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Aviation History
1928
1928 - 0504.PDF
JUNE 21, 1928 ANOTHER ATLANTIC FLIGHT THE first seaplane of the pontoon type to fly the Atlanticis a Fokker FVII monoplane fitted with three Wright " Whirlwind " (200 h.p.) engines. It brought the firstwoman air passenger across the Atlantic, Miss Amelia Earhart, The pilot was Commander Wilmer Stultz, and Mr. Gordonwas the mechanic. This seaplane, named the " Friendship," left Trepassey, Newfoundland, at 2.51 p.m. on June 17,and landed at Burry Port near Llanelly on the South Wales coast at 12.40 p.m., the following day, June 18. Thus thejourney took about 21 hours for a distance of 2,100 miles, and the speed was 100 m.p.h. It was only after very many attempts that the seaplanelifted off the water at Trepassey, and only with a reduced load of petrol. About 770 gallons were on board. Badweather reigned after the American coast was left, and, owing to the load, it was some time before much altitudecould be gained. Wireless communication enabled them to pick up the positions of two ships. About two hours afterthe start they reported passing over Grand Banks, 61 miles Commander Wilmer Stultz was the pilot to Mrs. Graysonlast year during her many futile attempts to cross the Atlantic in the Sikorsky " Dawn." Fortunately, he was not withher on her final fatal attempt when the machine disappeared on the first stage from New York to Newfoundland and theentire crew were lost, He is 28 years of age, and served in the Army Air Service from 1917 to 1919, then three yearsin the Naval Air Service. In 1923 he went to South America for the Curtiss Aeroplane Co. to deliver 40 machines to theBrazilian Navy, which he erected and then tested. Later he entered commercial aviation. Mr. Gordon, his mechanic, was also in the Army AirService, and has been with the Reynolds Airways as flight mechanic for two years.Miss Earhart is an experienced pilot, and is 30 years of age. She belongs to Atchison, Kansas, served in theCanadian Red Cross in 1917-18, and then entered the Columbia University. Her recent work has been among children ata social centre in Boston. Hawker-May 1919 N.C.4.- May 1919. Alcock.-June 1919. - R.34.-July 1924. 2.R. 3.-October 1924. Lindbergh-May 1927 Chamberjjn - June 1927 — Byrd- July 1927. Brock-August 1927 Miss Elder-October 1927 •• Bremen'-April 1928. Miss Earharf- June 192 ft ATLANTIC FLIGHTS : The above sketch map shows the various Atlantic flights, successful and other-wise, made since 1919. east of Cape Race, and an hour later the White Star linerAlbertic, which left Montreal on June 14 for Southampton, was in communication, and received word that all was O.K.At 6.5 p.m. the machine reported to the liner, Concordia, that it was making 110 m.p.h., and at 8.45 p.m. the Liverpoolsteamer, Rexmore was asked for its position by loud signals, although the monoplane itself was not seen. After anothermessage at 10.30 p.m., nothing was heard for several hours ; then at 10.30 the following morning, the machine circled theliner, America, 72 miles east of Cjueenstown. Notes were dropped, but failed to hit the mark. Shortly after midday the machine was heard over Llanelly,and it finally landed at 12.40 p.m. and taxied towards a buoy in Burry Port. When boats drew alongside the air crew,queried their position, and on being informed they stated they thought it was the Bristol Channel. Petrol had runout, otherwise it was their intention to land at Southampton. Commander Stultz went ashore to arrange for furthersupplies of petrol, but Miss Earhart and Mr. Gordon remained on board. Meanwhile Mrs. F. E. Guest, wife of Capt. F. E.Guest, awaited them at Southampton. Mrs. Guest, who is an American, financed the flight to the extent of £8,000.Capt. Railey, who was the agent in this country, arrived by air from Southampton. Mrs. Guest was herself desirous of taking part in the flight,but was persuaded not to, and she gave the opportunity to Miss Earhart, who kept her plans silent. It is said that herparents were not aware of her intentions until they read of them in the press. Mrs. Guest's main object was to ensurethat a seaplane equipped with wireless was used, and a woman given the honour of crossing the Atlantic. Also she wishedto assist in promoting Anglo-American relations. A lighter touch to the flight was the suggestion of competition betweenher and Miss Mabel Boll, who has been anxious to fly the Atlantic either way in any way and at any cost for some time.It was uncertain who would start first, but now that she has been robbed of the honour it is her reported intention ofshipping her monoplane, " Miss Columbia," to England, and essaying an east-to-west flight. Commander Stultz washer pilot, until he suddenly joined Miss Earhart's party, much to the former lady's consternation. The following telegram was sent by Sir Samuel Hoare,the Secretary of State for Air; to the United States Ambassa- dor in London :—" Please accept and convey to Miss Earhartand Mr. Wilmer Stultz and their companions, the Air Council's warm congratulations on successful completion of theirAtlantic flight." (Concluded on Page 476) 460
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