R-34 landed at Mineola, NY - 1919

[b1lanc]

Picture taken shortly after the R-34 tied up at Mineola, NY July 6th, 1919.
Grandfather, father and uncle in the car. Interesting story. Nobody at Mineola knew how to coordinate landing an airship. Hence, a Maj Pritchard parachuted from the R-34 to supervise landing operations. 1st round-trip crossing of the Atlantic by air.

[Herod]

"As Major Fuller is away at Boston, Pritchard volunteers to take his place, and descends by parachute for the purpose, Greenland and Luck helping him through the window of the forward car. After about 150 feet the parachute opens well, Pritchard makes a good landing, and can claim to be the first man to land in America by means of the air.."

(The Log of HMA R34 Journey to America and Back: E.M. Maitland)

Fuller was in Boston because it was felt that the R34 may have to make a landing there due fuel. Maitland goes on:

"..and our total time for this outward journey from East Fortune to Mineola, New York, was 108 hours, 12 minutes. We have 140 gallons of petrol left, or two hours at full speed., so we couldn't have cut it much finer, and are lucky indeed to get through!"

[b1lanc]

Thanks for the clarification. That was cutting it close.

[joy ride]

Great photo, and wonderful to have relatives involved in this historic adventure!

[Planemike]

It would appear that this is the first East to West crossing of the Atlantic by any aircraft......??

[b1lanc]

Originally Posted by Planemike

It would appear that this is the first East to West crossing of the Atlantic by any aircraft......??

Believe so and the first round-trip.

[Allan Lupton]

Originally Posted by Planemike

It would appear that this is the first East to West crossing of the Atlantic by any aircraft......??

Yes it was, and is universally acknowledged as such.