Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1915-08-17
AMERICAN AVIATION
By Frederic ]. Haskin

TN an attempt to awake the ma
ton to the need of a greater aero
nautic development private organi-
| cations are Just now in the midst of
a spectacular campaign. A huge con-
test of efficiency in men and ma
chimes in crossing the continent is
now under way and nearly hundred
aviators are somewhere between Port
land and Portland, demonstrating
their ability to make S,0O0-mile jour
neys. At the same time the agitation
for funds with which to provide State
aeroplane squadrons in connection
with militia organizations and flyers
to carry mail over forbidding regions
where other methods of transporta-
ton are next to impossible, is going
forward.
To emphasize patriotic sentiment,
the transcontinental contest began on
independence Day, July 4, and will
end Columbus Day, October IL, thus
concentrating the two most i'm:
portant historical anniversaries of the
nation. The Aero Club of America
is responsible for both efforts but in
the competition it has the cooperation
of the San Francisco Exposition au-
lthorities, the American Automobile
Association and the Affiliated Clubs.
1t has the financial backing of thou
sands of prominent businessmen, in
cluding the leading manufacturers of
aeronautic machinery, and the hearty
endorsement of the Army, Navy and
Post Office Departments. The re-
suits of the competition are expected
to be most helpful to these three
| branches of government.
Prizes amounting to nearly $780,
600 have been provided through the
generosity of organizations, cities and
private individuals They will be
awarded for the various standards of
efficiency secured in this, the first
great American contest. Prizes for
machines will be given upon the basis
of their mechanical construction,
general finish and the convenience
and safety of the passengers and pilot.
Hydro -aeroplanes are included in the
competition. The awards for aero
nautic skill of the aviators will be
based upon duration of flight, the
distance covered in a single day, the
best daily average of distance
throughout the entire contest, the
lowest consumption of fuel for the
distance covered, the best schedule
record judged by the number of times
the aviator reaches previously desig-
mated places on time. and on several
other points.
Competition Considered
This competition has been under
LOT lHTeS years. II mas
been pushed this year because the
order given the army and navy militia
to estab blish aviation camps indicated
the great lack of trained men and re-
serve machines for carrying out such
a scheme. Comparatively few of the
1900 licensed aviators of the country
are experienced in long country
flights. The competition will develop
experience and skill among the avia-
tors and excite public interest in pro-
noting aeronautlc advance in this
country. 1t will aid the army and
navy by providing moro experienced
men competent to give instruction.
1t will demonstrate to the Post Of
flee Department the practicability of
carrying mail by aeroplanes to re-
mote places. Some post offices are so
isolated as to require several days
for the delivery of mail at distance
which could be covered by aeroplanes
in a few hours. Special prizes have
been provided for the best demon
stration of mali carrying, including
the protection afforded mail matter
from the elements, and the advantage
of time saved over other methods of
mail distribution.
More than a hundred cities and
towns will participate in this compe-
tition, during its ninety days dura-
ton, by providing entertainment and
landing places for the aviators and
in many instances arranging for avia-
ton events during their stay. this be-
ing intended to stimulate local en-
thusiasm.
Flying Across Continent
Seventy of the leading aviators of
the country entered into the competi-
ton upon the Fourth of July and are
now upon their way across theS con-
tinent, some starting west from Bos-
ton and New York and others east
from San Francisco, Los Angeles or
San Diego. The principal route fol-
lows the course of the Lincoln High
way but deviations are permitted at
the discretion of the aviators and to
comply with the demands of the
towns which are supporting the en-
terprise. The width of the conti-
nent must be covered by October IL,
but that gives ample time for a num-
Der of side trips. The standard fly
ing day has been fixed at ten hours
and calculations are upon that basis.
In close connection with the trans
continental competition has been the
establishment of a popular national
subscription to provide funds to de-
velop aviators and acquire a squad
ron of aeroplanes for the national
guards and naval militia of each State
and to secure 100 aeroplanes- and
trained aviators to carry mail to re-
mote places. The aero mail Ear
riers are to form a reserve of trained
aviators for special military service
in casa of naed Cfuca France and