Courage Across the Atlantic: The Story of the Long-Distance Flight Record
On May 20, 1927 Charles Lindbergh, took off from New York in the “Spirit of St. Louis” plane, crossed the Atlantic Ocean alone and landed in Paris. This flight marked the beginning of a new era in aviation history.
But just four years later, an even more ambitious goal was set: To fly non-stop from New York to Istanbul.
First Flight between New York and Istanbul on Cape Cod
At 06:00 on the morning of July 28, 1931, Johnnie Polando and Russell Boardmantook off from Floyd Bennett Airport in Brooklyn, New York.
Their airplane is called “Cape Cod”. Bellanca Skyrocket was.
Their goal was clear:
To break the world long-distance flight record and reach Istanbul.
Only with them:
Maps
16 copies of the New York Times
Letter from US Ambassador to Turkey Ahmet Muhtar to Gazi Mustafa Kemal
Two fried chicken, bread, water and coffee
Not even parachutes and radios were taken to get more fuel. The risk was higher. The courage was higher.
49 Hours of Flight: The Record Breaking Moment
The pilots climbed to 12,000 feet and began a grueling journey over the Atlantic. They dropped newspapers as a check mark over Newfoundland, London and Paris. They crossed the Alps and reached the Danube.
Their muscles were numb, the lack of sleep unbearable. They took turns sleeping for thirty minutes each.
At 13:16 on July 30, 1931, they landed at Yeşilköy Airport in Istanbul.
When they stopped the engine, there was only 15 minutes of fuel left.
A new world record was set:
5011.8 nautical miles (8065 km)
49 hours and 8 minutes of non-stop flight
This was the first New York – Istanbul flight in history .
Historic Meeting with Atatürk
The pilots were welcomed with a grand ceremony in Istanbul. US Ambassador Joseph Grew and Turkish officials were present.
Later in Yalova Mustafa Kemal Atatürk with the Prime Minister. Also the then Prime Minister İsmet İnönü Turkish Aeronautical Association’s special brooch was presented by the Turkish Air Association.
Atatürk emphasized that this flight was not only a technical achievement, but a civilizational move that brought nations closer together. In his speech, he said that aviation would strengthen friendship among nations and was a great source of inspiration for Turkish youth.
These words are historic in showing the importance the young Republic attached to aviation.
The Aftermath Life Journey of Heroes
When they returned to the US, they met the President at the White House. Herbert Hoover and honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross medal.
Unfortunately, Russell Boardman died in an air race in 1933.
Johnnie Polando served in World War II and continued his career as a pilot for many years. In 1981, the local airport in Massachusetts was named after the two pilots. Polando died in 1985.
His wife Dorothy Polando described this historic flight in the book “Wings Over Istanbul”.
Importance for Turkish Aviation
This flight:
Inspired Turkish aviation
Increased Turkey’s international recognition
Strengthened Turkey-US relations
Supported the young Republic’s vision of modernization
The 1931 New York – Istanbul flight was not just a record, but a bold bridge between two continents.