In 1930, the Hunter brothers embarked on an incredible journey, flying nonstop for 23 days. During this epic flight, they meticulously examined their plane’s engine mid-air to ensure smooth operation. This daring feat showcased their exceptional skill and determination, setting an aviation milestone and inspiring future generations of pilots.
A significant turning point in aviation history occurred with Charles Lindbergh’s famous flight in 1927 when he became the first man to fly solo across the Atlantic. This event inspired many to pursue new records in the sky, including the challenge of the longest flight without landing. The Hunters, a family of six siblings born in Illinois, became key figures in this quest.
Albert, Mabel, Irene, John, Walter, and Kenneth Hunter grew up in Six Mile Prairie, Illinois. After the death of their father in an accident, the siblings had to adapt and work to support their family. Their aviation adventure began in 1924 when they purchased a J-1 Army plane and learned to fly. Soon, they became a popular airshow act known as “The Hunter Flying Circus,” performing stunts and giving exhibition flights at local fairs.
In 1929, the Hunter brothers attempted to set a record for non-stop flight. They took off in a Stinson SM-1 Detroiter called Chicago We Will and flew for 11 days (264 hours) before being forced to land due to adverse weather conditions. However, this setback did not discourage them; they were determined to try again.
With renewed determination, on June 11, 1930, John and Kenneth Hunter took off from Sky Harbor Airport in Northbrook, Illinois, in a Stinson SM-1 Detroiter renamed City of Chicago. Their goal: to surpass the record set by Dale Jackson and Forrest O'Brine, which was 17 days and more than 12 hours in the air. The Hunters, along with their brothers Albert and Walter, who handled refueling, meticulously prepared for the attempt. They removed unnecessary seats to create space and reduce weight.
The logistics of refueling were crucial, as Albert and Walter flew the Big Ben to supply fuel and other essentials to their brothers in flight. Initially, refueling between the Big Ben and the record-attempting plane occurred every six hours, but after a week in the air, it was done every three hours due to a leak in one of the City of Chicago’s fuel tanks.
At various times, both John and Kenneth would leave the cockpit and slide along a support fixed to the fuselage, from the cabin to the nose of the plane, to change spark plugs, refill oil, or even adjust the engine bolts.
The Hunters’ flight became a media spectacle, attracting thousands of spectators to Sky Harbor Airport. Communication between the planes was done through written notes, and the Hunter family supported the brothers unconditionally in their feat. While John and Kenneth navigated the air, their mother and sister prepared meals and kept a steady supply of clean clothes. As they neared the record, tension and excitement grew. Mechanical issues began to arise, and refueling increased from every six hours to every three due to fuel leaks. However, the Hunter brothers' determination never wavered.
Finally, on June 29, 1930, the City of Chicago surpassed the endurance record. John, in command, made a low flyby over the airport while Kenneth waved to an enthusiastic crowd of 75,000 people. Four days later, on July 4, they landed after having been in the air for 553 hours, 41 minutes, and 30 seconds—23 full days—setting a new world record for non-stop flight.
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