Neat video, this was America in its prime.

[Flysure1]

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Ms ... eature=pla

 

[Midlife]

This doesn't ring true: dead radio silence and no coordinated plan back to NY. Why? Someone has to arrange for fuel at specific stops and purchase it. This was a major problem for Amelia Earhart (similar trip only in reverse) in 1937. Somehow, telegrams had to be sent to specific locations to arrange fuel, oil, engine overhauls, etc. The film gave the impression that the pilot did this all on his own initiative.

 

[KBMWRS]

And they still had everyone's luggage that they left in New Zealand. :roll

 

[Ponyman66]

This doesn't ring true: dead radio silence and no coordinated plan back to NY. Why? Someone has to arrange for fuel at specific stops and purchase it. This was a major problem for Amelia Earhart (similar trip only in reverse) in 1937. Somehow, telegrams had to be sent to specific locations to arrange fuel, oil, engine overhauls, etc. The film gave the impression that the pilot did this all on his own initiative.

To compare Earhart's flight with the clipper's flight is apples and oranges. Everything from aircraft capabilities/duration to flight purpose and time frame is different. Juan Trippe had, for the most part, already established trans oceanic routes, fuel stops and support facilities for his Pan Am fleet..world wide. I would be willing to bet that the fuel stops outlined in the clip were either corporate or contract facilities already in use.
Due to it having been officially declared wartime, normal procedures and policies would have immediately gone out the door regarding fuel and servicing.

As far as radio silence, so?! No one in wartime flies around blabbing over the radio, especially in an unarmed civilian plane! Coordinated flight plan? Auckland to New York, via a westerly route. There's your coordinated flight plan. As a veteran pilot, the captain would have been well aware of facilities available (or at least available pre-war). "Gents, we fly from point "A" to point "B" based on max range calculations. If we need to divert there are/were alternate facilities at point "C". Otherwise we're on a wing and a prayer". Don't see how it doesn't ring true Randy.

 

[Midlife]

I agree with you. But the video narrative sorta implied complete secrecy with everyone involved.

And what was so special about a commercially available seaplane and its engine? Nada...

 

[Ponyman66]

I agree with you. But the video narrative sorta implied complete secrecy with everyone involved.

And what was so special about a commercially available seaplane and its engine? Nada...

They gotta add a little drama into the story I guess.

The actual feat of the plane and crew alone would have just been so boring! :sarc