First water-to-water flight facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First water-to-water flight |
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Glenn L. Martin in a pusher-biplane 1912
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| Location | near Newport Bay, California |
| Built | 1912 |
| Architect | Glenn L. Martin |
| Architectural style(s) | Early Seaplane |
| Designated | September 25, 1962 |
| Reference no. | 775 |
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The place where the First water-to-water flight happened is a very special spot in California history. It was officially named a California Historical Landmark (number 775) on September 25, 1962.
On May 10, 1912, a brave 26-year-old pilot named Glenn L. Martin made history. He flew a special plane he built himself, called a seaplane, from the waters of Newport Bay in California. His destination was Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island. After landing, he flew all the way back across the channel!
His amazing plane, an amphibian biplane named the Avalon Zipper, was truly special. It broke the world record for flying over water, a record previously held by a flight across the English Channel. Martin flew a total distance of about 68 miles (109 kilometers). The first part of his trip, from Newport to Avalon, took only 37 minutes! The Avalon Zipper had a 15-horsepower engine that was given to him by Henry Ford.
When he landed on Catalina Island, Martin picked up a bag of mail. This was another "first" for his flight! He was also given a $100 prize for his amazing achievement. News of his trip spread around the world. Soon after, regular seaplane services began, carrying passengers and goods between Catalina Island and cities like Balboa, Long Beach, Wilmington, and San Diego. One famous company was Catalina Air Lines. Later, an aviation historian named Jim Watson even made a TV show about the "Golden Age of Seaplanes on Catalina," which started with Glenn L. Martin's incredible journey.
Remembering the Historic Flight
A special marker at the site helps us remember this important event. It reads:
- On May 10, 1912, Glenn L. Martin flew his own plane, built in Santa Ana, from the waters of the Pacific Ocean at Balboa to Catalina Island. This was the first water-to-water flight, and the longest and fastest overwater flight, to that date. On his return to the mainland, Martin carried the day's mail from Catalina-another first.
