Ryan “Spirit of St. Louis”, McCook Field, Dayton, OH, Aug. 1927

The Drew Taylor Aircraft Collection documents a variety of aircraft, primarily from the mid-20th century, with both photographs and technical information. Through this collection, researchers may gain insight into not only the aircraft that were put into production, but also those that remained in the experimental stages of development. The collection is divided into two series.

Series I, Photographs, is the largest series and contains photographs of aircraft and helicopters/ vertical take-off aircraft. The series is grouped according to aircraft photographs, helicopters and vertical take-off aircraft, and general aircraft photographs with largest grouping being aircraft. Within each grouping, the photographs are arranged in alphabetical order according to manufacturer. At the end of this series is a photograph album containing photographs taken by Mr. Taylor at various locations or events, including photographs taken at the Air Force "Bone Yard" at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ.

Series II, General Aircraft Information, contains general information about aircraft and helicopters. The first grouping contains information about aircraft and the second groups contains information on helicopters. Mostly the files contain drawings and a few articles or technical information brochures on a specific aircraft or helicopter. The last grouping contains publication and manuals. Of note is a flight manual for the C-47. Other publications include a 1974 Aerospace Information Handbook on Air Force vehicles, and a 1970 booklet giving the background information on Air Force Aces.