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This is C.V. Whitney speaking aboard the Dixie Clipper bound from Port Washington, L.I., to Marseilles, France.  This is the first commercial flight across the Atlantic Ocean.  By that I mean that this ship is carrying mail, express, and pay passengers to Europe. The ship left Port Washington at 3:00 Daylight Saving Time yesterday afternoon, and it is now 1:30 the following day, Portugese time.

About two years ago, Mrs. Whitney and I made a first flight across the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco to Hong Kong, China. Several members of this present flight were also on that transpacific flight: Mrs. Trippe, Mr. and Mrs. Grosvenor, and Mr. McDonnell.  It is interesting to me to note the improvement of this flight over that one. In other words, to make the advance which aviation has made within the last two years. The most noticeable difference is that of the ship itself. This Boeing 314 is the most advanced aircraft in the world today. From the point of view of comfort to passengers, it far exceeds that of the Philippine Clipper in its spaciousness, in its accommodations for the night, and in the very real comforts which it affords the passengers. The interior of this ship is very quiet, conversation is carried on in a normal tone of voice. The decorations are simple, yet modern, and are designed particularly to be restive to the eye. The berths are more comfortable than they used to be, and I believe that the food seems to be a very distinct improvement over the last few years.

Technically the flights are somewhat similar. We find again Pan American's long experience showing up on the discipline of its crew, in the excellence of its pilots, in the accuracy of its weather predictions, and in the general feeling of security which emanates from its employees. I personally spent a very good night. I slept some 6 hours, work up this morning with the sun shining in the window, and saw below me beautiful green islands. The steward knocked on my door, and told me that we would be landing in 45 minutes.

I was tremendously impressed with the reception we received at Horta. The people met us with open arms, took us about the island in cars, and gave a reception in our honor at the local club. We had about an hour and a half on shore, then all the passengers got in the ship and Capt. Sullivan made one of his beautiful and effortless take-offs. We are sailing along now at an altitude of about 7,000 ft., with a calm sea below and an azure sky above, and a few clouds scattered here and there. We are due in Lisbon at about 6 o'clock this afternoon.