GREAT AVIATION QUOTES
ARTHUR WHITTEN BROWN

That’s the best way to cross the Atlantic, eh Jack?

Sir Arthur Whitten Brown

First nonstop across the Atlantic, upon landing 15 June 1919. Quoted in 1955 book The Flight of Alcock & Brown 14-15 June 1919. It describes the moments after landing:

In silence Brown looked at Alcock, and Alcok looked back at Brown, neither could hardly comprehend that the flight was over.
Brown was the first to move. With the navigator’s instinct he looked at his wristwatch and noted the time: it was precisely 8:40 a.m. Then moving with exaggerated slowness, he unbuckled his safety-belt and eased himself out of his seat.

“That’s the best way to cross the Atlantic, eh Jack?”

Alcock looked at him and replied with firm deliberation:

“I got more fun out of my first solo!”

I believe that ever since Man, but recently conscious of his own existence, saw the birds, he has desired to emulate them. Among the myths and fables of every race are tales of human flight. The paradise of most religions is reached through the air, and through the air gods and prophets have passed from earth to their respective heavens.

Sir Arthur Whitten Brown

Flying The Atlantic In Sixteen Hours, 1920.