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"UP IN THE AIR WITH JANNUS" AVIATION GIVES ALL THE WORLD'S THRILLS COMBINED |
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Alex Carrie nation, Nebuchadnezzar, Bill Shakespeare and Napoleon Bonaparte have nothing on us. For all their power and glory they have never flown and we have. Aviator Jannus accompanied by the humble sporting editor of the News Tribune, yesterday afternoon, flew over the harbor of Duluth, chased the sea gulls and played leap-frog with the big ships on the bay. "Lark o' the Lake" is some bird and aviator Jannus is some flyer. The experience was not terrifying--not in the least--the only time we were frightened was when the engine started and while the flight was in progress. After the landing had been made safely and there was absolutely nothing to be afraid of and consequently no danger, all fear left us. There was one criticism which might go well here. It was noticeable that the boards and planking on the dock where the landing was made had a tendency to wobble when one first stepped opon them following the lfight. It was very noticeable in fact and should be corrected by all means. It was a beautiful afternoon. The air over the bay looked rather thin for a flight and the remark to this effect was not received with the due credit that it should have been. In fact, Mr. Jannus was busy puttering with the engine of the boat and possibly did not hear it. A roaring blast form the engine--a motion from Jannus to take a seat and we were off. The roar and sputter of the great six-cylinder engine was terrific and like a flash the boat shot out to the surface of the inner bay. For a quarter of a mile the Lark ripped through the water--spray flying high over th boat and both occupants. Came a renewed and still greater roar--deafening, a blast of sound. The Lark shot forward at terrific speed. Aviator Jannus pulled a lever and the spray died away and then came a lift, gentle as a swing in a hammock and we were in the air and darting along at express train speed. Up and up and up the Lark. A blast of wind tore at ones face. It was a live thing many handed and none too gentle. The city commissioners of Duluth are to be congratulated upon the fine speedway that they have placed above the inner harbor. Apparently all "holes in the air" had been filled and all air bumps and rough spots had been ironed out for the flight. The atr was not noticeably thin about 100 feet up--in fact it was |
about the thickest air one ever tried to breathe. There seemed to be a super-abundance and all wanting to get into one's lungs
at once. A peep over the side and below us lay a great ore boat. Jannus played an awful joke on that boat. He played leap-frog with it. The boat shot up about a million feet--the "up" sensation being the same one experienced when lined up against a wall to be shot--if one never had experienced this delightful sensation the lift of a speeding aeroplane will give one the same "zone" tendency. It was easy to know that there was no danger. In fact the sensation of being afraid did not really occur but once on the flight--that was during a dizzy spiral. One look at the competent brown hands and steady face of Jannus was enough. Fear left and one commenced to enjoy the polyglot swirl of emotions that came clambering over the rail of the boat. A blast of wind caught one with his mouth open. Both cheeks ballooned stiffly like the prize fat boy's face at the freak show. Eyelids caught the wind and puffed out strangely--or became dry from the rush of air. Roaring around at an altitude of several hundred feet Jannus passed and repassed., with sundry down swoops that were thrilling, boat after boat. Volplaning down, the boat struck the surface of the bay, darted in front of a big steamer and then taking the air swooped after it--around it and above it. Then came the "up" sensation again--the only real terrifying sensation at that. A swoop in a half circle--the Lark struck the waters gently and with the fan running at half speed, shot into the harbor and up to the dock. After it is all over the marvel of the flight comes to one. It was the msot exhilirating thing imagineable-- the rush of the air mad eone's bglood leap--the lift of the boat--the confidence of safety--and above all, the tremendous roar down the "greased" aerial speedways make the trip one to be remembered the rest of one's days. Jannus, who has carried over 1,000 passengers, without a mishap, is anxious to secure patrons for trips about the bay. The greatest care is taken and the wishes of the passenger as to the kind of a trip he desires is carried out carefully. Flights are made from the Boat club. Following the landing Aviator Jannus remarked; "I felt like flying tonight and we did some great stunts out there." "Some stunts" was absolutely right and correct. The thrill of the lgiht--the dizzy rush through the air is an experience that is absolutely indescribable. Again wa rise to remark--Alexander the Great, Napoleon, George Washington and others "have nothing on us" -- we have flown and they never did. | l
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