OFF FOR ASCOT—MRS. GUEST AND HER SONS WINSTON AND RAYMOND
In crossing the Atlantic I think the lowest temperature we had in the unheated aft cabin of the Friendship was around forty. Our lowest outside temperatures were only a few degrees below this. On the Atlantic our maximum altitude was about 11,000 feet, with an average far lower. Doubtless it would have been colder had we flown high more of the distance.
In addition to the visual joys of airscapes, there is much else that flying gives. Nothing, perhaps, is more appealing than the sense of quick accomplishment—of getting somewhere, sooner. Aviation means an approach to the elimination of time wastage, and seems to point the way to further increase in the world’s leisure.
Humanity reaches for leisure—as time in which to do what it wants. The Orient finds contemplation its pleasure, while the Occient is not content without action. Of course, Americans are noted for the work they do to play. Perhaps aviation will tend to make them enjoy life a little more, by providing time to do something else.
CHAPTER XI
WOMEN IN AVIATION
WHILE this chapter is called “Women in Aviation,” just as appropriate a title might have been “Women Outside of Aviation.” For women really to influence aviation development it is not essential that they be flyers themselves, although the more who fly the better. When the women of America are thoroughly “sold” on aviation, not only as a sporting phenomenon but as an everyday utility, air transport will come into its own.
Today we have planes for carrying passengers, mail, express and freight. It is the modern note in transportation, comparable to the electric refrigerator, vacuum devices and all the other leisure making appliances of the household. Aviation is another time-saver ready to be utilized.
Generally speaking, women control the purchasing power of the modern economic world. It is a brave man who buys another make when his wife wants a Chrysler! Woman’s influence primarily is responsible for the rapid development of the American automobile’s beauty and comfort. A similar influence inevitably will be exerted in connection with air transport—if women will fly. As they became an important factor in passenger revenue their requirements will be increasingly studied and met.
Conversely, it is my opinion that if the show windows of aviation were made more attractive women in far larger numbers would be lured into the air. Specifically, I mean landing fields and their appurtenances. The average field today is a comfortless place. Too often its approaches and its equipment are uninviting. It attracts nobody except people who have to go there.
The time is coming, I think, when all the fields will be attractive and convenient. When they are, it will be easier to procure feminine backing. As it is now, the only thing attractive to feminine eyes, in many flying fields is the handsome collection of flyers.