no means Tom's first ride in an aeroplane.

He had operated and built gasoline engines ever since he was
about sixteen years old. As related in the initial volume of this
series, entitled, "Tom Swift and His Motorcycle," he became
possessed of this machine after it had started to climb a tree
with Mr. Damon on board. After that experience the eccentric man
--blessing everything he could think of--had no liking for the
speedy motorcycle and sold it to Tom at a low price.

That was the beginning of a friendship between the two, and
also started Tom on his career as an inventor and a possessor of
many gasoline craft. For he was not content with merely riding
the repaired motorcycle. He made improvements on it.

Tom lived with his father in the town of Shopton, their home
being looked after, since the death of Mrs. Swift, by Mrs.
Baggert. Mr. Wakefield Damon lived in the neighboring town of
Waterfield, and spent much time at Tom's home, often going on
trips with him in various vehicles of the land, sea or air.

As related in the various volumes of this series, Tom was not
content to remain on earth. He built a speedy motor boat, and
then secured an airship, following that with a submarine. He also
made an electric runabout that was the speediest car on the road.
Sending wireless messages, having thrilling experiences among the
diamond makers, journeying to the caves of ice, and making
perilous trips in his sky racer took up part of the young
inventor's time.