The system was made up of towers with varying types of rotating lights, patterned after ship lighthouses. The towers were eventually constructed every 15 miles. Each tower had a large concrete arrow by the side of it, pointing north. Parts of this light system remained in service as late as 1970; several towers are still in use today in the Montana mountains. Due to the unreliability of early airplanes, emergency landing fields were also constructed every 30-50 miles.

In the early 1920s, the aircraft manufacturing industry was slow to develop as surplus Jennies continue to glut the market. Many aircraft companies closed their doors, while others barely survived. In less than a year, 90% of the aircraft production disappeared. This had a domino effect on the industry, slowing technological advances in every field including instruments, engines, construction methods, and the use of new alloys as airplanes began to go from wood frames to tube framing, and from cloth to metal skin. However, by the mid 1920s, several names in aviation production were beginning to emerge, William Boeing, Clyde Cessna, Glenn Curtis, Donald Douglas, James McDonnell, Al Moony, and John Northrop to name a few. All were convinced that they could build something bigger or better.

Historians have labeled the early years of aviation from 1925 to 1940 as the Golden Years. I personally do not see early aviation as the Golden Years of Aviation. I think that the Golden years are today, or perhaps they began as early as the 1960s when the modern space and the amazing electronic revelations first began to emerge! Aviation, itself, is a romantic endeavor that has always attracted dreamers and adventurers. To me the early years of aviation define a Romantic Era when aviation was filled with fearless, colorful, romantic, characters. On the other hand, doesn't that describe the pilot of today as well? Aviation has always attracted those who are unique.

Mardell Haskins is a 65 years old widow with 8 children, 25 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. She lives on Lake Mead near Overton, Nevada, is a cross country air race pilot and retired construction heavy equipment operator, and a member of The Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots. She works with students and has a Scout Aviation Explorer Unit in Overton. She's the Founder and Chairman of Overton Airport Day (10 years) which gives free airplane rides to students, ages 8-17 called Young Eagles Flights. They have flown over 1,000 students. Mardell also does a lot of speaking at schools and organizations. She'll be speaking at a math forum for girls ages 8-10 in Erie, Penn in May. Mardell Haskins has organized women pilots groups for 99s in Brazil, Hungary, and Germany. She does a lot of international travel for the 99s and will be flying in a race in New Zealand in March and April of 2004.