27 days in the air

In June - July 1935 Fred and Algene Key established a world record for sustained flight. The flew a Curtiss Robin and were using air-to-air refueling.

The aircraft, Ole Miss, took off from Meridian, Mississippi, on June 4. They did not touch ground again until July 1, after a total flying time of 653 hours and 34 minutes, or 27 days. During the flight, the Keys received fuel and supplies 432 times from another aircraft.

After flying through severe thunderstorms and an electrical fire in the cabin before returning to a safe landing at Meridian.

Source: Smithsonian Institution - National Air and Space Museum

Back to Main Page