 20th century, due in part to developments that took place with military aircraft in the Second World War. After WWII, especially in the United States, general aviation took off in a big way with the development of a number of new aircraft. In the 1950s, the first ever widely-used passenger jet was developed, named the Boeing 707.

Since this time, air travel has become an important aspect of global society, as people travel around the world on business and holiday and have access to goods from the other side of the world. Civil aviation can be categorised as either general aviation or air transport, the later of which is concerned with the transportation of goods and people around the world and the former of which is involved with unscheduled flying. The industry in air transport has had perhaps the biggest effect on global culture and business, although general aviation has also changed a number of practices in agriculture and recreation.