1924, the amphibious flight around the world
This page tells the story of the 1924 Douglas World Cruiser round-the-world flight, a vast amphibious adventure using runways, seaplane bases, ports, bays and long oceanic transitions.
The route is spectacular in scope: Pacific coast, Alaska, Aleutians, Kurils, Japan, China, Southeast Asia, India, Middle East, Europe, North Atlantic and the American return.
One of the first great round-the-world flights completed in stages.
Alternate water, land, coastal navigation and major crossings.
A floatplane or amphibian gives the plan its meaning.
Split into many sessions with maps and fuel prepared.
Understanding the flight
The journey shows aviation still fragile but already global. Crews moved through weather windows, improvised bases and water points as much as airports.
Its charm comes from the constant mix of technical precision and open adventure.
Before departure
- Use an amphibian or seaplane capable of long legs.
- Split the plan by continent; it is too large for a single uninterrupted run.
- Prepare manual water points, especially the Kurils, Pictou and Port Washington.
- Keep weather reasonable on maritime crossings.
Suggested route
North Pacific and Aleutians
Santa Monica, Oregon, Vancouver, Seattle, Prince Rupert, Sitka, Seward, Chignik, Dutch Harbor, Atka and Attu lead toward the northern Pacific edge.
KSMO → KEUG → KVUO → 0W0 → CYPR → A29 → PAWD → Z78 → AK23 → PAAK → CGS → RJCN
Japan, China and Southeast Asia
After the Kurils, the route descends through Japan, Shanghai, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Da Nang, Saigon, Bangkok, Rangoon, Sittwe and India.
RJCN → RJAK → RJFK → ZSPD → ZSAM → VHHH → VVDN → VVTS → VTBD → VYYY → VYSW → VECC → VIAL → VIDP
India, Middle East and Europe
Delhi, Multan, Karachi, Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Baghdad, Latakia, Konya, Istanbul, Bucharest, Belgrade, Budapest and Vienna bring the route back to Europe.
VIDP → OPMI → OPKC → OIKB → OIBB → ORBS → OSLK → LTAN → LTBA → LROP → LYBE → LHBP → LOWW → LFST → LFPB
Northern Europe, Atlantic and American return
Paris, London, Brough, Kirkwall, Iceland, Greenland, Labrador, Pictou, Boston and Port Washington close the transatlantic loop.
LFPB → EGLC → EGNB → EGPA → BIHN → BIRK → BGBW → CYCA → CYTN → KBOS → 6N7
Experience tips
Fly this plan as an expedition log. Every continent deserves its own chapter.
Water landings are the heart of the experience: prepare them slowly, with stable approaches and clear visual references.
Copyright Michel Lagneau 2008