PRT Air Service, an American first
In 1926, Philadelphia Rapid Transit Air Service presented its Philadelphia - Washington - Norfolk line as one of the first daily air services in the United States. The brochure emphasized safety, speed, comfort and the modernity of air transport.
The plan is short but fascinating: it shows how American commercial aviation still had to convince, reassure and compare itself with European networks already more familiar to the public.
A short-lived company active for only a few months.
Reassure passengers as much as carry mail.
An eight-passenger airliner, comfortable for its time.
Short distances and major urban references.
Understanding the flight
The original advertising text is almost as important as the route. It explains that the aircraft is safe, modern, ventilated, comfortable, fast and already normal in Europe: a full exercise in commercial education.
In the simulator, the flight should remain simple and clean. It is a demonstration of daily service, not an extreme adventure.
Before departure
- Choose an old trimotor or a very slow early airliner.
- Keep favorable weather to preserve the reassuring tone of the brochure.
- Fly low to medium altitude so cities and bays remain visible.
- Add a timetable constraint if you want the feeling of scheduled service.
Suggested route
Philadelphia and Delaware Valley
Philadelphia and Wilmington open the line through an easy urban corridor.
KPHL → KILG
Washington
Baltimore and Washington provide the political and commercial heart of the service.
KILG → KBWI → KDCA
Norfolk
The final branch to Norfolk moves the flight toward Chesapeake Bay and Virginia.
KDCA → KORF
Experience tips
The plan is short: polish departures, arrivals and cabin atmosphere rather than speed.
A period trimotor or livery changes everything. This is a page about the birth of public air transport.
Copyright Michel Lagneau 2011