First World Flight

by Spencer Lane

In 1924, three years before Lindbergh flew to Paris, four young army airmen answered the call of General Billy Mitchell to save U.S. aviation from destruction by the politicians by winning the race with a dozen other nations to make the first flight around the world. In primitive open-cockpit biplanes powered by unreliable engines and few airfields, they were given little chance of success or even survival. This is the untold epic story of American patriotism, valor, and can-do ingenuity which triumphed over adversity and led to aviation dominance for the balance of the Century -- and the forgotten heroes that made it happen. Over 15 years of research, including the first access ever to the private Donald Douglas collection of Aviation memorabilia including worldwide newspaper accounts, diaries and logs of the aviators, have gone into the writing of this remarkable story.

498 pages, Hardcover

First published September 17, 2001

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

"First World Flight" by Spencer Lane is a first rate history. I can't give it a better recommendation than that. First of all, it is an adventure story. The adventure is the flight of four biplanes around the world in a primitive time when there were few airports anywhere in the world. I was absolutely at the edge of my seat during the flight's journey through Alaska, the Aleutian Islands and on to Japan. We lost two of the four planes and, for those who have not read the book, I won't spoil it for you. During the journey of the American team, there were also teams from Portugal, England, Italy, France and others, all of whom were trying to complete the first air journey around the world. The teams interacted and, as a badge of honor for the United States, the American team actually helped two other teams to survive and stay in the race. As a backdrop is the story of Billy Mitchell, an American maverick in uniform who accurately predicted the future of military air power who put the flight together before being put on trial and absolutely crushed by the United States government. This story would make a first rate movie but no one would ever believe it. Pick up a copy, you won't regret it.

[Audiobookreviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest and objective review.

First World Flight is a historical audiobook focusing on the growth of US aviation beginning in 1924, the four airmen and General Billy Mitchell all who were responsible for saving the US aviation program through their patriotism, creativity, and dedication. Not being a historian or familiar with the history of aviation, I found it interesting and exciting.

I found the book to be interesting, although it was long. This is perfect for someone with a passion for aviation, military, politics or history. The personal touches – the information about the families was interesting as well. Before the end of the book, I felt I almost knew Billy Mitchell. His passion was successfully portrayed and communicated through Spencer Lane’s writing.

I thought the narrator, Dave Wright, performed the book beautifully. His voice was smooth, gentle yet passionate. I could listen to Wright for hours!

The amount of time and energy spent in the research of this book and its many components must have been overwhelming but so worth it!

There were no issues with quality or audio production of this book by U.S. Press.

[pooka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a magnificent book from the history of flight.
Unfortunately it has been forgotten because the first great solo flights overshadowed other adventures.
If you can find this book, READ IT!