Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1909-10-08
tBy Aeronaut Jos. A. Blondin) l..

; tBy Aeronaut Jos. A. Blondin).
That there are two sides to every
question is proverbial, by virtue of its
truth. Applying this truism to the
problem of aerial navigation. we are
confronted by the fact that there are
two means designed to solve said
problem; machines based upon eight
err and heavier than air" principles.
The first being in conformity to ply
steal laws and their application, while
the second Is based upon applied me-
chanical laws.
The type demonstrating the lighter
than air principle is the balloon in all
its modifications--the "Montgolfier"
OF hot air balloon, the common spher-
ical gas balloon, and the cigar shaped
IN motor balloon or d%irigible.
The type distinctive Of the heavier
than air principle is the aeroplane in
all its NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS., BIZ
plane. triplane, etc.
Which is the best aerial vessel or
type?. As well might one ask. which
is the best marine vessel; the Indian
canoe, or the Transatlantic passenger
carrying steamship. These questions
have but one answer-neither and
Doth.
In other words, each type is best in
It's particular field. They are not ri
walls. AS the canoe serves a purpose
for which the steamship is wholly UNI
fit, and vice versa, so also, the balloon
will ever serve for purposes, and un-
der conditions, that the acroplane can
never contest, and vice versa.
Granted that each type has its adj
AZ. ., , ~ unc . ~ raH,,t.-,,- Ill
the two, will cover the widest cope
Of general usefulness. OF practical
utility: of common usage? This Dues
ton win call forth many 1t
Is open to individual consideration and
opinion. The writer's opinion Chased
upon, and is a result of years of
study of the history and development
of the science of aeronautics, n up
on the teachings of practical exper-
fence n the consequent knowledge
OF all the varied conditions surround
ing and distinctive Of this complex
science) is as long as the choice lies
between the balloon and aeroplane
types, unqualifiedly in favor of the
balloon; because, Gas regards the bal
loon the writer has in mind) the
points in its favor are of proven
worth, and challenge serious consider
alton in these days when the aero
plane holds the center of the stage
and the spotlight of public interest.
The Balloons Advantage.
The balloon is superior in less first
cost, less maintenance cost, less ex-
p%erience to operate; longest duration
of voyage, longest distance. greatest
carrying capacity, greatest range Of
altitude, greatest independence of
weather conditions. greatest safety.
The Aeroplane's Distinctive Feature.
In the item of speed alone does the
aeroplane excel. And then, only con-
~ditionally; there being occasions re-
quiring too explicit analysis to be ex-
planned within the limits of this arti-
Gle when a balloon might easily out
distance the Speediest aerorlane. But, :
generally speaking, the acroplane is a
machine built for speed. In fact,
the very nature of its operation is de-
pendent upon speed; and for
of sport, where speed-mania is the
sensation sought, the %aeroplane will
always claim numerous votaries.
Right here. one might take eXcep-
tion TO the writer's generalization in
iaNor OF the balloon, on the score of
ms omission of the one feature, dis
tnctlVe of the aeroplane, which might
throw the balance Of practicality over
the aeroplane side of the foreGoingi
comparison. It's ability to return to its
starting point after each flight. But
TINS one argument in favor of the aer-
opiane holds, only when posed against
the ordinary spherical gas balloon. 1t
1alis of effect if applied against the
uirigible balloons currently built and
operated, in Europe, which return
10 their hangers or sheds, at the
expiration OF a voyage, as frequently
n with as much certainty as is with
in the power of any aeropIane.
Balloon and Acroplane Records.
Voyage Aviator
Distance .....1250 miles. -. French
Duration ......73 hours. Swiss
Attitude 49,. 36,G7S feet Herman
The dirigibIe type Of balloon has
made the following records:
Distance. $50 miles; speed. approx
imately 80 miles per hour: type, Ger
man.
Distance, $50 miles: speed. approx
lmatcly so miles per hour: type,
French.
'''0N III iSiDits tdIIN clSnl 10 tNtn-
~ passengers.
World records of speed. distance and
of flight by means of aero
planes were established during "Avia-
tlon Week" August egg, 1909, at
France.
Distance, liz miles; aviator.
French.
Duration 3 hours. Is minutes, avia-
tor. French.
speed, approximately I mile per &.
aviator. American.
\ Prophecy.
The writer has long maintained that
ultimate solution Of the problem