Across The Atlantic

Piloting a Vickers-Vimy biplane, Captain John Alcock from Britain and US navigator Lieutenant Arthur Brown became the first people to fly non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean. They left Newfoundland on 15 June 1919 flying through fog and sleet storms to crash land in an Irish bog 16 hours 12 minutes later. They covered the 3,040km (1,900 miles) at an average speed of 192 Km/h (120 mph).

Keeping Warm
Early aircraft gave little protection to the pilots, who sat in uncomfortable seats that were open to the elements. Wool-Lined leather jackets, sheepskin-lined gloves and boots, windproof leather helmets, and goggles were all needed to keep out the cold.


Air Shows
Displays of flying skills quickly became popular as bold young aviators demonstrated inredible feats above the heads of adoring crowds. Many became superstars- Louis Paulham earned more than one million francs from his flying exploits.