Hawaii Aviation

On the morning of June 28, 1927, at precisely 7:09 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time, First Lieutenants Lester J. Maitland and Albert F. Hegenberger of the United States Army Air Service embarked on a daring journey across the Pacific. Taking off from Oakland Municipal Airport, California, they piloted the Atlantic-Fokker C-2 aircraft, identified by serial number A.S. 26-202 and christened Bird of Paradise. Their ambitious flight aimed to traverse the vast 2,407-mile (3,874-kilometer) distance to Wheeler Field in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii, marking a significant moment in aviation history.

Built by the Atlantic Aircraft Co., the Bird of Paradise was an American adaptation of the civil Fokker F.VIIa/3m, a three-engine, high-wing passenger aircraft with fixed landing gear, which had been repurposed by the Air Service for military transport. Identified as A.S. 26-202, it underwent modifications that included a larger wing, increased fuel capacity, and the integration of Hegenberger’s advanced navigation equipment. Propelled by three Wright Aeronautical Corporation Model J-5C Whirlwind nine-cylinder radial engines, each with a displacement of 787.26 cubic inches (12.901 liters) and a compression ratio of 5.1:1, the aircraft delivered 200 horsepower at 1,800 rpm and up to 220 horsepower at 2,000 rpm, driving two-bladed Standard adjustable-pitch propellers through direct drive. Measuring 2 feet, 10 inches (0.864 meters) in length and 3 feet, 9 inches (1.143 meters) in diameter, the Wright J-5C engine weighed 508 pounds (230.4 kilograms). To sustain its long-distance flight, the Bird of Paradise carried 1,134 gallons (4,293 liters) of gasoline and 40 gallons (151 liters) of oil, ensuring the necessary endurance for its ambitious journey.

It took 25 hours and 50 minutes to complete the Transpacific Flight from Oakland International Airport, California, to Wheeler Field, Hawaii.

Reference

1. Swopes, Bryan. (June 28, 2024) 28-29 June 1927. This Day In Aviation. https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/lester-j-maitland/