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And Earl Thompson the insurance executive, with his golden-winged Laird. I've given him a little instruction now and then. Thompson is the kind of man who'll listen to my ideas. I've often talked to him about aviation, and he knows that I can fly. I'll telephone tomorrow for an appointment. Meanwhile, I'll get a pad of paper and outline a plan of action.
     
     
    ST LOUIS -- NEW YORK - PARIS FLIGHT
    Action
     
    1. Plan
    2. Propaganda
    3. Backers
    4. Equipment
    5. Co-operation of manufacturers
    6. Accessory information
    7. Point of departure
    8. Advertising
     
    Advantages
     
    1. Revive St. Louis interest in aviation
    2. Advertise St. Louis as an aviation city
    3. Aid in making America first in the air
    4. Promote nation-wide interest in aeronautics
    5. Demonstrate perfection of modern equipment
     
    Results
     
    1. Successful completion, winning $25,000 prize to cover expense
    2. Complete failure
    Co-operation
     
    1. Plane manufacturers
    2. Motor manufacturers
    3. Weather Department
    4. State Department
    5. Newspapers
    6. Steamships
     
    Equipment
     
    1. Raft (sail)
    2. Rockets
    3. Clothing (waterproof)
    4. Condensed food
    5. Still (water)
     
    Maps
     
    1. Prevailing winds
    2. Coast and interior
    3. Islands
    4. Steamship travel
     
    Landmarks
     
    1. Islands
    2. List of coast towns
    3. Index to towns
    4. Characteristic names
    5. Characteristic terrain
     
    That list will do for a start. I'll add to it, improve it, and clarify it as time passes.
    I've begun work on my propaganda, too. That shouldn't be difficult, because fact and adventure are both on my side. I feel sure there's a tremendous future for the commerce of the air. I reread the first paragraph I've drafted.
     
    St. Louis is ideally situated to become an aviation city. — — — We have one of the finest commercial airports in the United States, and we will undoubtedly become a hub of the national airways of the future. Some day airliners on their way from New Orleans to Chicago, and from Los Angeles to New York, will be landing on our airport. — — —
     
    That should interest people, especially the businessmen. And I've started working on the schedule and cost of an air-mail line to New York by way of Indianapolis, Columbus, and Pittsburgh. Even with DHs we'd be able to make the eastward trip within twelve hours, including time for stops. With a Bellanca — — — well, that's what this propaganda's for. I must show what can be accomplished with aircraft like the Bellanca.
    5
     
    I push the bell button at No. 1 Hortense Place, and step back on the porch to wait. Earl Thompson said he could see me at once at his office or spend an evening with me at his house the next week. I chose the latter. It seemed less likely that one could sell a flight across the ocean at an office desk. Besides, time builds dignity and thought.
    A maid shows me to the living room. Mr. Thompson comes in. We shake hands. He motions me to a chair. I feel uncomfortable in the soft upholstery. I don't seem to fit into a city parlor. It would be easier to talk on the flying field. There, the sound of engines and the contours of wings would surround my arguments with factual elements of flight. When one sees a plane suspended in the sky, it's more difficult to use such words as "impractical" or "can’t be done." Now I've got to sit inside a carpeted and curtained room and believe as well as convince another, that an airplane can take me, without landing, between New York and Paris.
    "Mr. Thompson," I start out, "I've come to ask your advice about a project I'm considering."
    He smiles and nods encouragement.
    "You've heard about the Orteig prize of $25,000 for a nonstop flight between New York and Paris," I continue. "I think a modern plane can make that flight. I'd like to try it.
    ' It would show people what airplanes can do. It would advance aviation, and it would advertise St. Louis."
    I go on to explain that I want to get a group of businessmen behind me to finance the project