Short Stories
of Science and Invention

A Collection of Radio Talks by
Charles F. Kettering

INDEX

10.  Time and Distance


Airplane      As the airplane proved it­self capable of longer and longer flights over water, the Ferrying Com­mand was organized to make such deliveries to all fronts. The first ones were flown comparatively light and later they began to carry such things as spare parts, supplies, emergency equipment, and finally key person­nel. As the functions of the Ferrying Command were expanded, its name was changed to the Air Transport Command.


     Before the War ended over one hundred thousand men were used in this operation. More than ten thousand flights were made across the South Atlantic to Africa and a greater number across the North Atlantic to England.


Airplane    One division operated an 11-day round trip service between Florida and India - the one-way distance being approximately 13,000 miles. These air lanes had to be supported by important ground installations, such as, a world-wide network of ra­dio communications, weather bu­reaus, refueling stations and repair bases.


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