The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-10-07
After Waiting In Vain For
Let-Up He Decides to
Fly Anyway
SPECTATORS GASP AS He
SHOOTS ACROSS FIELD
Hair Flying In the Gale He Pre-
sents Picture of Mans Tri-
umph Over Elements

The complete triumph of man over
both the air and the elements was
never more plainly demonstrated than
by the sensational flight of the Wright
aviator P. o. Parmelee, yesterday aft
ernoon at the state fair grounds.
Though a brisk wind was blowing
and the rain was pouring, the young
man insisted upon proving to the doubt
ers that he could fly. even in such
ing the field once around, dropping
quickly to the ground and hurrying the
aeroplane to shelter from the rain,
which began coming In sheets.
All agreed that 1t was a wonderful
and daring feat and the few visitors
who had ventured to the fair in the
rain felt that they had been more than
repaid for their trouble. The inspira-
tion of the scene was almost over
whelming. witnessing man, riding
through space on. the wings of the air,
and speeding faster than the average
bird. gave the spectator such pleasant
thrills that, like "Goosey." he felt the
feathers sprouting on his wings, and
wanted to flap them in the air.
The Human Element
The human element was the whole
show. 1t was the man that dared,
they watched the fine looking athlete
who sat erect with the wind blowing
his hair back and his hand controlling
the levers with awe and wonder.
Then the graceful motion of the
bird-like machine was cause for COM
ment and exclamation. Never did the
flight of the wild duck delight the eye
of the naturalist more than the even
movements of the white planes as they
sped through the air, turned up at the
curves and sailed into the face of the
wind.
Mr. Parmelee had promised flight
IL the rain ceased. He watched the
elements during the Yearly afternoon,
but there seemed to be no Indications
Of a change. Finally, with the clouds
blowing over at a terrific speed high
above, and stiff breeze tanning the
rain, he decided to go anyhow
Plane Taken From Shed
The aeroplane, which is housed to the
left of the grandstand, just underneath
the torch which Vulcan holds in his ex-
tended hand, was .grasped by willing
hands and wheeled across the race track,
two inches in mud. UP the improvised
plankway, into the field. 1t followed
evenly the hands which led it to the
western end of the field to a grassy, level
spot. The plane was then turned toward
the east. The aviator inspected the wires,
oiled his motor tried his levers and took
his place in the little seat to the left Of
the motor.
While two men held the tail, two others
quick turn. The spark was caught, and
with the unmuffled engine making a
terrific noise, while the propellors re-
volved SO rapidly they could hardly be
seen, the bird pulled eagerly to be away.
After another quick examination Par
melee nodded his head. and like a flash
the machine sped over the grass on it's
wheels. After gathering momentum for
about 200 feet the aviator turned the rud-
der upward, and the machine left the
ground lightly, dashing up hundred feet
or more. and away toward the east.
Back I'm Front Of Grandstand
Quickly turning, he came back in front
of the grandstand, passing 1t at 40 or 50
miles an hour, banked the planes for the
curve, and started back down the field.
About midway he turned down at an
angle of something like 80 degrees. until
he had almost reached the ground, and
people gasped. fearing he would be
dashed to death, but in a moment, when
he was only few feet from the ground,
; his complete control of the machine was
demonstrated. 1t righted itself, hovered
a minute. bounced lightly on the ground.
rolled a few feet and stopped.
Parmalee stated that the mcahine was
80 heavy from water, which had soaked
In the planes, that he feared to keep
It in the rain any longer. He was also
bothered by the wind and rain blowing
In his face. But the first flight had been
made, and the small delegation in the
grandstand sent up loud cheer of salts
faction.
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The machine. on close examination, is
q beautiful piece of mechanism. 1t is
covered with white canvass The wires
and guys are clean and shining. The
woodwork. propellers and levers are gtld-
ed a grayish tint.
The machine is set permanently. There
are no screws or pins to be frightened. 1t
runs on two strong little wheels, 50 ad-
justed that they are not rigid, but give
way under a jolt. The aviator uses two
levers-one to control the rudder and tail
for raising and lowering. while the other
raises and lowers the ends of the flexible
plans. In turning, and breasting the
Winds The flexible plane is the Wright
invention, which differentiates it from
other makes.
Parker Tries the seat
while waiting developments yesterday
morning the fair executive committee
visited the aeroplane. saw the propellers
put In motion, and Chairman John l..
Parker. who contemplates making a
flight with Mr. Parmalee. thought he
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