Ferry Flying – Delivering Aircraft around the world for MAF

Flying across this massive expanse of water I got to thinking about the people who went before us. So I did a little research.

In reading about aviation history I also got to thinking about MAF and the work done by their pilots and staff and donors. They too are stretching the feats of aviation by flying in some of the most remote and challenging parts of the world and through their sharing the good news and bringing the world and people together.

Please bare with me if you are interested to read this little history bit- while Dylan was manning the controls – I had a lot of time en flight to read and write:)

The beginning of the 20th century seems to be marked by bravado and excitement in the aviation history with aviators competing in the race of flight – who can get up in the air – do a trick or two – go the fastest – go the highest – go the farthest – who can get across the grand expanse of the ocean and get to the other side.

I will share just a few of the men and women who made aviation history.

In 1909 Louis Bleriot – a French aircraft designer and self trained pilot was first to fly over an expanse of water when he flew a 37 minute flight across the English Channel .

It is remarkable how quickly flight expanded its horizons.

Only 3 years later – in 1911, Cal Roger’s – a deaf student of the Wright brothers – after only 90 minutes of flight lessons- established one the the first American aviation records when he flew across America from New York to California.

Ferrying planes around the world as we do – with all our navigational and communication equipment – where we are able to effectively plan around weather and communicate and be monitored on the ground in real time. The risks taken by these early pilots is truly admirable.

After WW1 – in the ‘20’s – barnstorming became a very popular source of entertainment – many former WW1 pilots performed tricks and feats with “Jenny” biplanes for money. Pilots who were barnstorming seemed to also be the ones who in the early years stretched the limits of flying around the world.

Charles Lindbergh – a former barnstormer made history on May 20, 1927, when he became the first person to fly the Atlantic Ocean solo – nonstop. This became a catalyst and inspiration for many pilots.

After crossing the Atlantic – the Pacific Ocean became the next logical challenge. A year later, in 1928, Australian aviators Charles Kingsford-Smith and Charles T.P. Ulm took off from Oakland, California and landed in Brisbane, Australia -a flight that spanned 11,585 km – becoming the first pilots to fly across the Pacific.

One of the most remarkable aviation endurance and distance records of this era was set by former barnstormer and one-eyed pilot, Wiley Post. Post and Australian pilot Harold Garry took off in 1931 from Long Island and made it around the world in 8 days, 15 hours and 51 minutes.

And of course – the famous Amelia Earhart, who after being inspired by the barnstormers – got her pilot licence in 1922. Over the next 15 years she set several women’s speed, altitude and transcontinental records and became the first women to solo across the Pacific Ocean. Her ultimate goal was to be the first to fly around the world at its widest point – close to the equator. She set out in 1937, with roughly 7000 miles left to go, Earhart and her navigator Fred Nolan disappeared in bad weather near Howland Island in the Pacific.

I started reading some Amelia quotes. Her words captured the excitement of this time in flight. (Again – I have a lot of time to write – so please forgive my many words – and if Dylan doesn’t edit out my lengthy post – lol – I just thought her words were such fun and wanted to share:

“What do dreams know of boundaries”

“Everyone has oceans to fly, if they have the heart to do it.  Is it reckless?  Maybe.  But what do dreams know of boundaries”

“Some of us have great runways already built for us.  If you have one, take off..  But if you don’t have one, realize it is your responsibility to grab a shovel and build one for yourself and for those who will follow after you”

“Adventure is worth while”

“The best way to do it is to do it”

“Who would refuse an invitation to such a shining adventure”

“It was generally called the “powder puff derby” and those who flew it variously as “Lady birds” “Angels” or “Sweethearts” (We are still trying to get ourselves called just “pilots”)”

So so many stories of pilots and their feats – these are just a few! Such fun to look back and remember.

If you got to the end of this – thank you for your patience and endurance of my writing. Needless to say – I am inspired and even more excited and so very grateful to be able to fly across this vast blue ocean.

We are now in Hilo, Hawaii – the flight yesterday was better than forecasted and it took 13 hours – smooth sailing…