The hydroaeroplane can already fly sixty miles an hour, skim the water
at fifty miles, and run over the earth at thirty-five miles. Driven over
the surface of the water the new machine can pass the fastest motor boat
ever built and will respond to its rudder more quickly than any water
craft afloat. Its appeal will be as strong to the aquatic as to the
aerial enthusiast.
Flying an aeroplane is thrilling sport, but flying a hydroaeroplane is
something to arouse the jaded senses of the most blase. It fascinates,
exhilarates, vivifies. It is like a yacht with horizontal sails that
support it on the breezes. To see it skim the water like a swooping gull
and then rise into the air, circle and soar to great heights, and
finally drop gracefully down upon the water again, furnishes a thrill
and inspires a wonder that does not come with any other sport on earth.
The hydroaeroplane is safer than the ordinary aeroplane, and for this
reason is bound to become the most popular of aerial craft. The beginner
can take it out on his neighboring lake or river, or even the great
bays, and skim it over the water until he is sure of himself and sure
that he can control it in the air. He can fly it six feet above the
water for any distance, with the feeling that even if something should
happen to cause a fall, he will not be dashed to pieces. The worst he
will get is a cold bath.
The hydroaeroplane may compete with motor boats as a water craft, or in
the air with the fastest aeroplane. It can start from the land on its
wheels, but launch itself on the water where there is lack of room for
rising from the land.
Its double qualities as a water and air craft make possible flights that
could not be attempted with the aeroplane.
At Cedar Point, Ohio, I had to fly the new machine when a strong gale
was blowing across Lake Erie, kicking up a heavy surf. However, I
determined to make the attempt under what were extremely trying
conditions, and so started it on the beach and under the power of the
aerial propeller, launched it through a heavy surf.
Beyond the surf I found very rough water, but turning the machine into
the wind, I arose from the water without the least difficulty, and
circled and soared over the lake for fifteen minutes. I landed without
trouble on the choppy water a few hundred yards off shore, and after
guiding the hydroaeroplane up and down the beach for the inspection of
the great crowd, made a second flight of ten minutes' duration, and
landed safely upon the sandy beach. That was the hardest test I have
ever given the hydroaeroplane, and I think a very severe one. I am
satisfied that it can be used in more than ordinarily rough water, if it
is properly handled.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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