The First Non-Stop Transatlantic Flight: Debunking Lindbergh’s Legend

For many, Charles Lindbergh's solo flight from New York to Paris is synonymous with the first non-stop transatlantic flight. However, history reveals that this title belongs to Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Whitten Brown, who accomplished it in 1919—eight years earlier than Lindbergh's historic flight. This article aims to shed light on the early pioneers of aviation and their incredible feats, specifically focusing on Alcock and Brown's groundbreaking mission.

Alcock and Brown's Pioneering Flight

Before Charles Lindbergh made his celebrated voyage, two Canadian pilots, John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown, executed a daring first non-stop flight across the Atlantic in 1919. This feat was achieved using a Vickers Vimy bomber, with Alcock serving as the pilot and Brown as his navigator.

Alcock and Brown’s journey began on June 14, 1919, from Lester's Field in St. John's, Newfoundland. Their aircraft was a Vickers Vimy, a First World War bomber, powered by two Rolls-Royce Eagle 360-hp engines. For their transatlantic attempt, the bomb racks of the Vickers Vimy were replaced with additional fuel tanks to ensure sufficient fuel for the long journey, with 865 gallons of fuel provided by Shell to support aviation pioneers.

The Challenges of Navigation and Control

The flight faced numerous challenges. During take-off, the aircraft, heavily laden with fuel, struggled to get airborne from the rough field, barely missing the treetops. Four hours into the journey, the wind-driven electrical generator failed, causing the loss of radio contact, intercom, and heating. This made navigation and control extremely hazardous, especially as the fog prevented Brown from using his sextant to navigate accurately.

Despite these challenges, as dawn approached, the west of Ireland came into view. Alcock and Brown successfully landed in County Galway, Ireland, at 8:40 AM on June 15, 1919. Their flight covered 1,890 miles in 16 hours and 12 minutes. Upon landing, the aircraft went nose-over due to the field apparently being a bog, but neither airman was injured. The New York Times headline on June 16 succinctly described their achievement: “Alcock and Brown fly across Atlantic: make 1890 miles in 16 hours 12 minutes sometimes upside down in dense icy fog.”

Navy’s NC-4: Another Transatlantic Pioneering Flight

Another notable event in the history of transatlantic flights was the U.S. Navy's NC-4 flying boat. Designed by the Naval N and Curtiss C, the NC flying boats were intended to patrol the European coastlines of Germany after World War I. In May 1919, the NC-4 became the first aircraft to make a transatlantic crossing successfully. The flight involved three airplanes: NC-1, NC-2, and NC-4, which set out from Rockaway, New York, on May 8, 1919. The NC-4 was commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Albert Read and managed to land in Lisbon, Portugal, on May 27, 1919.

The NC-1 and NC-3 were forced down short of the Azores. NC-1 was eventually rescued, while NC-3 managed to complete the remaining 200 miles to the Azores using steamers. The NC-4's successful transatlantic flight marked a significant milestone in aviation history, garnering acclaim for the Navy.

Lindbergh's Solo Flight and Its Legacy

Although Lindbergh's solo flight from New York to Paris received more widespread attention and acclaim, Alcock and Brown's flight holds a unique place in aviation history. Lindbergh's flight was the first non-stop transatlantic flight, but it came eight years after Alcock and Brown's pioneering journey. Lindbergh's non-stop flight was a major milestone in aviation history and boosted public and private interest in aviation. However, Alcock and Brown were the first to conquer the Atlantic non-stop, and their bravery and innovation set a new precedent.

Both airmen were knighted for their achievements, with Alcock, the chief test pilot for Vickers, tragically losing his life in a flying accident shortly after the flight. Today, these early pioneers of aviation remind us of the groundbreaking nature of the early days of air travel and the heroism required to traverse vast distances safely.

Conclusion

The first non-stop transatlantic flight remains a seminal event in the history of aviation, and it is essential to give proper credit to the pioneering work of John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown. Their flight in 1919 demonstrated the immense potential of aircraft to cover long distances, leading to further advancements in aviation and setting the stage for Lindbergh's celebrated journey and other pioneering flights.