ON THE ENDURANCE FLIGHT, 1931
ON THE ENDURANCE FLIGHT, 1931 |
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After the fuel situation was taken care of, they began to plan what food they should take. Walter wrote for advice to several of his pilot friends who had made long flights and received different answers from each one. They told him to take plenty of fried chicken so they had five "springers", Walter called them, fixed by "Aunt Mary", their favorite cook in the area. Then they made up 36 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They were also told to carry ten gallons of water. "We found that our appetites deserted us. The chicken and sandwiches just wouldn't go down without an effort. As for the water, we could both have taken a bath each day besides having all we wanted to drink." In his final report after the third and successful flight, Walter reported the following: "Our food consisted of about 12 sandwiches each, roast beef, corned beef, and cheese. Chocolate bars, a quart of concentrated beef soup. Two cans of concentrated food of which a piece 1/2" thick and 1" square was enough to appease your hunger for about 6 hours. One-half dozen oranges and one-half dozen apples. A few packages of gum, 3 gallons of water was sufficient for the whole flight. We cooked a quart of coffee and a quart of tea each evening. Headache tablets, toothache medicine and a small bottle of ammonia was carried, the latter for a quick pick-up in case we felt very dopey just before landing. We practiced relaxing all the time which helped us to rest. I had a big "UNLAX" painted up in front of us so we could see it all the time. No ill effects were felt by either of us after the flight. We lost about 10 pounds of weight. He added: "Please note and it is the truth, Brossy and I never had a cross word between us during any of the flights. This is noteworthy because it is hard to stay cooped up with one person very long without something happening." The equipment for the third attempt consisted of: a first aid kit which contained toothache medicine, headache, camphor and caffeine tablets besides the usual cotton, bandages, etc. A safety razor and jar of Noxema used both for shaving cream and face cleanser, a small bottle of mouth wash, three dozen linen tags, goggles, helmets, green eye shades, wrist watches, stop watch, rubber ear plugs, gloves, pliers, screw drivers, wrenches, tape, wire, shellac and a hand saw. One fire extinguisher, not needed on a fuel oil plane, but required by the Department of Commerce. Three air cushions and a sailor's hammock. Three pounds of clean rags rolled up in neat bundles and stowed in corners. Two quick connector parachutes and harnesses. A small, but powerful battery for the running lights and instrument board, a large flash light and small pencil light. Last, but not least, two curved needles and some black linen thread. 
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