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Alcock and Brown: The First to Fly the Atlantic Non-Stop

Everett Bell

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Published in Yesterday We Were In America: Alcock And Brown First To Fly The Atlantic Non Stop

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On June 14, 1919, two British aviators, John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown, made history by completing the first non-stop transatlantic flight. Their journey, from Newfoundland to Ireland, marked a significant milestone in aviation and paved the way for future commercial air travel.

The Aircraft and Crew

The aircraft used for the flight was a Vickers Vimy, a twin-engine biplane that was modified for long-distance flight. It was equipped with extra fuel tanks, a radio, and a navigation system that included a sextant and a chronometer.

Yesterday We Were In America: Alcock and Brown, First to Fly the Atlantic Non-Stop

by Peter Doggett

4.5 out of 5

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Alcock, a former Royal Navy pilot, was the captain of the aircraft. He was joined by Brown, a navigator and engineer who had previously served in the Royal Flying Corps.

The Flight

The journey began at St. John's, Newfoundland, at 1:45 pm on June 14, 1919. The weather conditions were favorable, with clear skies and light winds.

For the first few hours, the flight proceeded smoothly. However, as night fell, the weather began to deteriorate. The aircraft encountered heavy rain, fog, and strong winds. Alcock and Brown were forced to fly at low altitudes to avoid the worst of the conditions.

As they approached the Irish coast, the weather improved slightly. Just before dawn on June 15, they sighted land near Clifden, Ireland. However, their fuel was running low, and they were forced to make an emergency landing on a bog near the village of Derrygimlagh.

The Landing and Aftermath

The landing was rough, and the aircraft crashed into a stone wall. However, Alcock and Brown survived the crash with only minor injuries.

The flight had taken 16 hours and 28 minutes. The distance covered was approximately 1,890 miles (3,040 km).

The successful completion of the transatlantic flight was a major triumph for aviation. Alcock and Brown were hailed as heroes, and they were awarded the Royal Aero Club's Gold Medal for their achievement.

Legacy

The flight of Alcock and Brown had a profound impact on aviation and its future. It demonstrated the feasibility of long-distance air travel and inspired others to attempt similar feats.

In the years that followed, commercial airlines began to offer transatlantic flights. Today, air travel is an essential part of global transportation, and it is taken for granted by millions of people around the world.

The legacy of Alcock and Brown lives on. They are remembered as pioneers of aviation, and their flight continues to inspire generations of aviators.

Additional Information

The Vickers Vimy that was used for the flight is on display at the Science Museum in London.
Alcock and Brown were knighted by King George V in recognition of their achievement.
The town of Clifden, Ireland, where Alcock and Brown landed, has a museum dedicated to the flight.

Yesterday We Were In America: Alcock and Brown, First to Fly the Atlantic Non-Stop

by Peter Doggett

4.5 out of 5