Flying to France in the 'good' old days
Hi regle,
In due course we may discover an aviation experience you have not yet had...
Yonks ago, I read about a Brit pilot heading for France (1920/30s I recall) and arriving roughly overhead the aerodrome at night. He knew he was in the right place but there were simply no lights showing. He circled for twenty minutes and eventually the lights came on. The controller (total airfield staff - one) explained that he could hear the aircraft overhead, but he was finishing his evening meal, and monsieur could not possibly object to that, could he...?
A nice little booklet, the Imperial Airways Pilot's Handbook for 1924 has a few gems about the carriage of various items of freight. If gold bullion was being carried, the pilot was provided with a pistol. A lot of loyalty expected in those days...
At a guess, you might have flown the Chippie before it had the anti-spin strakes. If you did, did you happen to notice any big difference?
Cheers,
Dave