March 30th
March 30th
Daily Flight Information:
The World Flyers are preparing their aircraft for the official start of the Round-the-World flight on April 4th.
Bill Boeing (at left) visiting the crew at Sand Point. (San Diego Air & Space Museum)
The World Cruisers used two types of propellers: oak with the pontoons, because it is very sturdy and resistant to sea spray; and walnut with the wheels, because it is lighter and better propeller wood. They were made by the Hamilton Aero Company. (Museum of Flight)
The Seattle ready for Flight Testing after Pontoons are Installed
The first World Cruiser "Seattle" piloted by Round-the-World Commander, Maj. F.L. Martin is ready for testing after the landing wheels were replaced by pontoons. The pontoons are necessary because no airfields are available in the mostly uninhabited coastal areas of western Canada and southern and western Alaska.
Maj. Martin will fly his plane on a few test hops during the next couple of days to get used to taking off and landing on water, something Army pilots usually leave to the Navy.
Boeing Lends a Hand
When the Cruisers first landed in Seattle William Boeing visited several times to talk with the crews, view the aircraft, and offer his company’s help in person. To that end, Boeing workers assisted in acquiring items such as anchors and ropes, clothing, and many other sundry items. However, their big job was the removal of the wheels on the landing gear and the attachment of the large 25-foot-long pontoon floats that would be necessary for the initial over-water portion of the flight. In addition, the Number 3 aircraft, Boston required some welding repair in the tail skid area due to a pothole strike on the trip north to Seattle.
The Seattle Chamber of Commerce has also been helping out by organizing events for the beginning and end of the flight. They are also responsible for the construction of the dock at Sand Point that the crews are using.
Boeing workers carrying the enormous pontoons across the dock. (Museum of Flight)
An example of some of the supplies Boeing helped acquire. (San Diego Air & Space Museum)
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