September 9th
September 9th
Daily Flight Information:
Departed: New York, New York
Arrived: Washington DC
Miles Flown: 230
Flight Time: 5 hrs. 3 mins.
(9:35 a.m. to 1:13 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. to 3:55 p.m.)
Total Miles Flown: 21,070
Total Flight Time: 295 hrs. 27 min
World Fliers Meet the President
After Flight to Washington D.C.
Daily Report
by Lt. L. P. Arnold, "Chicago", Mechanic
At 9:30 we left for Washington in a strong head wind -- a wind so strong that for the first two hours we made only 35 & 38 miles respectively. South of Philadelphia we met a misty rain & finally stopped at Aberdeen [Maryland] in order that some of the escorting planes could take aboard more fuel -- landing at 1:20.
At 2:30 we took off again, and flew over Baltimore in a rain storm, and 8 miles south of Baltimore, plane #4 ["New Orleans"] suddenly had a forced landing which was safely made. Several of the other planes landed, among them General Patrick, and later we all proceeded to Bolling Field, landing at 3:55.
President Coolidge & the entire Cabinet had been waiting there in the rain since 11:00 a.m. -- which compliment we appreciated fully. The President was very accommodating in having his picture taken with us -- I hope they are good.
That evening General Patrick entertained at the Country Club where the Secretary of War, Theodore Roosevelt, Admiral Elberle, and many other notables were present.
Daily Report
by Lt. L. H. Smith, Commanding
This morning at 9:35 a.m., the flight left for Washington again following General Patrick [Chief of Air Service]. The start of the flight being made against a very strong wind greatly reduced the ground speed of the planes. South of Philadelphia rain was encountered and a little later the planes landed at Aberdeen in order that some of the escorting planes could take on fuel; landing was effected at 1:13.
At 2:30 p.m., the flight was again in the air, headed for Washington, DC Eight miles south of Baltimore, the :New Orleans" had a sudden motor failure and was forced to land. After circling and making certain that it could not continue, the "Chicago" and "Boston II" continued to Washington, DC, led by General Patrick, landing at Bolling Field at 3:55.
At Bolling Field, the fliers were honored by receiving the personal congratulations of President Calvin Coolidge and his entire Cabinet.