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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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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.
What a fascinating story! Does any Benoist Model 14 airboat still exist today?
There's one in the State of Iowa Historical Building. Plus a couple of replicas.
Oh man that's great!! I'm happy to hear that as so much of our aviation history has been lost (think Boeing's 314 Clipper). Thank you. I will make it a point to visit next time I get around to that part of the country.
Yes, St. Pete Museum of History
http://www.stpetemuseumofhistory.org/st-petersburg-museum-of-history-and-the-birth-of-commercial-aviation/
http://www.stpetemuseumofhistory.org/st-petersburg-museum-of-history-and-the-birth-of-commercial-aviation/
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.
