Shorpy.com Image: Intrepid Aviators Circa 1911 - Hang On!

(click pic for hi-res)  The early days of aviation, and no seat belts!  From shorpy.com

 When you click the image above you'll get a big hi-res version over at shorpy.com, and it'll give you a really up close view of these two intrepid aviators believed to be somewhere near Washington D.C. and around the year 1911. The expressions on their faces are really interesting to me, along with the idea that there doesn't appear to be seat belts of any kind installed! I've never studied the issue of aircraft seat belts, but I believe it was pretty common in that era to simply trust in the idea of 'hang on'. 

 Those expressions almost look like something out of a crazy old movie, one of those over-acted comedies, but there's every reason to believe this is all for real. Imagine the thoughts going thru their heads as they are about to light the fire on that water-cooled engine swinging a huge pusher prop. The pilot looks confident and eager while the young lady looks a little less sure of it all but still somewhat confident as seen in the relatively comfortable way she is holding onto the airplane structure. And of course the fabric strap tied around the bottom of her dress is a fascinating insight into the entire thought process related to early open-air aircraft flying.

 Early aviators were either amazing adventurers or remarkably clueless people, or maybe a little of both. But it's hard not to be impressed with people like these two who are about to go experience the wonder of flight. They probably had no idea of the incredible trail they blazing.

 Be sure to click the pic to see the hi-res version of the image along with a few more details. And while you're there at shorpy.com, take some time and explore their fascinating hi-res image world of life in the last 100 years.