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The world's first commercial airline
On Jan. 1, 1914, the world's first scheduled passenger airline service took off from St. Petersburg, FL and landed at its destination in Tampa, FL, about 17 miles (27 kilometers) away. The St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line was a short-lived endeavor — only four months — but it paved the way for today's daily transcontinental flights. (www.space.com) More...
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Check out Kermit Weeks attempt to recreate the Benoist. He spent a ton in a gallant effort. He’s quite a guy!!
Half of the passengers were detained for trying to carry on weapons, twenty-five percent for in cabin disturbance, and the rest were skyjacked to Cuba. LOL
The flights also carried mail, so it was the beginning of Air Mail.
As others have said: great story. And the pics aren't too shabby, either. The vignette about setting down in mid-flight to adjust the engine, and then just getting on with it? The best!
Imagine if they (the pilot and the owner) wanted to try it today: they'd be micro-managed into Tampa Bay by dozens, if not hundreds, of self-important little bureaucrats.
Imagine if they (the pilot and the owner) wanted to try it today: they'd be micro-managed into Tampa Bay by dozens, if not hundreds, of self-important little bureaucrats.
Learned about Tony Jannus and the first flight while living in LAL. You can't wander around TPA airport without at least hearing about him and the flight.
Perhaps after QANTAS
