Across The Isthmus In A Hydrobiplane

Several attempts have been made during the past few years to cross the Isthmus in a heavier than air flying machine, but none were successful until April 27, 1913, when Robert G. Fowler, the aviator, accompanied by R.A. Duhem, photographer left the Pacific entrance to the Canal at 10 a.m., and arrived at Cristobal Point on the Atlantic side at 10:57 a.m. The route of the canal was followed closely, the aviator making a circle at Culebra, in order to obtain views of all parts of Culebra Cut. The highest altitude attained during the flight was 1,800 feet; the lowest height at which the machine flew was 400 feet. The President has since signed an Executive Order prohibiting further flights over the Canal, or to take photographs from a flying machine, without written authority of the Chief Executive of the Canal Zone.

From: America's Triumph At Panama by Ralph E. Avery
Edited by William C. Haskins of the Canal Record  © 1913

CZBrats
February 1, 2000

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