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A World's Fair of the Air A Century of Progress - a colossal World's Fair - in depicting the progress of a century for a great city, simultaneously portrays 100 years of progress in the arts, sciences, in industry and transportation. And aviation - because of its colorful inception and advancement, its established utility in the field of transportation and, finally, because of its newly elected prominence in the field of sport - rightfully takes an eminent place in the broad panorama of world progress presented by A Century of Progress. This official competitive aeronautical event, staged in connection with the World's Fair, rightly portrays aviation in its broadest scope by including both lighter and heavier-than-air competitions and demonstrations By fortunate coincidence - namely, the winning of the 1932 Gordon Bennett competition held at Basle, Switzerland, by Lieutenant Commander T.G.W. Settle, U.S.N.- the United States inherited the distinct privilege of being host this year to the James Gordon Bennett Balloon Race. Complementing this traditional international lighter-than-air classic, the project embodies an intense heavier-than-air competition for experimental, high-speed, laboratory aircraft in the several recognized power groups. It is gratifying to welcome so representative a group of foreign participants, particularly in a year possessed of such unusual and trying political and economic problems. The traditional understanding and friendship between men and women of the air is legion. Neither the science of aviation nor the art of flight give way to national identities or international boundaries. Therefore, nothing but good will accrue from this international rendezvous of pilots, aviation technicians and executives. The entire project, with its intense program of racing and demonstrations, has been conceived and dedicated to the advancement of aviation as a serious competitive laboratory rather than a dazzling spectacle. From common discourse and practical developments, progress will be reflected in faster and more efficient military and naval craft - speedier and safer commercial transports - and more economical standard aircraft. The mission of modern transportation is - speed with safety. Through the very medium of this laboratory - inspired by an incentive for accomplishment - engineering genius carries on. The goal of our concerted efforts has been to make this pageant of aeronautical progress an epochal event - so designed as to reflect international significance on Chicago the host city. A Century of Progress, and the young but potentially great industry which we serve. To Chicago's civic and industrial leaders - whose courage and fortitude in assuming the responsibilities to make this international classic possible - much credit is due. Such leadership is deserving of the deep appreciation expressed by the public and the aircraft industry in their outstanding participation and support. The loyalty, aggressiveness and accelerated tempo which the Staff and Committee organizations have manifested-in the brief span of a few weeks of preparation-is wholeheartedly appreciated. We of the Air Race Committee have taken seriously our obligation to present this-"World's Fair of the Fair." That you will find it a delightfully entertaining and educational panorama of aeronautical progress is our sincerest hope. On with the Races Clifford W. Henderson Managing Director Phil J. Henderson Business Manager Gordon Bennett Balloon Race Page 9
