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Home > Fact Sheets > First Round-the-World Flight, June 7, 1924
FIRST ROUND-THE-WORLD FLIGHT, JUNE 7, 1924
Posted 12/4/2006
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On June 7, 1924, the round-the-world fliers flew 600 miles, from Shanghai, China, to Amoy, China. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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Daily Flight Information
Departed: Shanghai, China
Refueled At: Tchinkoen Bay
Arrived: Amoy, China
Miles Flown: 600
Flight Time: 7 hours, 17 minutes (7:50 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. and 2:48 to 5:35 p.m.)
Total Miles: 7,425
Total Time: 103 hours, 26 minutes
Daily Report
By Lt. L.H. Smith, Commanding
Shanghai to Tchinkoen: This morning, because of the heat and the light air that was being encountered, it was deemed advisable to establish a fueling base at Tchinkoen Bay instead of attempting the long flight to Amoy. The flight took-off at 7:50 a.m., landing at 12:20 p.m. The water was very rough due to the fact that the bay was open to the swells of the ocean. However, refueling was accomplished satisfactorily and plans made to leave immediately. The flight had flown down the Yangtze River to Yangtze Cape, then across to the west side of Chusan Island and down the coast to Tchinkoen.
Tchinkoen to Amoy: This afternoon at 2:48 p.m., the flight continued to Amoy, flying along the coast line which has numerous harbors where safe landings could be made, until it reached Amoy, landing at 5:35. Excellent arrangements were made for us at Amoy by a US Destroyer under command of Captain Glassford who was also Commanding Officer of the Destroyer Division escorting the flight through Indo-China. Considerable difficulty was experienced here in keeping the bands of sampans (native boats) from damaging out pontoons. They had no intentional idea of causing any injury to the planes, they were merely doing it through curiosity.
Daily Report
By Lt. L.P. Arnold, "Chicago" Mechanic
The take off from Shanghai was tricky. River traffic was not cleared for a wide enough or long enough stretch and on the first take off attempt, all three planes were unable to get off. On the second attempt, "Chicago" and "Boston" were able to get airborne, but "New Orleans" was cut off by a Chinese Junk and was forced to turn sharply to avoid a collision. "New Orleans" was then able to take off and join the rest of the flight.
The landing in Tchinkoen Bay was rough. We refueled and continued to Amoy arriving at 5:35 p.m.
The facilities at Amoy were owned by Standard Oil which extended its services to us. We refueled and serviced the planes the planes and went aboard a U.S. destroyer commanded by Capt. Glassford. We were quartered on the destroyer as well.
The evening was spent at a dinner at the American Counsels residence.
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