1 gen 1933 anni - The first locally based aircraft

Descrizione:

In 1933, the first locally based aircraft, a Curtiss-Robin was brought to Aruba. Manuel Viana, James Hathaway, and James A. Massey flew it from a mud-flat runway near the sea at Savaneta. None of these men had any real experience in the air. To overcome this handicap, the trio engaged an ex-Braniff Airways’ pilot A.J. Viccellio. His task was to assist in building up aviation in Aruba by means of instruction and the possible development of an airline. The group next bought a Bird CK Bi-plane powered with a 100 horsepower Kinner K5 radial engine. It had room for three passengers and the pilot. However, the aircraft was ruined by rust and wandering goats. The group was later enlarged through Mr. Viccellio instruction to William I. Ewart, E.V. Miller and G.T. Borsch. They contracted to buy a plane in Texas. The plane left Texas, but never completed the trip to Aruba; it was forced down in Tapachula, Mexico. Mr. Viccellio went to Mexico to see if he could regain the plane but returned empty handed. However, he did arrange the return of the ferry pilot and his wife to the States.

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