116. The History of Flight

Boeing and Douglas were rolling out the first jetliners. Pan American and TWA led the way by ordering fresh batches of 707’s and DC-8’s, ushering in the age of jetliner travel. But the airlines needed to attract lots of people to buy tickets and climb aboard. I guess the challenge they perceived was that there were too many who were uneasy with the idea of traveling in planes that could fly without propellers. Back then, a scary idea for many! And for others, air travel had previously been unappealing because of the long flight times and layovers; the news had to come out that jets were about to improve that; jets were safe, fast and affordable for everybody.

Someone my father knew from his sales calls told him that Boeing was going to invite a selection of key people to enjoy a free demo flight in a special 707 jet out of Idlewild Airport in New York (now JFK International.) It was probably just before the airlines began regular service cross country and to Europe. Dad was happy to be invited, and told me I could skip school and go with him to fly in an airplane. I’m sure that Mom, famously acrophobic, would have worried herself into a knot over our safety!

I had never been in any aircraft and was really excited. The whole experience of going to the airport and waiting to board was an adventure in itself.  In a huge hangar, we watched a film about jets and were served some refreshments. It must have been an occasion worth commemorating, because I remember there were souvenirs like model planes and postcards, and a photographer was taking group shots. Unfortunately, if I had any of that, it didn’t get saved.

We were led on a VIP red carpet across the tarmac and climbed the stairs into the plane, very likely one from Pan Am. The whole crew greeted everyone and the captain handed out wings pins.  The prettiest of all stewardesses got us seated and buckled in. Passengers were all associated with the aviation business or were journalists for aviation publications. I don’t remember there being other kids, probably because it was a school day. I had no idea what was going to happen, and was filled with nervous anticipation!

This was to be a short round trip flight out beyond end of Long Island and back, so no need for full tanks of fuel. We carried no luggage, the cargo bay and galley were empty, just passengers and crew on board.  The pilot wanted to impress the heck out of us, and took advantage of that light load by giving it maximum thrust for a dizzying takeoff, our bodies and heads pressed back into our seats. It was like nothing I’ve experienced in a jet since.  I wonder how it would have compared to a fighter jet taking off from an aircraft carrier!

It was a short and fairly low altitude flight on a clear day, lasting probably less than an hour. A thrilling scenic descent and perfect landing made a grand finale that brought up a round of cheers and applause from everyone on board. Upon arrival, we were greeted by something like a Dixieland band, airline officials, and news reporters. It may have been a big promo for the new way to fly, but at the time, I had no reason to think that this wasn’t a normal experience for all airplane passengers!

Maybe it wasn’t the first and only publicity flight of its kind in those early days. Nevertheless, as it all came back to mind recently, it occurred to me that I was participating in something very special. It might actually qualify as having been historic.         

Wow, what if I was a pioneer of aviation… my “giant leap for mankind?”