The Washington times., 1909-10-26
Lieutenants Humphreys and
Lahm Guide Aeroplane
Like Old Hands.
FIRST SUCH TRIPS
IN UNITED STATES
Professor" Then Ascends H'4b
Shuts Of Motor and
GlideS TO Earth.

After almost II rec weeks OF interrit-
tent instruction, during which the actual
time consumed ia flying was not more
than Few hours. Prof Wilbur Wright.
OF the Government School Of Aeronau-
tlcs. this morning permitted two of his
pupils, Lieut. Frank p Lahm and
Lieut.. F. Z. Humphreys. to operate a
wright Oiplane alone. This is the first
time in America that this has been done.
TO Lieutenant Humphreys fell the
honor Of being the first man in this
country TO take a Wright machine IN
the air, and 10 depend entirely upon
himself for guidance.
Not only did Lieutenant Humphreys
show his ability as a manipulator OF
the Wright machine once, but Mr
Wright was so pleased with his work
that he allowed him to go up for the
second time. after Lieutenant I.ahn had
been showed into the limelight as an
operator.
Lieutenant Humphreys flew alone In
the two trips for eleven minutes. Lieu
tenant Lahm few for thirteen minutes.
Nothing marred the flying Of either
officer although Lieutenant Lahna made
one false start before he got into the
air. Each man, however, jumped grace
fully from the monoraiI and each
brought It to a successful landing when
the proper time came.
Prof. Wilbur Watches.
Prof. Wilbur stood on the grouui 1
watching his pupils work, and after it
was all over he congratulated them, al
though he said It was to have been ex-
peeted.
Just to show that he is some operator
himself. after Lieutenant Humphreys
had nnished his second flight, Mr.
Wright went up alone. de stayed I'D
only two minutes. but stopped the en-
gine when 100 feet above the little crowd
of spectators and came 10 the ground
Win Win the ease OF a boy guiding sled
down snOW-coVered hill
Weather conditions were ideal this
morning, there being practically nc
Wlnd' Just a thin curtain of mist and e.
sun mat was warm enough TO keen fly
ing from being too uncomfortable.
Nobody knew except the professor
that great things were to be done this
morning until the machine had been
taken out OF the shed about O'Clock.
ana placed on the rail Although Lieu
tenant Lahm Is in command OF the de-
tail At College Park, the school of The
appiled aeronautics, under Mr.. Wright.
knows no Difference to rank II IVES
Lieutenant Humphreys turn to 60 m
The mere fact that il was his ft5rr
was sufficient reason for his being civ
en- about the highest honor that his
teacher could bestow.
Makes Good Start.
Lieutenant Humphreys released rho
weight at sic, and a second or ty-o
later the aeropIane shot into the air
as quickly and successfully as MT
wright himself has ever done
Under Instructions from his proe.g-
sor, Mr.. Humphreys made two circles
OF the Held. As he came down st tE.a
end or the second circle easily ana
with the machine under great control
the Signal Corps privates broke into
a cheer. 'i'''
-, I suppose" said Mr.. Wright, when
the smiling officer reached him s'tbst
] ought 20 congratulate Won. bnf n A.
so mtch matte Of course that II IS
hardly necessary"
Lieutenant Lahm tried to go up at
$50. but failed.
At S:4, he again released the catrb
and shot down the rail This time he
was successful and circIed the field
half dozen times MAKING. also a Y.7,-
thirteen minutes. and went over n re
celve the professors congratulations.
TO even things up, Mr.. Wright al
lowed Lieutenant Humphreys to 20 nm
again at go. after he had made one
false start.
Up for Eight Minutes.
This flight lasted eight minutes. and tIiA
officer again was cheered when he land
I'd. Mr. Wright took the machine m
himself at 9:45. and handled It with all
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