Did you know that the record breaking first flight around the world started and ended in the Pacific Northwest? This epic adventure took off in early April, 1924. It was a global race between Argentina, England, France, Italy and America for the prestigious title of being the first nation to circle the world!
Eight brave and daring Army Air Service fliers in four single engine, bi-wing aircraft departed Sand Point Field in Seattle on 6 April headed north to Alaska on the first leg of their amazing mission.
One of the four planes crashed in Alaska, but the crew was rescued after 10 harrowing days in the wilderness. A second aircraft ditched in the North Atlantic while attempting to reach Greenland. This crew was picked up by the U.S. Navy. But, 175 days after takeoff and after surviving artic winds, the humidity of Asia, the blistering sun of the Middle East plus fog and icebergs over the Atlantic, the two remaining flight crews returned home to Sand Point on Sept 28 “victorious” in making America the winner! A huge welcoming crowd estimated to be 50,000 people were on hand to welcome them back.
Now you can be part of the exciting 100 year celebration of this amazing and historic event. On Saturday, Sep 28th, a commemorative celebration will be held at the Sand Point launch point. The event opens at 10 am and is free to the public. The celebration will feature displays, guest speakers plus a fly-by of historic aircraft to include a World War II B-29 heavy bomber named “FiFi”.
Be a part of aviation history! More details at FirstFlightAroundTheWorld.com
