plane, should cross the Atlantic irrespective of the action of others. By our example we did not want to risk hurrying ill-prepared aspirants into the field with possible tragic results.
Only twice did I actually see the Friendship during all this time. I was pretty well known at the landing fields and obviously it might provoke comment if I seemed too interested in the plane. For this reason I had no chance to take part in any of the test flying. Actually the first time I was off the water in the Friendship was the Sunday morning when we finally got under way.
The preparation of a large plane for a long flight is a complex task. It is one that cannot―or at least should not be rushed. Especially is that fact true where, as in the case of the Friendship, the equipment was of a somewhat experimental nature.
Throughout the operations Commander Byrd kept in close touch with what was being done, with Stultz and Gordon, and with Commander
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