Basic HTML Version
We have flown this entire 'round the world trip in giant
707 jets. These are the largest and fastest passenger planes so
far. They are both longer, and wider and roomier inside, than
previous "prop" planes. The four great jet engines have
tremendously powerful thrust. At the take-off on the runway you
feel the far greater acceleration, as you feel shoved against the
back of your seat. Very rapidly the plane gains speed until it is
rolling on its tires at about 175 miles per hour along the runway.
At about this speed it lifts off the runway. it is quite a
sensation to look out the window and see the ground whipping past
at so great speed, still on the ground. Of course these big jets
require longer runways. As soon as they lift off the ground, these
jets turn to a steep upward climb, constantly gaining speed. You
now feel a second sensation, of a great surge of power forcing you
up at almost a 45 degree angle, seeing the ground rapidly dropping
below you--houses, buildings, automobiles and streets rapidly
becoming smaller and smaller. In one minute you are higher than
the Empire State building in New York. Soon the powerful engines
lessen their terrific thrust, and the plane levels off to a less
steep climb, now appearing to cruise on effortlessly, and almost
silently and without vibration.
I have had to do a great deal of flying these past 19
years. These big 707 jets have been in service only about two
years, and already I have lost track of the number of times I have
flown on them. But this was my first trip around the world--and
the first time I have ever taken time or space to tell you about
it.
I did not look forward to this trip with any eagerness.
Mrs. Armstrong does not like to fly, and of course could not come
along on a trip of this great length and short time, anyway. My
entire trip around the world, with six days in Australia, three in
Pasadena, and one in Texas, is less than two weeks. I put off this
trip as long as I could.
A year ago, when it became necessary to open offices in
Australia, I sent my son, Garner Ted Armstrong, instead of going
myself. With him went Mr. Gerald Waterhouse, to manage our offices
there, and Mr. Frank Longuskie to handle the Australian mailing
list. We were just then starting EVERY NIGHT broadcasting on 14
stations in Australia. The large volume of mail made it necessary
to open offices in Sydney. But this time my own attention was
required, and I could delay going no longer.
We flew straight through from London to Sydney--almost half
way around the world--on the same plane. There were 45-minute fuel
stops made at Rome, at Cairo, Egypt--flying over the very path of
the great Exodus under Moses, and close to Mount Sinai--then
Karachi in West Pakistan on the west border of India. We stopped
again at Calcutta after crossing India, then southwest to Bangkok,
on down to Singapore, then clear down to Darwin, Australia, then
across that continent and landing at Sydney about 7:00 a.am. in
rain and a gust of wind. Our office staff there now numbers ten,
seven of whom have been sent over from Ambassador College. All
seven of them were at the airport to welcome us. On the way south
from Singapore we had crossed the equator.