The Flying Keys: The Brothers Who Stayed in the Sky for 27 Days
I have been learning about some of the amazing people who
served during the world wars. And I discovered the story of two brothers Fred
and Al Key, often remembered as the “Flying Keys.”
They were American aviators who became fascinated with
flying after the First World War. Like many in that era, they were drawn to
early aviation. They performed barnstorming displays in the 1920s before
eventually managing the airport in Meridian, Mississippi. By the time the Great
Depression began, that airport was under threat of closure.
Rather than accept it, they decided to attempt something
extraordinary. In June 1935, they took off in a Curtiss Robin monoplane named
Ole Miss. They were determined to break the world endurance record. It was not
just a test of skill, but of endurance and nerve. For over 27 days, they stayed
in the air, refuelling mid-flight using a system they helped develop with
mechanic A. D. Hunter. This innovation, a spill-free valve, would later
influence aerial refuelling methods used by the United States military.
Supplies were lowered by rope, and sometimes Fred even
climbed out onto a narrow catwalk to carry out engine maintenance while the
plane was still flying. When they finally landed in July, they had stayed in
the air for 653 hours and 34 minutes, and travelled over 52,000 miles. It was a
record that helped to reassure people that aviation could be safe and reliable.
During the Second World War, both brothers served as
American bomber pilots. Fred Key was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Al
Key’s commanded a squadron flying B-24 Liberators from England and earned the
Distinguished Flying Cross, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Air Medal, a
British Distinguished Service Cross, and seven Bronze Stars.
After the war, Al continued in service, eventually retiring
as a full Colonel before he became mayor of Meridian. He died in 1976 at the age
of 71. Fred returned to aviation, running a flying service until his death in
1971 at the age of 70
What do you think drives someone to push human limits like
that?
No comments:
Post a Comment