Evening star., 1931-05-31
SCRIBE WATCHES
MANEUVERS ALOFT
Star Reporter Saw Capitol in
Glimpse at 100 Miles
an Hour.

Sent up in a participating plane to
watch the Army Air Corps demonstra-
ton yesterday. reporter from The
Star learned that the best possible
place from which to witness such q
spectacle is the ground.
The ship in which he was riding
swept into its place in the formation
and out again so quickly that the re-
porter was we'll on his way back to
langley Field before realizing that the
demonstration, so far as he was con-
cerned, was a matter for the historians
to deal with.
The reporter, upon reaching Langley
Field early yesterday morning. was
turned over to Lieut.. William Catron,
pilot Of a two-seater observation ship
from San Antonio, Tex.
Lieutenant Playful.
The lieutenant, it developed, was not
at all averse to having a little fun at
the expense of a passenger, who very
apparently was not what might be
called air-minded.
While q mechanic was warming up
the ship, Lieut.. Catron drew an un-
usually large watch from his pocket.
How soon do we take OFF," the re-
porter asked as the pilot glanced at
the timepiece.
In lew minutes, ne answered, OuI
I can't tell from this watch. 1t doesn't
keep good time"
Why do you carry it them" the pas
senger asked.
Because it's big and I can throw it
at other pilots when they come too
close in the air." was the answer. I've
lost two like that already this trip
After the ship had been warmed up
mechanic came along with flying
outfit for the reporter. The outfit in
cluded q parachute, which was the first
one the passenger had seen at close
range.
You understand how these things
work, don't you?" he asked, pointing
to the chute.
Instructed In Parachute.
Upon learning that the reporters un-
derstanding of the matter was limited,
the mechanic gave detailed instructions
and then strapped the device on his
back
The. parachute did not add much to
the reporters peace of mind and the
mechanics next words came near de-
stroying it altogether. :.
It hope you won't need that thing.
he said. but accidents will happen. II
ANYTHING goes wong don't jump until
TT YOU do jump and happen to fall
over water be sure and unhook the
chute before coming down. II you don't
1t will drag you under and drown you. y
It seemed that enough had been said
on the subject, but the mechanic had
one more word to add.
Now, don't let what I've said bother
YOU" he concluded These parachutes
have never failed yet"
In groups Of three, the yellow-w1ngeo
ships. observation planes and bombers,
cot und=r way and roared into the air.
Swinging in q long. sweeping curve, the
armada headed toward Washington.
For over an hour the squadron kept
its course over farms, towns and rivers.
Sights Potomac.
just as the reporter had become con-
vinced they were lost, twisting rlooon
of water appeared 1000 feet below.
The ships followed its course for sew
eral miles, however. before the reporter
realized that this must be the Potomac.
Then with startling suddsnness the
Key Bridge loomed out IN the mist
below.
Flying at more than 100 miles an
hour. it seemed but en- instant before
the Arlington Memorial Bridge was
pass-d and the ship was over Hams
Point.
The reporter twisted In his seat to
catch a glimpse of the. Washington
Monument pointing upward ike a
slender finger. In a fleeting minute his
eve took in the Cathedral and the dome
Of the Capitol. Then the city faded
into the haze.
He wrote q note and passed 1t up
to Lieut.. Catron. Are we going to cir
Gle back and join the other ships for
the demonstrations" he asked.
NO" the pilot scribbled back. TITS
all over We're headed back TO Langley
At an average speed Of ITO miles an
hour, the ships held their course until
the landing field appeared below. The
flight leader OF the group with which
the reporter was riding waggled his
wings and the IL planes, still in forma-