The Washington times., 1911-07-04
Bold Aviator Circles
Statue of Liberty, Then
Starts on Long Flight

= NEW YORK, July +-Harry N. At
wood, the Boston aviator. left Govern
or's Island, New York, at S:45 o'clock
this morning, to fly to Atlantic City. en-
route to Washington. He expected to
alight on the beach at Atlantic City at
II o'clock, and to remain there until
p. m, when he would continue his fight
to the Capital. He expects to light on
the Monument Lot at $50 o'clock this
evening.
Skimming over the harbor Of New
York as gracefully as an eagle, Atwood
set out on his 250-mile flight.
At the start he rose TO a height Of
about 500 feet an dthen darted out over
the harbor. Circling the Statue of Lib
west, headed for the Jersey shore. He
is flying alone.
Thousands Cheer.
Thousands of people lined the Bat
terry and Brooklyn shores to get
glimpse of the intrepid young airman.
Ferry boats plying past Governors
Island were laden to the guards with
passengers straining their eyes toward
the Government reservation.
A light haze hung over the water, and
an eight-mile wind blew up from the
southwest, into which Atwood sped.
head-on.
Route of Flight.
In today's flying Atwood intended to
follow the coast line to a point near
Cape May, n. J.. where he expected
to head west. crossing the Delaware
and Chesapeake bays to a point near
Baltimore. From there he is expected to
follow the tracks Of the Pennsylvania
railroad to Washington.
The trip is made at the urgent solici-
tation of the Washington Chamber of
Commerce. Granville M Hunt, of the
Chamber, was in conference with AT
wood until II O'Clock last night, after
which the youthful aviator announced
that he would make the attempt.
If Atwood accomplishes today's feat
he will have covered approximately SIS
miles of land and water in three days
lying. the greatest aviation accomplish
ment known in this country.
Despite the fact that Atwood had
demonstrated his skill and cleverness as
few American flyers have done, the
Aero Club Of America has so far re-
fused to grant him a license. Yester-
license and some Of the stunts he pulled
off were decidedly nervy. With his mo-
tor stopped, he glided from over Brook
lyn at a height Of over 1000 feet to a
landing place of his own choosing on
Governors Island.
Flies Stars and Stripes
He made the necessary height, and
met other requirements, but forgot to
cut the number Of "eights," doing only
four, when the rule required FIVE. How
ever the Aero Club officials told At
wood to call on members of the club
here and complete his test, assuring him
that a license would be forthcoming.
In honor of Independence Day Atwood
flew the Stars and Stripes from his ma
chine in today's flight. He was the least
nervous of any of those assisting him
in his start.
Lots of people think I am starting
out a little too brash," Atwood said
with a smile, and are already predict
ing that 1 will meet with an early ac-
cident. But really fly as carefully as
/ know how. The things I do that ap-
pear to be foolhardly to some are really
well within the possibilities Of my ma
chine"
Last Friday Atwood few from Boston
to New London, to attend the boat
races, and came on to New York the
next day, making his thrilling fight
over the skyscrapers Of lower Manhat-
tan.